now that we are in the thick of summer, it is more timely than ever to bring you this week's kai conversation featuring the two sisters behind the incredible, forward-thinking, sustainably-minded swimwear brand, dos gardenias: brighdie and whitney grounds. brighdie is the co-founder of dos gardenias, who created the luxury swimwear brand in 2016 alongside her dear friend of over 20 years, dorthy day. whitney is the "coordination queen" who acts as a "right hand" to the founders and helps to spearhead the brand's story-telling efforts through marketing, pr, and social media efforts.

dos gardenias is not only kai's neighbor in malibu, but the two brands are strongly aligned with their shared core values including strong commitments to sustainability, empowering women, and supporting charitable initiatives that strive to make the world a better place. similar to kai, dos gardenias also strives to a breath*life*flow way of life, which exudes an easy, effortless glamour for customers. furthermore, the amazing founding mission behind dos gardenias was to create a swimwear line that offers sustainable high-performance pieces but still maintains the luxury sleek silhouette design for the adventurous traveler who seeks style and comfort. 

also, it is important to note that dos gardenia's commitment to sustainability is highly commendable. the chic, beautiful collection of swimwear is made from industrialized plastics, carpets, and fishing nets from the ocean using a regenerative nylon called econyl®; this recycled nylon yarn can be reused over and over again. the company's goal for the future is that each dos gardenias suit can be sent back and recycled. their team pledges to continue to explore innovative solutions in efforts to further reduce their environmental impact. 

we applaud dos gardenias for their amazing success in blazing a path forward in the fashion industry as a leader in sustainability, offering chic, innovative swim offerings, and creating awareness in the world through knowledge, action, and philanthropy. dos gardenias is not just a swimwear company, they are a lifestyle brand doing extraordinary things, and we are incredibly excited to see and support their growth, as they continue on their business journey. we highly encourage you to check out their newest collection at dosgardenias.com and follow their instagram!

happy summer!

xo,

gaye.

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/ inspiration? if so, please feel free to share.

i think the biggest thing has just been to really check in with each other, outside of work. to share a laugh and to share time, more time in the water surfing has been the greatest source of motivation and inspiration for both of us. it's a place to feel connected to something again, when everything, and often everyone else, has felt so far away. we're very lucky to have had each other and the water during this time. 

how do you embody kai's "breath*life*flow" lifestyle?

we both have the work to live mentality. lucky for us, we love what we do. but even the swimwear we create is a reflection of the lives we lead, both in and out of the water. it's all about the flow from one to the next. the balance of it all. 

what's the best advice you've ever received? 

our father has always told us "if it's meant to be, it will be." it's always been something i remember in moments when i feel out of control, that helps me to surrender and find grace. 

do you have a mantra you live by?

whitney is a bit of a hippie, so hers is "love, laughter, peace and harmony." brighdie's is "stick with the plan until the plan changes, then stick with that plan." 

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?

not wearing any nail polish! still haven't had a manicure since the pandemic started. we've gotten really good at doing our own mani/pedis, but it's not a priority for us. 

who is your role model?

brighdie is my role model in a lot of ways. she's the one who has inspired my surfing and even my career. she's an excellent cook and badass mother. she's the living, breathing example of "if you set your mind to it, you can do it." i've always looked up to her admired her and tried to emulate her talent and drive. 

how would you describe your personal style?

you can see brighdie's style in all designs Dos Gardenias - chic and timeless, with an edge. whitney's personal style is inspired by the beachy 70's - anything flared, flower power and flowy. 

ultimate getaway?

take us anywhere with a beach and we will be happy. 

favorite food?

a better question would be what food don't we like. seriously - we LOVE food.

kai obsession?

we are obsessed with the bathing bubbles because we love our baths. but we all use the products in our outdoor shower at the office after a surf. there's just something about smelling like gardenias at Dos Gardenias. 

currently craving?

i think we're both currently craving what everyone else is craving - a sense of normalcy again. comfort and security, dinner with friends. it feels close. 

ideal way to relax/ unwind?

a good book, a glass (or two) of wine, a kai candle, and a bubble bath. 

what book are you reading currently?

brighdie is reading "The New Yorker," always trying to catch up on the fiction stories. whitney is reading "Educated," a memoir by Tara Westover. 

what's the most adventurous thing you've done?

brighdie moved out as a teenager to pursue what would become a successful modeling career. whitney solo traveled through western europe for a month in her twenties.

thank you... brighdie and whitney!