Clover Lewis, founder and director of Clover Lewis Swimwear, explains why the business should win the Startup of the Year category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition:
Clover Lewis Swimwear is the response to a fruitless search for premium swimwear after my breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. I quickly became aware that there was little available swimwear that made me feel like myself while on the beach.
Many women struggling to find quality swimwear after mastectomy or reconstruction. With the business strapline ‘look good outside, feel great inside’, CLS swimwear supports the recovery of body confidence. I understand the journey these women have been on; it was this that spurred me to create the brand.
Distinct lines within the range were created to target women’s individual tastes that prevail long after a cancer diagnosis and breast surgery. Each piece in the collection is a balance style with comfort. Designed from personal experience and made with premium swimwear fabrics, the range is both beautiful and functional. These are highly technical garments to produce but look effortlessly stylish on the wearer.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
