Side hustle to million dollar empire; how one Brisbane woman stuck to her values to create a much-loved product

A Brisbane woman who turned a passionate side hustle into a $13 million company has been named in Forbes’ illustrious 30 Under 30 list.

• Listed: Qld’s Top 20 under 40

A Brisbane woman who turned a passionate side hustle into a $13m dollar company has been named as one of this year’s most successful young entrepreneurs in Asia and the Pacific.

Forbes’ 30 Under 30 latest addition Amber Boyers, the founder of eco-conscious swimwear brand Baiia, started her company seven years ago after spotting a gap in the swimwear market.

She says the business has generated over $13 million in sales since its founding in 2016, with the company now on its way to hitting $8 million in this calendar year alone.

But success hasn’t come easy.

“I really wanted a swimsuit that was flattering on all body types irrespective of size but also sustainable considering the fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to pollution,” Boyers said.

“At one point I was working three jobs and Baiia was a side business.

“I had to work really hard to get my business off the ground.

“There are so many that give up but I wanted to create a brand that was about longevity and sustainability.

Amber Boyers, owner of Baiia, with model Abi-Lee Garner who is wearing a Baiia Reversible Bikini with mesh sarong, all made from recycled plastics. Picture: Matthew Poon.

“There are definitely things you learn through the gift of time in business.”

Baiia swimsuits are made out of recycled fishing nets with the resort-wear collection made out of eco-conscious linen and organic cotton.

Boyers also ensures her Wooloowin warehouse runs on solar energy, her packaging is sustainable and her shipping is carbon offset.

“I started my business wanting to prove you could make something beautiful with the planet at the forefront of a business’ thinking. I believe waste is a design flaw in a product and I’ve stuck to that theory for the past seven years,” she said.

Despite several years of uncertainty and the RBA on their 12th interest rate hike, Boyer says she has experienced nothing but growth.

“Weirdly enough I attribute our sales to the lipstick theory, woman are looking for something that makes them feel positive and feel good about themselves,” she said.

Boyers attributes her secret to success to creating a product different from anything else available on the market.

“Wearing swimwear can be a vulnerable experience for a woman, especially for our clientele who typically fall into age brackets where their bodies are changing.

“Women are expected to throw swimmers on and deal with it, I really wanted to make something that would change that experience.

“It may sound cliche but compassion in fashion is really important, we genuinely want to make a woman feel amazing about herself.”