Boredom Sparked Brilliance: The Origin Story of Left on Friday
In the landscape of women-led swimwear brands, few stories reflect both audacity and ingenuity quite like that of Left On Friday. Founded by former Lululemon executives Shannon Savage and Laura Low Ah Kee, this female-founded fashion brand has transformed a fleeting sense of boredom into a flourishing business that uplifts women through functional, thoughtfully designed swimwear. Their story is a testament to the power of intuition, risk-taking, and building something meaningful from a simple idea.
How Boredom Led to the Birth of Left On Friday
After years of climbing the ranks at Lululemon—from lead designer to vice president of design for Shannon, and from director of merchandising to dream job heights for Laura—they both felt a restless itch. “I was going to do this job until I got bored,” they reflected, acknowledging that their roles, once exhilarating, had become repetitive. Even while reaching their career peaks, an undeniable urge to create something new took hold.
Rather than ignoring that calling, they listened to it. The conversations that followed—centered on women’s real needs in bathing suits—planted the seed for Left On Friday. Boredom, instead of signaling an ending, marked the start of an entirely new journey: building a swimwear brand from a simple idea and a shared vision.
The Transition: From Corporate Comfort to the Unknown
Leaving a powerhouse like Lululemon meant walking away from a wealth of resources and stability. The startup world, especially in women entrepreneurs in fashion, is notoriously intense. “As a cofounder, you never turn off,” they recalled. The roles were endless—product design, marketing, logistics, customer service. Yet, with each challenge, the reward was seeing every aspect of their new company through their own hands and hearts.
Initially, their community and networks at Lululemon played a vital role. They sought guidance from mentors and colleagues who had scaled similar heights and extended their reach to experts in legal, finance, and branding from both inside and outside the fashion industry. Their journey epitomizes startup stories in fashion, where relationships and resilience prove to be just as crucial as product innovation.
Launching Left On Friday: Empowering Women Through Swimwear
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When it came time to launch, the excitement and nerves were palpable. Their new venture was met not with skepticism, but curiosity and support. “Former colleagues were just ordering and loving the swimsuits,” they said, recalling the thrill of packing orders for the Lululemon head office, where their designs found enthusiastic fans—and even future teammates.
Their approach to building the brand centered on empowering women. “We wanted swimwear that works as hard as women do,” they explained. Every piece was conceived with a dual mission: performance and confidence. This ethos set them apart among swimwear brand success stories—Left On Friday isn’t just about looking good at the beach, but about feeling unstoppable, from surf to sun to adventure.
Lessons Brought Forward—and Left Behind
Their years in leadership at Lululemon became a “training camp” for entrepreneurship. They learned not to cling to ego—every decision at LOF is a joint effort—and to recognize the importance of agility in a high-growth business. “The place you work now versus in nine months will look like a very different company,” they emphasized. Fast-paced growth requires constant reevaluation and a willingness to adapt.
They also bring a generous approach to sharing knowledge. “Always imagine that you won’t be able to do your job in nine months, so who will do it?” one mentor had advised, leading them to prioritize mentoring and uplifting those around them, and ensuring that the culture of empowerment runs through the entire team.
Advice for Future Women Entrepreneurs in Fashion
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To those considering making the leap, they offer practical, honest advice. “Really question what you’re going after—can you achieve it where you are, or is it a true pivot?” For those who pursue their own ventures, know that entrepreneurship is a journey, not a time-saving measure. One must be ready for the sacrifices and the rewards to arrive in tandem.
They also recommend clarity of purpose. “You don’t have to have the next phase figured out, but you do need to know what is motivating you,” they shared. For both founders, it was the desire to empower women, to build a brand that blends functionality and confidence, and to chart their own course within a fiercely competitive industry.
The Future: Women-Led Innovation in Swimwear
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Now, six years in, Left On Friday has become more than just a brand—it’s a movement for women-led innovation in swimwear. Their story deeply resonates with women everywhere who desire style, substance, and a sense of belonging. From its humble beginnings to becoming a household name in activewear, LOF’s journey exemplifies the heights to which female-founded fashion brands can soar.
Their continued growth and impact serve as powerful reminders: Women can—and do—lead industries, disrupt norms, and create businesses that make life better for others.
