Swapping Charlotte Tilbury billboard campaigns for the cut throat world of business, model and now entrepreneur, Tosin Bodija, launches her first swimwear collection celebrating body confidence.
Love the name Thicks and Bones. What inspired this?
So, the name has a bit of a double meaning. First and probably most obvious, is the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” which it derives from, but with a little play on words to give shine to shapes and sizes at different ends of the spectrum i.e “Thicks” which represents curvier people and “Bones” for slimmer people. To explain it further, it’s also a way of reminding people to feel confident no matter their shape or size, regardless of what society deems attractive or acceptable. Hence, sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me – I’m thick, or slim, or maybe in between, and I’m beautiful just as I am, regardless of what anyone else might think.
Not many people know, but this is a relaunch. What can we expect this time round?
There’s a word that came to me with this question and it’s simply ‘more’. Bold colours, sexy silhouettes, some simple but flattering cuts, just more! I won’t be releasing the entire collection at once. I definitely want to test the market a little, see what people like best and want more of, and then I can slowly start introducing my other designs. I think it helps to keep things fresh this way and keep people excited and looking forward to what’s coming next.
Compared to all the other swimwear brands out there, what makes Thick and bones unique?
Thicks and Bones isn’t just about looking good in a stunning piece of fabric, it’s about feeling good in it. Being reminded of how perfectly created you were, just as you are, and feeling comfortable enough to express yourself as freely as you want, even in clothing that would usually make you feel most self conscious. At the core of Thicks and Bones is a mission to inspire a growing generation of women that wish to be more than what society demands, and to remind ourselves of how powerful we become when we empower each other.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in creating a swimwear brand?
I think most designers whether it’s for swimwear or T-shirts will agree with me when I say – finding a manufacturer that can bring your designs to life is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to creating a brand! At least it’s definitely been one of the biggest challenges for me. It’s shockingly difficult to find a manufacturer that can make (and improve) your designs, exactly as you have imagined them. Manufacturing is expensive work, especially when you’re new to the game, have no customers placing orders and often no huge amounts of cash lying around to pay for high quantities of stock, which most manufacturing companies require in order to take on your project at a manageable cost. Aside this though, it’s the imposter syndrome, and I again, think most creatives can relate. Overcoming the crippling feeling of thinking you’re incapable, don’t know what you’re doing or shouldn’t be in this space at all. It’s definitely a feeling that comes and goes as I’ve approached new challenges in my journey – making changes and taking new steps is always a little daunting.
How has your career as a model influenced your journey as a swimwear designer?
I think in the modelling industry, especially being a woman, you’re always quietly conscious that modelling past a certain age isn’t necessarily guaranteed for every model. It’s not a bad thing either, just the way things are in the industry. Our features and bodies change as we age, what’s considered fashionable or marketable changes, as we’ve seen happen so many times in the industry, and not everyone even wants to continue modelling past a certain stage in their lives. Because of this, I think it really pushed me to think about what I want to do long-term. For me and for many models – especially those my age and older that have been in the industry for 10+ years, modelling chose them and maybe wasn’t necessarily a life goal to begin with. That’s not to say that I don’t love my modelling career – I absolutely do and am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been and continue to be exposed to, however, building this brand for me was my opportunity to choose something I am truly passionate about and really start to mould the life I have envisioned for myself.
How do you manage a jetsetting modelling career and business while looking after your mental well-being?
When I first started building my brand, I was modelling and working a 9-5. It was honestly the most stressful period of my life because, here I am working on something I believe in and am so passionate about, but unable to give it my all because time just wouldn’t permit. I’ve since left my 9-5 ( it’ll be 2 years in June) and I am in a much better place now mentally and emotionally. I have to mention my family, my parents, fiance and my fiance’s parents – they have been incredible throughout this journey so far and honestly, their unwavering love and support has been key in maintaining a healthy and happy life balance. Though things can get difficult with juggling modelling work from time to time, I’ve got a lot more time on my hands, which means a lot more time to plan, prepare and pour into myself and my brand. For me, it’s integral to my emotional and mental health, that I prioritise spending wholesome time with family and friends and within this, squeeze in some travel for leisure. I find that I’m able to remain in a good place mentally, when I have things to look forward to – whether that’s a trip, a birthday party or a brunch with friends. This period in my life is showing me that the real luxury in life is time!
Which style of swimwear makes you feel the most empowered?
Now I might be biased because I have a whole line of swim that I created for this purpose! For me though, I don’t feel there is any one specific style of swimwear that makes me feel empowered. I think it’s whichever style I feel represents my creative mood and how I’m feeling at that time. One day it might be a black high waist bikini bottom and a bandeau tie-knot bikini top, and on another day, a brightly coloured high leg scoop back one-piece. I think the act of being able to choose to wear whatever style of swimwear I feel like at that time and love how I look in it, is where the feeling of empowerment arrives.
With summer fast approaching, what are your beach bag essentials?
These days, and especially as I’m getting older, I’ve become really serious about my skincare and health in general, so an SPF is definitely no longer an option. My current favourite is the Bondi Sands SPF 50+ for my face. It’s got both UVA and UVB protection, is super hydrating (my skin literally glows when I use it) and it comes enriched with vitamin E. The Nuxe tanning sun oil is also a must for my beach bag – it’s got 30 SPF UVA and UVB protection, and I get the glowiest, even tan after using this in the sun. A beach towel and a funky oversized cloth for beach lounging is key – there’s nothing worse than sand sticking to your skin after you’ve applied sun cream. An obnoxiously large straw beach hat – this isn’t always necessary but it’s cute for photos and does help keep the heat from the sun at bay when you need a little break from it! It might sound silly, but I take my Fenty lip-gloss literally everywhere with me – it just adds a little bit of sparkle to my beach look when I want to look cute but not like I’m trying too hard.
What’s your go-to beach hairstyle to keep you cool while looking good?
I absolutely love a braided hairstyle for the beach – for summer in general. Braids are so easy to manage and super versatile when it comes to styling. You can swim with braids since they’ll dry out easily in the heat and you don’t have to worry much about them looking untidy afterwards. I’m used to having my natural hair pretty much all the time for work so it’s really refreshing to give styling my natural hair a break, and have a bit of fun with a new braided style. I usually opt for super long knotless goddess braids but this summer I think it has to be the fulani goddess braids. Delicious!
Follow @thicksandbones to find out more about their relaunch and when to shop the new collection.
