This photographer makes swimsuits that are sexy and sustainable

Life Story: Growing up in Lynn Valley and travelling with her parents to the jungles of Belize and Costa Rica as a child, Ainsley Rose developed an intense desire to protect nature. In Grade 4, she spoke at a District of North Vancouver council meeting about the potential impact of developing the greenbelt behind her home. Her...

Credit: Ainsley Rose Photography

Ainsley Rose, 28

Co-founder and co-CEO
LONDRE BODYWEAR INC.
Principal
AINSLEY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Life Story: Growing up in Lynn Valley and travelling with her parents to the jungles of Belize and Costa Rica as a child, Ainsley Rose developed an intense desire to protect nature. In Grade 4, she spoke at a District of North Vancouver council meeting about the potential impact of developing the greenbelt behind her home. Her father, a patent and trademark lawyer, and her mother, a nurse, encouraged her to follow her own path and find a career that she felt served a greater purpose.

While studying psychology at UBC and working as a server at night, Rose began taking on photography clients. She travelled the world shooting images for publications from British Vogue to Real Weddings and New Zealand’s Magnolia Rouge. In February 2016 on a photo shoot in Mexico, she and a friend, Hannah Todd, decided to create a product that was sustainable but stylish. They tracked down a silky fabric made in Taiwan from recyled plastic bottles at an Oeko-Tex–certified textile mill for their minimalist swimsuits, which are made in a factory in East Vancouver. Fans include former The Bachelor contestants Whitney Bischoff and Kaitlyn Bristowe, plus Riverdale’s Asha Bromfield.

The Bottom Line: By January, Londre had sold more than 450 swimsuits. Projected 2018 sales are $155,000. With four subcontractors, Ainsley Rose Photography generates $120,000 a year.

What’s the best advice you ever received?
From a book called Radical Acceptance: The only way to live is by accepting each and every moment as an unrepeatable miracle.

Your favourite book, album, song, movie or TV show is…
Favourite book: If I’m being really honest, my favourite book is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Favourite song: “Rebellion (Lies)” by Arcade Fire 

Favourite album: Sublime, Greatest Hits

Who is your role model or mentor?
My grandmother on my dad’s side, for teaching me to practise gratitude and take moments of meditation long before that was trendy, and for being an example of a life lived with enthusiasm and positivity.

What’s your biggest regret?
None! We got pretty bad food poisoning a few days ago, so I think I should not have had any raw vegetables, but that’s about it.

A little-known fact about you is…
I’ve travelled to over 38 countries and still counting. 

#30under30