Nosy as I’m, every time I see somebody chasing after and realizing their goals, my first thought is at all times: how do they do it? Due to the spotlight reel that shapes social media, I’m usually dissatisfied with the reply. In our try to look perfect for others, we lose all risk of authenticity and connection. However for Gigi Caruso, CEO, founder, and Artistic Director of the luxurious swim, activewear and loungewear model, GIGI C, it’s her vulnerability and willingness to share the challenges she’s confronted that’s in the end led to her success.
At 23, it might be cliché and anticipated for me to put in writing that Gigi is simply getting began. After all, she is—however the bigger reality is that her drive and dream of founding a swimwear model is rooted in her life-long love of the ocean. Having been identified with bilateral reasonable to reasonably extreme sensorineural listening to loss at start, the ocean has lengthy been the place Gigi finds energy and inspiration. Her reality is succinct, however resonant: “I’ve at all times felt related to the water as a result of it was my escape.”
Regardless of being grateful for the assist of her listening to aids out of the water, as a result of they’ll’t get moist, it’s when Gigi is swimming or just immersed within the ocean that she feels most peacefully, in truth, and fully at residence inside herself. It’s no surprise this ardour for the ocean interprets seamlessly to superbly and functionally designed swimwear that permits anybody to really feel the same sense of peace.
Gigi Caruso Shares the Morning Rituals That Set Her up for Success
As Gigi agrees, the most inspiring leaders innovate and find success through their challenges and constraints. When asked what advice she would share with anyone feeling discouraged by a disability, Gigi promotes a refreshing shift in view. While others may assume that your disability sets you back, she knows that’s in fact the magic and the motivation that can propel you forward. Gigi sees her hearing loss not as something that inhibits her, but an experience that amplifies her skills, her passions, and her perspective.
Just out of college, it goes without saying that this past year has been a whirlwind for Gigi. And although she has a clear go-with-the-flow ease about her, Gigi is honest and open as she reflects on what it really looks like to run a successful brand. I loved interviewing and gaining further insights from this powerhouse about the morning rituals that keep her grounded, the self-care routines that set her up for success, and our shared love of the entire Summer Fridays line. Dive into this founder’s world—who knows, you might be inspired to take a morning horseback ride yourself.
(P.S. Gigi is looking for reading reccos—be sure to send them her way!)
Can you share about navigating the challenge of hearing loss and how it inspired your brand, GIGI C?
My hearing loss has never stopped me from achieving my dreams. Although I was not born with the ability to hear like most people, and at times worried about what others may think, it only motivated me to work even harder to show those around me that I was just as able to achieve anything I wanted to as long as I put my heart and soul into it. My hearing loss was the inspiration to start GIGI C. I have always felt connected to the water because it was my escape.
I have always felt connected to the water because it was my escape.
You’ve shared that the water is your safe space. How did you decide to translate this into a swimwear line?
I can’t wear my hearing aids in the water, so the ocean is my escape. I knew there was a gap in the swimwear industry regarding functionality and fashion, so I created my own swimsuits capable of withstanding wakeboarding and water activities or relaxing on the beach. I believe that fashion should never inhibit your functionality. I incorporate these feelings into my designs by designing something I am genuinely so excited to wear in the ocean while being active, but also designs I can’t wait to wear on the beach or dress up for a night out.
You’ve built a community around your experience of hearing loss. What have you learned and how have you grown by connecting deeper with this community?
To me, hearing loss advocacy is vulnerability. I recently started a hearing loss series on my Instagram, the place these with or with out this incapacity can come collectively, join, and ask questions. That is the start of forming a neighborhood I’ve at all times dreamed of rising up. I’ve discovered that I’m not alone. Discovering so many different onerous of listening to individuals’s tales has made me understand there’s a neighborhood on the market; I simply have to carry it collectively.
To me, listening to loss advocacy is vulnerability.
Figuring out that I’m not alone and may make a change on this neighborhood has grown my skill to be susceptible and assured about who I’m. I’ve additionally been internet hosting “Sounds of The Grove” occasions the place individuals can collect on the park at The Grove and meet others who’re onerous of listening to and could also be going by comparable struggles. We have now many enjoyable actions to partake in and docs there to assist present everybody with academic listening to data.
What advice would you share with someone who wants to realize a dream, but may be discouraged by a challenge or disability?
Take your biggest challenge and turn it into your biggest motivation. Whenever I feel discouraged or embarrassed, or whatever it may be about my hearing loss, I look at it as my biggest motivation and vow to not let it hold me back. I remember that I am strong, and I want to inspire others not to let their disability hold them back. But I can’t do that without doing it myself.
What has been your biggest learning over the past year?
There have been so many learnings over the past year. I have finally been able to focus on my brand without the stress of college and fully immerse myself in it day-to-day. I am so excited that I have been able to give so much time and attention to GIGI C, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.
In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?
Minimal, neutral, and timeless.
Let’s get into your morning routine. What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day looks different, but most include waking up, enjoying a coffee (or matcha), and heading to the stables to go horseback riding. I love to start the day with my horses. It’s a great way to relax before a busy workday. After riding, I’ll grab some food, get ready for the day, and get to work. I work from home right now, but I am so excited for the new GIGI C office space to open up soon. I can’t wait to be with my team in person every day.
What time is your wake-up call? How much sleep do you usually get?
I try getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I’m a night owl, so it’s tough to fall asleep before midnight—I’m my most creative self at night. My days typically start at 7:30 am.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I grab my dog, Cici, and bring her into bed with me. I’ll think about what my day looks like and what I’m grateful for today, and set at least one goal for the day.
What rituals set you up for success?
Besides starting my day with horseback riding, I love a good morning skincare routine. Cleansers, serums, oils, you name it. I love sharing my favorite beauty and skincare products on my Instagram as well. A current favorite is Summer Fridays—I am in love with all of their products.
Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:
I wash my face with the Summer Fridays Cleanser and then I apply these Summer Friday products in the below order:
- Vitamin C Serum
- Eye Cream
- Cloud Dew Moisturizer
I am currently obsessed with GOOP’s Nourishing Repair Body Butter.
What are your go-to makeup faves?
While I have my current faves, this changes often as I love to try new products.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I typically have breakfast on the go while I run out for meetings. I always start my day with Alfred’s iced vanilla latte or matcha. I additionally love GoMacro bars for once I’m in a rush (which is most mornings)!
What is going to we at all times discover in your fridge?
Poppi! I drink one each day every time I would like a lift of power or need one thing candy however wholesome. My favourite taste in the intervening time is watermelon.
What are your morning rituals?
My morning ritual depends closely on gratitude and self-care. Gratitude can embody something and every thing —there may be nothing too little or too huge you may be thankful for. My self-care consists of shifting my physique (by figuring out or horseback using), taking good care of my pores and skin with my favourite merchandise, and consuming a number of water very first thing within the morning.
What are your favorite books?
I haven’t read any books recently but I would love suggestions!
What’s always on your nightstand?
I love unwinding and relaxing by lighting a candle at night. I’m currently obsessed with the Jen Meyer candle.
What’s your favourite getting-ready soundtrack?
Something nation!
Do you’re employed out within the morning?
I begin my mornings with horseback using or a protracted stroll round my neighborhood and like to exercise earlier than dinner.
What’s your daily uniform?
We take pride in our fabrics and materials at GIGI C, only using the comfiest most luxurious materials. Nine times out of 10 on an average day, I am in GIGI C! I love to dress up in our lounge for a meeting with an oversized coat or blazer. Some of my go-to lounge pieces at the moment:
I also love to dress up in GIGI C Sport for a busy day, after which I can simply go straight from work to the fitness center with out altering. Under are my go-to sport items in the intervening time (particularly our jumpsuits)—our snakeskin material is my favourite sport material! Our new Cassie Jumpsuit that launched not too long ago is a novelty and assertion piece.
If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?
I wish I was better at meditating, so if I had one extra hour, I would work on my goal of meditating more often.
What do you do every day to live a more present and joyful life?
I spend quality time with my family. We are all very close and do family dinners multiple times a week! Another thing I do is unplug from my phone and give myself time to relax my mind.
If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?
My mom’s support has been an enormous part of GIGI C, and it wouldn’t be where it is today without her. Starting this brand with my mom has been the best part of it all.
Sentence Finishers:
I never leave the house without: lip products! I love all things beauty and always have Summer Fridays, Laneige, or Dior gloss on me for touch-ups throughout the day.
If there were more hours in the day, I would: visit my horses or spend more time with friends and family.
Healthiest morning habit: practicing gratitude.
Worst morning habit: hitting snooze a few times.
One thing I want to be known for is: Hearing Loss Advocacy.
The one thing I fear the most: not being able to achieve all of my dreams.
When I feel that fear, I: remind myself of how far I have come and to not be too hard on myself.
One trait you need to succeed in life is: confidence.
Bath or shower? And what’s your favorite shower/bath product? Showers but baths are definitely a treat. I love adding Pursoma bath soaks.
