CO-FOUNDER - DESIGN AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Diane Walker is a co-founder of Sweenie Manufacturing Corporation where she works as the design and production director. She has over 20 years of experience in the apparel industry in New York City. She is currently a part-time professor at Marist College, teaching private label design and development.
Starting with a B.A. in fashion design from Pratt, she began her career working with a top women’s private label importing company as a fit technician, then head designer within 2 years. She worked extensively in Europe and Asia over 13 years in design, sourcing and production management for some of the largest mass market labels (such as Walmart, JCPenney, Macy’s, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters) managing multiple accounts with annual sales over 50MM, and allowing her to gain vast knowledge of the supply chain process from design to manufacturing.
An entrepreneur at heart, Diane launched her own lifestyle/swimwear line Sweenie in ’05, then using all of this experience founded Sweenie Manufacturing in ’08. Her strengths lie in designing and producing apparel for the activewear and swimwear markets.
CO-FOUNDER - DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS AND CONSULTING
Stacey Demar is a co-founder of Sweenie Manufacturing Corporation where she oversees new business development. She also has worked at Chelsea Piers Sports Center for the past 15 years. She is a sports and fitness industry leader with experience in business development, sales and creative strategy. Stacey has been an active member of the NYC sports and fitness community for many years and has a very strong knowledge of sports marketing and what role swimwear and activewear products play within that.
Stacey took her knowledge and passion for sports and fitness and merged that with Diane’s fashion experience to co – found Sweenie Manufacturing.
Sweenie has successfully worked with over 25 activewear and swimwear brands including Body by Simone, Bikini Thief, Opening Ceremony, Daniela Corte, Nesh, Shadow Play and many others.