One of the most awesome aspects of starting POOLSIDE has been connecting with so many wonderful women around the world. I'm so thankful when someone is happy with the product we create! Specifically, I'm always awe struck (and a little star struck) by the kindness and encouragement we've received from celebrity customers. Most of this kindness is behind the scenes. However, when a celebrity uses their platform to share our brand messaging, it is so deeply meaningful for me as the founder and for us as a brand.
I first connected with Priyanka Chopra-Jonas before her iconic wedding to Nick Jonas. We made her a custom "Mrs. Jonas" POOLSIDE beach tote bag and hat for her honeymoon in the Caribbean, including The Lori tote bag and L'Ombre hat. I was so excited that she would be carrying POOLSIDE along with the amazing selection of designer resort wear and accessories that she took on vacation with her.
Priyanka loved her bags, recently crediting us on Instagram as one of her favorite small businesses and highlighting our Ice Bucket Bag with pearl embroidery. While Priyanka's style is classic, she's not afraid of statement accessories or bold colors, making her the perfect customer for us!
I brought the beach tote bags over to her apartment before she left for her wedding. I was thankful for the opportunity to tell her a bit about our brand via a note card that I included with the bags. I explained how we we produce many of our items in her native country (India), and how we create jobs and financial independence for the female artisans we work with.
While we admire Priyanka for her fashion sense and her amazing Hollywood/Bollywood career, we also appreciate her philanthropy work, and for her support of female empowerment. She is a UNICEF national ambassador, and also supports lesser-known Indian organizations including Nanhi Kali and Save Girl Child. She started her own foundation for children's health and education in India, supporting 70 children per year. She is a known voice for female empowerment globally, speaking on the topic frequently, and supporting female-owned small brands.
We couldn't imagine a more perfect person to be wearing a POOLSIDE
, and we're honored to call Priyanka Chopra-Jonas a friend of POOLSIDE :)