IN CONVERSATION WITH SHEA MARIE

                                                                        interview by JANA LETONJA

Shea Marie, the entrepreneurial force and digital powerhouse, is recognized globally as one of the most influential fashion leaders and innovative creatives in her industry. Her company SAME, the coveted luxury swim and ready-to-wear brand, will be celebrating 10 years in 2025.  Shea was among the first to transform her digital presence into a thriving business empire by leveraging social media to create partnerships with luxury brands, launch her own brand, and has cultivated a loyal following of fans that all admire her unique and thoughtful approach to fashion, including how she seamlessly blends high-end luxury with a laid-back California vibe. 

Your brand SAME will be celebrating 10 years in 2025. How does it feel to reach such an incredible milestone with your brand?

It’s an incredible achievement and something I feel deeply proud of. The fact that 90 % of brands don’t make it past the five-year mark makes this milestone even more meaningful. I do think SAME’s longevity is a testament to our designs, the community we’ve built, and the potential we have for the future.

Looking back, what inspired you to start SAME, and how has the brand evolved over the past decade?

My journey began as an early adopter and success story on social media. My life changed almost overnight. I went from interning and working at a bar to flying around the world and sitting front row at major fashion shows in just a few years. I knew early on that I wanted to create something lasting, something that could outlive the unpredictable nature of social media. SAME started with swimwear, but as my style and vision evolved, the brand naturally expanded into ready-to-wear, reflecting my own growth and taste.

What have been some of the most memorable moments or achievements for SAME in these 10 years?

There have been so many highlights that it’s hard to narrow them down. Seeing our designs worn by nearly every major celebrity, influencer, and “It” girl has been surreal. Watching people wear SAME in their everyday lives is equally rewarding. Our billboards in cities across the US, launching ready-to-wear and denim, and expanding internationally all stand out as pivotal moments that have defined the brand.

As you celebrate this milestone, are there any special collections, events, or collaborations planned to commemorate this anniversary?

We’re hoping to open our first retail store this year, which feels like the perfect way to celebrate this milestone. We’re ready, but I’m very particular about the space. It has to feel just right. Even if it doesn’t happen before the end of the year, we’ll celebrate when the time is right because it will mark such a major evolution for SAME.

You’re considered one of the original fashion bloggers and a pioneer in the influencer space. How did you get your start, and what inspired you to share your love of fashion online?

Back in 2010, I had just moved to Los Angeles and hoped to work in fashion, but I had absolutely zero connections. I also had zero job history and nothing on my resume, so trying to find a job in the fashion space was basically impossible. I had no idea what a blog was at the time, but I thought that maybe if I started a website, sort of an online catalogue of fashion inspiration, that it would be something to add to my resume where potential employers could see I had an "eye" for fashion. It was a tumblr-esque inspo board where I started adding in a few images of myself and what I was wearing. People started to reshare the images of my personal style the most, and it grew exponentially. It marked the beginning of online "influencing". At one point, my blog was getting a million page views a day, but as Instagram launched and became increasingly popular I turned my focus there and on building my brand.

What was the transition like from being a fashion blogger to building your own brand? What were the biggest challenges and rewards?

When I started SAME in 2015, the landscape was completely different. Few influencers or celebrities had their own brands, and there was no blueprint to follow. My business partner and I did everything ourselves, learning as we went, taking on high financial risks, and navigating a steep learning curve. The challenges were immense, but the rewards have been even greater. SAME is fully self-funded and owned, which means we don’t answer to anyone but ourselves, and that independence is certainly a reward.

As someone who’s shaped trends and inspired millions, how do you view the evolution of the influencer industry over the years?

The industry has grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I started. It’s incredible to see how influencers have become powerful entrepreneurs, creating real impact and driving industries forward. When I started, being an influencer was looked down upon, and people had a hard time adapting to it. Over the course of the past decade being an influencer/creator has really grown into a respected career form.

As a designer and businesswoman, how do you balance the creative aspects of your work with the demands of running a business?

​This balance has been a journey for me, especially as a perfectionist. Over time, I’ve learned the value of building an incredible team, people who excel in areas where I may not, who understand the vision, and who I can also learn from. While I still oversee everything, streamlining my role has allowed me to focus on the bigger picture and evolution while ensuring the brand’s, and my own, creative integrity remains intact.

You’ve been recognized by Forbes as a key figure in digital entrepreneurship. How does that recognition shape your approach to your work and influence?

Being recognized by a publication like Forbes is incredibly validating. It inspires me to keep pushing boundaries, both as a designer and a businesswoman. It’s a reminder of the responsibility I have to my community, to continue innovating and creating something meaningful.

With SAME reaching this milestone, what’s next for the brand? Are there new categories or directions you’re excited to explore?

Our focus right now is building out our ready-to-wear category and expanding internationally. We’re also launching some very exciting new categories over the next couple of years, starting with accessories this summer. While I can’t share too much just yet, I can promise it’s something our audience will love.

ТEAM CREDITS:

talent SHEA MARIE
photography MATT PETRANOVIC