The moment Jessica Rey wore her self-designed swimsuit to the pool, other girls were immediately curious about where she got it from.
An actress best known for her role as Alyssa the White Power Ranger in the TV series Power Rangers Wild Force (2002), Ms.
Rey spent a lot of time at the pool between acting gigs and owned around 100 bikinis.
This particular swimsuit stood out from the rest, however—it was a simple, ruched one-piece that harkened back to the vintage styles she loved but modernized with swim-friendly fabric.
She had designed it herself and asked a roommate to sew it for her because she couldn’t find a one-piece in stores that made her feel good about herself.
This experience led Ms.
Rey to realize that she wasn’t alone in wanting a more modest and feminine swimsuit option.
The idea for her business, Rey Swimwear, was born from this realization.
I’m trying to give women an option to feel beautiful in their own skin, in their own swimsuit, and feel confident,” Ms.
Rey explained.
Her journey into entrepreneurship was also fueled by a personal exploration of modesty—a concept she initially disliked.
However, as she delved deeper into her faith, she began to see modesty in a new light, as “wanting to uphold the God-given dignity that we are made with, for ourselves.” She started paying attention to how others treated her when she wore revealing clothing and decided to change her wardrobe accordingly.
In addition to launching Rey Swimwear, Ms.
Rey co-authored a coffee table book called “Decent Exposure” in 2015 and launched a clothing line called Estella in 2017.
When she’s not running her businesses or brainstorming new ventures, she attends Power Ranger conventions where she enjoys meeting fans and homeschools her three children, who are aged 10, 11, and 13.
How does Ms.
Rey manage to balance all of these responsibilities?
American Essence spoke with her about her daily routines, what keeps her inspired, and how she makes the world their family’s classroom.
Ms.
Rey starts her day by following a wellness routine that includes bouncing on a trampoline to stimulate her lymphatic system, natural vision improvement exercises, drinking homemade kefir, and walking on an under-desk treadmill while answering emails.
She keeps a written checklist of these tasks to help motivate her throughout the day.
Her personal role model is her mother, who passed away 15 years ago but continues to influence how she lives her life.
Ms.
Rey shared a touching story about meeting with a young boy named Joseph, who had leukemia and visited the Power Rangers set as his Make-A-Wish Foundation request.
The two have remained friends, and Ms.
Rey was able to fulfill her promise to visit him and his family in New York City after finishing up her work on the show.
When it comes to raising her children, Ms.
Rey takes a unique approach by turning the world into their classroom.
They travel extensively, learning about new cultures, languages, and traditions through hands-on experiences like cooking classes, horseback riding lessons, and even insect museums.
The family is currently planning a trip to Umbria, Italy, for the month of May, where they will immerse themselves in Italian culture and language while participating in various workshops and activities.
This unconventional educational journey allows Ms.
Rey’s children not only to learn but also to experience life in a way that fosters curiosity, exploration, and personal growth.
As she continues to balance her career as an entrepreneur with the responsibilities of motherhood, Jessica Rey remains committed to helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin through her swimwear line while inspiring others with her story of faith, perseverance, and love for learning.