we are beyond excited to bring you this week’s kai conversation with cassandra kellogg, the ceo/founder of the southern california-based minimale animale swimwear, who is not only a friend and long-time kai devotee but she is also a super fun, fearless, incredibly inspiring female entrepreneur. cassandra’s gorgeous swimwear line exudes confidence, and chic, sexy statements for women. with a-list celebrity figures like miley cyrus, kylie jenner, tyra banks, naomi campbell, kate bock, emily ratajkowski, and so many other hollywood stars and sports illustrated cover models sporting minimale animale in their professional shoots as well as their personal beach/pool time, it is no surprise that this swimwear line is in such high demand across the globe. cassandra’s extraordinary vision for her brand, incredible design talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for living life to the fullest are contagious. she is one of the brightest stars in the fashion/swimwear industry, and we are thrilled to call her a friend and collaborator. we strongly encourage you to check out and follow minimale animale (website and instagram). please stay tuned for a very exciting giveaway between kai and minimale animale to be launching soon.

xo,
gaye.

i started off in styling after getting my design degree. i got really inspired watching a close friend create and launch her line and it gave me the motivation to push my ideas and cultivate my own brand.

what do you like most about what you do professionally?

i feel so grateful to be able to have an outlet for my creativity. i’ve always been more of a creative vs. the more traditional roles of being good at math, science, reading. creating in design (specifically clothing design) has always been my preferred outlet. it’s always been my belief that when you really love what you do, and have the passion and drive it doesn’t really feel like work.

please share a few key points about the mission of your brand.

though the brand has evolved over the years, my goal has always been to create products that help to elevate and bring the inner confidence that already lives in all of us. i have seen the way women feel when they try on our suits, and there is a spark that ignites. i have always strived to have really good fits, and going that extra mile to really fine tune your products before you launch them really goes a long way. i think when women wear our suits, they know it’s something special, we are the opposite of the fast fashion that has emerged so strongly over the past 4/5 years.

how did you first discover kai? please share a memory of your first-time using kai, which product it was, and anything special you noticed during your experience.

i first discovered kai, in one of our stores we sold the brand to. i was there dropping off an order in the early days of the brand's launch and found myself not being able to leave without buying the mini travel perfume they had. it has always reminded me of being in some of our tropical locations we have shot at over the years.

how do you embody kai’s “breath*life*flow” lifestyle?

i feel that the breath * life * flow* lifestyle is a way of life i have had myself for quite a few years now. i definitely work hard, but anyone who knows me well, knows that i also play hard, but also give myself those things that keep me feeling good and can keep the revolving circle of creativity going. sometimes that’s giving myself extra sleep, and passing on social gathering or it could be needing a musical escape, and i make time for a favorite festival or concert. i think part of knowing yourself is knowing what you need, when you need it and listening that.

go-to lipstick color?

it’s a combo of “make up forever artist pencil” in completely sepia & sephora tinted gloss #2.

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?

french manicure with creamy white tips, vs the bright white. my nail girl is a pro at giving me the most natural look with my nails which is my go-to.

what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to?

i just relocated to paso robles, ca. i love that it’s a small town, quiet & quaint. i have birds and deer constantly in my back yard. i love taking friends out to the vineyards for lunch. it’s a great life.

favorite food?

sushi forever.

kai obsession?

body glow spray and the body buffer, impossible to decide between these two!

currently craving?

a bubble bath with kai bathing bubbles. :)

ideal way to relax/unwind?

definitely a day at the beach with my dog, watching her play in waves, while i’m bronzing on sand. followed by a late lunch. nice glass of wine and some oysters.

what book are you reading currently? 

already read it, but it has really stuck with me as an incredible book and i have bought a few copies to share with those very special to me. the book is called “ceremony” by brianna wiest.

thank you, cassandra!