Laura Mercado is a Colombian designer who launched Ancora Swimwear in 2013. Her purpose has always been to redefine luxury swimwear, creating a brand that is aware of the environment through sustainable and conscious design and production, and one that men, women, and children can identify with in the same universe.
Today, the company generates more than 100 direct and indirect jobs, exports to 17 countries in Central America and North America, and has 5 flagship stores, with the latest being in Miami at Merrick Park. In an exclusive interview with L’Officiel Monaco, Laura Mercado reveals her insights.
Can you share the inspiration and vision behind launching Ancora Swimwear in 2013?
LM: Behind the vision of creating Ancora was always the brand’s expansion and growth. Our goal was to have Ancora present all over the world, focusing on both retail and online platforms to reach every corner. Thankfully, this dream is becoming a reality. In terms of design, the vision has always been to create a brand that communicates and embodies sophistication and innovation. We love embracing new trends, but we always stay true to our DNA, ensuring that our pieces are unique and recognizable to our customers. Our designs, prints, and the creative direction of our campaigns always prioritize this—our DNA.
Ancora Swimwear is known for its luxury and sustainability. How do you balance these two elements in your designs?
LM: Balancing luxury and sustainability is indeed a challenge, as sustainable products are not always perceived as sophisticated. However, at Ancora, we’ve managed to achieve this balance. It has been a long journey, understanding that this is a gradual transition. The key is recognizing that these processes take time. Certain elements must be carefully maintained to preserve the product’s sophistication. In our case, other departments of the company, such as marketing, play a crucial role in ensuring the brand communicates sophistication, while our production team meticulously ensures that all our processes and materials are sustainable.
Your brand has expanded significantly, with exports to 17 countries and five flagship stores. What strategies have been key to your growth and success?
LM: Our success really comes down to having a clear vision from the start. When you have a clear and unwavering goal of growth, it becomes your daily mission, and Ancora has pursued this mission for the past ten years. Key strategies for our growth have included designing and positioning our brand in a way that resonates globally. While our brand’s DNA remains consistent, we’ve continually innovated and adapted, ensuring that we can seamlessly integrate into new markets. This adaptability and our relentless pursuit of excellence have been crucial to our expansion and success.
What role does Colombian culture play in the designs and ethos of Ancora Swimwear?
LM: Definitely, the biggest ethos of our product is that it’s made in Colombia by single mothers. Women from Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Pereira. The most beautiful and notable aspect is that the hands creating our swimwear are Colombian, just like the hands designing it. This is our biggest mark. It’s made in Colombia with love, in a country where we produce ethically. This is very important to us.
What are your future plans for Ancora Swimwear, and how do you see the brand evolving in the next five years?
LM: Our five-year growth plan for Ancora is to further penetrate the American market. This year, we’re excited to launch our online sales in Europe, with Spain as our hub. Over the coming years, our focus will be on expanding our presence in these two regions, where we’ve already received an incredibly warm reception. We’re committed to continuing our growth trajectory and delivering our brand to an even wider audience.
How do you unwind and recharge after a busy day running your company?
LM: My go-to for unwinding and recharging is reconnecting with the fruits of my labor. Despite the ups and downs and the decisions that don’t always go as planned, I find comfort in my family, my faith, and reflecting on the achievements of the company. These are the essentials that ground me and remind me of what truly matters.
How do you define success for yourself?
LM: I’ve never been a big fan of the word ‘success.’ It’s highly subjective. What is success to you? What is success to me? However, I believe success, for me, is about living in peace and balance with what you’re achieving in your life in the present moment. I would call what you’re experiencing in the present moment success. We’re constantly evolving and learning, often facing challenges that help us grow and develop problem-solving skills. So, yes, it’s about appreciating what you have in the here and now.