Forced with the dilemma of wearing ugly and ill-made maternity clothes offered by department stores, she decided to learn to sew and make her own outfits. Of course, others saw her wearing them and she grew a well-received business.

It is particularly difficult for pregnant women to find bathing suits and beachwear that flatter their bodies, fit properly and look inconspicuous on the beach. I have to say I adore her gorgeous line of maternity swimwear. These ladies look incredibly sexy and clearly set the beach on fire with the subtle, elegant and fashionable designs. Each suit takes into meticulous detail the growing needs of pregnant women, their need for discreet clothing using linings, and the need to have certain areas of the body tactfully covered without looking like wearing a tent. Ever the stickler for details, she offers the suits in sizes up to 3X.

Another maternity company that grew out of necessity, albeit much longer ago in 1982, Blooming Marvelous was started by two ladies who saw a huge gap in the maternity wear market. One thing that sets this company apart from other maternity stores is the quality and effort put into the swimwear. The designs are exclusive, made to fit a pregnant body in all the right places and only use the highest quality fabrics and trimmings. The swimwear line includes one-piece suits, two-piece tankinis and halter tops as well as cover-ups and beach dresses. Most designs on their official website run to size 16 with a couple to size 18.

Indeed, it is true that some of the best businesses did not start with a dream and a business plan but rather an idea to make one’s own life a little easier.

Academy of Art University has one of the top fashion schools in the nation with the most famous show in the industry.