I’m a self-made millionaire thanks to my bikini business I started after my boyfriend’s harsh beach jibe
A SELF-made millionaire has told how a cruel comment from her ex-boyfriend fuelled her to start a booming bikini business.
Karina Irby, 33, says her former partner scoffed when she ran the idea of creating her own swimwear brand by him over a decade ago.
But after following her dreams and dumping her unsupportive man, she has now taken the market by storm with her brand Moana Bikini.
The Australian beauty, who boasts 1.2million Instagram followers, has found incredible success with her stunning swimwear designs.
In her latest post, she revealed her determination to build a best-selling bikini brand was ignited by a rude remark from her ex fella.
Karina discussed her journey to the top in the caption alongside two snaps showing off her sand-covered curves in a vibrant two-piece.
She wrote: “FUN FACT – 12 years ago, when I told my partner at the time that I wanted to start a cheeky swimwear label…
“Do you know what he said to me? He said – ‘You only wear small bikinis for attention. I think it’s a very attention seeking thing to do’.”
But instead of being disheartened by his insult, the businesswoman kept it in her mind as a source of motivation.
Karina continued: “This was one of MANY things someone said to me when I was starting my own brand. But I needed it!
“It was the fuel that lit my fire and my drive to succeed and prove to everyone who ever doubted me what was possible.
“And now here I am; in Hawaii, flaunting our 27th collection in my FAVE new look! Got haters? Use them as fuel.”
She opted to focus on her business plan instead of the doomed relationship and now lets her sales figures do the talking.
Her inspiring post certainly resonated with social media users, as it quickly gained over 10,000 likes and dozens of adoring comments.
One wrote: “Good for you! I love what you’ve done with your life.”
Another said: “Incredible photos mate! I’m glad it drove you to create your own brand.”
A third added: “I f***ing love that! You’re a star.”
And a fourth chimed in: “100%! I’ve done the same. Miserable people want to see you fail so you stay at their level.”
Karina, a keen surfer, previously boasted that she was on track to make £1.5million in just one year with her swimwear brand.
Moana Bikini found popularity on social media thanks to its owner’s body-positive posts showing off the real her – cellulite and all.
The entrepreneur wants women to stop digitally altering the imperfections on their bodies and realise they are ” beautiful, natural, and sexy.”
The social media star has garnered a legion of fans with her posts celebrating authentic beauty over the last few years.
But she sadly hasn’t been able to escape the online trolls – who she spectacularly hit back at after they body-shamed her.
“Unfortunately for you I’m stronger than what you think and I’ll always come out on top thrusting to your STUPID comments,” Karina said.
On another occasion, she outed an online bully who had branded her a “whale” and told her to go for a jog.
Karina labelled the person a “gutless coward” for hiding behind a fake profile after she was attacked for sharing a silly dance video.
The bikini designer previously revealed she also created Moana Bikini as she had a lot of “personal insecurities” when she was younger but wanted to feel good in swimwear.