Q: How did Kilo Brava begin?
A: I launched Kilo Brava after having my first baby and going back to work as head of design and design director at Cosabella felt like the industry was missing a brand in between luxury and mainstream that was affordable but had high-end details like laces, embroideries and prints. I had been in the industry for a long time and felt I had the experience to start my own brand. I slowly started sourcing factories and designing the first collection and, in January 2019, took the leap to work on Kilo Brava full-time. Almost immediately after leaving my job, we found out we were expecting, and I ended up launching the brand two days after coming home from the hospital. They both took about nine months to "cook!"
Q: What does Kilo Brava mean?
A: Kilo Bravo is the phonetic alphabet equivalent of my initials, KB. My dad is a Vietnam veteran, and, throughout my childhood, he was always saying words from this alphabet. I wanted a personal name for my brand but nothing too obvious. I liked the sound of Kilo Bravo, but the word bravo felt a bit too masculine, so I changed it to the feminine “a” ending.
Q: How would you describe Kilo Brava and what sets it apart from other intimate apparel labels?
A: Kilo Brava is fun, it’s designer and it’s meant to make you feel good. The brand stands out; it’s made for people who like to feel unique and special. I think the pieces translate to many different ages—I design it that way on purpose.
What sets us apart is that we offer hand-painted exclusive prints, embroideries and custom silhouettes for a reasonable price that are not mass produced. We create and fit everything here in the US with a tiny team, and our inventory is produced in specialized factories in small batches to minimize waste. We focus on comfort, trends and fit and try to source eco-friendly materials and methods whenever possible. We also make every single style in Small to 3X.
Q: What challenges did you face as a female founder?
A: I love being a female founder! In this industry, it’s very welcomed. Part of the reason I started this company was so I could start a family and keep doing what I love. In the US, maternity leave is still atypical. As someone who had difficult pregnancies, I needed more time during and after. I wanted to be able to keep creating but also to have babies; I didn’t want to choose.
Having my own brand and business comes with so, so many challenges, but being a female in this industry is a good thing because I’m surrounded by other female leaders, and it almost feels like this sisterhood of support. I give myself grace on hard days and, on easier days, I push forward until I can balance out the work. I wouldn’t change a thing, really.
Q: What’s a typical day like?
A: Every day is completely different! These days, being pregnant with my third, I usually start with a slow-moving morning with my two little ones while getting ready for the office. I spend my day there with fittings, designing, meetings, website development or technical work. From there, I head home and usually cook dinner. I love cooking, and it’s another thing I’m able to do as a business-owner, as I can always continue working later in the night if need be. Then my husband and I spend the evening with our kids and get them into bed.
Q: What excites you about designing lingerie? What inspires you?
A: Ummm, everything! It’s the first layer we put on every day, and the fact that we can have an impact on making anyone feel good about themselves is so rewarding. I get so excited by new fabrics, prints, laces and embroideries, and I love designing my own. I get inspired by women of all shapes and sizes, as well as vintage clothing and art.
Q: What does intimacy mean to you?
A: Intimacy is a feeling. It’s how you feel in your own skin when wearing less. It’s a feeling that is unique to each individual. From fun and playful to sexy and sensual, Kilo Brava provides so many different options for intimacy. Most people aren’t in the same mood every day, so I love creating styles to suit all those different moods.
Q: How do you want people to feel in your designs?
A: I want them to feel happy! I think our designs can be spirit-lifting.
Q: What’s next for Kilo Brava?
A: For now, it’s continuing to grow the brand, improving where we can and creating fun, new designs. I would love to get going on a swim collection, but I have to have this baby first!
Personal mantra: Choose happiness.
Morning bird or night owl? Neither! I go to bed early these days and wake up early, but only because I have to. In my pre-baby days, I would stay up super late and sleep in whenever I could.
Bad habit: Spending too much on food.
Biggest flex: My babies! Pregnancy is the hardest thing I’ve personally ever done, and I’m so proud of my little family.
Current obsession: Cheesesteaks.
What you’re streaming: Literally nothing. I haven’t had time!
When you feel sexiest: I don’t feel sexy at all when I’m pregnant. I never have…and that’s okay. I personally feel my sexiest when I’m feeling happy and, above all, not pregnant!
Best advice: Be persistent. Don’t give up on what you want for your life.
In a word, I am: A multitasker.
I WANT TO SHOP AS A US CUSTOMER
