427: onewith swim: Scaling a Swimwear Line with Only DTC Sales

I’m joined by Hayley Segar, founder of onewith swim, the brand behind the patented swimsuits that fit like your favorite underwear. Hayley launched onewith in 2021 after a lightbulb moment in 2019. She wanted a swimsuit that felt as comfortable as no-show underwear. That one thought sparked a category-creating idea that’s changed everything.Since then, Hayley has grown onewith from a self-funded startup into a viral, size-inclusive swimwear brand. In 2025, she pitched on Shark Tank and secured a deal with two sharks, and that same year, onewith earned a utility patent for their edgeless, dig-free swimsuits. Today, we’re talking her growth journey and the practical skills she used to scale a category-leading brand.In this episode:• How a single “lightbulb moment” can spark a category-defining idea• Why going direct-to-consumer first gave onewith a strategic edge• The real cost of splitting focus early and why founder grit matters• How to cut through noise and stay true to your vision as a founder• Lessons from Shark Tank: what to ask, what to delegate, and how to skip the timeline• Why clear, simple messaging beats clever marketing every time• How to balance founder visibility without turning into an influencer• The pillars that keep a product-based business scaling, even when you’re not in the weeds• How to leverage slow seasons to plan your next era of growth• Why a controlled, intentional “information diet” can unlock better decision-makingCheck out onewith swim:onewithswim.comInstagram: @onewithswimTiktok: @onewithswim📌 Have a question you want featured next time? Join the free podcast community below!Topics we discuss: business growth, e-commerce strategy, how to scale your product business, business economy tips, overcoming sales plateausJOIN THE FOUNDER CAFE FREE COMMUNITY // CLICK HEREFREE TRAININGS // CLICK HERE TO BROWSEEXPLORE PROGRAM & SERVICES // CLICK HEREAPPLY TO WORK WITH ME // CLICK HEREFOLLOW MADI ON INSTAGRAM // @thisismadisonpaige