Meet the MUUZ: Jewel Summer

By Mia Dubin

She is more than just an It Girl; she is the founder and visionary behind Jewel Summer, a brand that not only sells bikini staples but also inspires young women and emphasizes that the most important fashion staple is confidence. 

Walk took the time to talk about all things fashion, MUUZes, and to offer advice to inspire young women everywhere: nothing is impossible, and on the other side of fear lies endless opportunity. 

Starting the brand during her sophomore year of high school with nothing more than a mood board, Walk said the inspiration behind her brand was rooted in creating simple basics that everyone could individualize, creating feel-good fashion.

“I created this brand for a reason. I want to help someone. I want to inspire someone,” Walk said.

Walk emphasized that she wanted to start a brand with a purpose.

“Growing up is hard, especially with social media. It can be really defeating, self-deprecating, and negative, and I was like, I want to make pieces of clothing that make other people feel that they can be their most confident, most positive selves,” said Walk. 

She explained that she wants Jewel Summer to recreate the excitement of buying clothes online, as well as the confidence and joy of trying on a new outfit for the first time.

“I want everyone to have that serotonin boost every time they wear a Jewel Summer product,” she said. 

To add to the value of wanting to uplift others, Walk explained that every bikini is named after someone she looks up to and values, emphasizing that she works directly with that person to design a bikini they feel represents them. 

Additionally, Walk explained that the Beach Boys’ album covers and the brand TankAir gave her inspiration for her designs. 

“All of their pieces are reliable,” Walk said. “Oh, I’m going out to dinner, I’m wearing my TankAir with jeans and a cardigan. Oh, I’m going to a party, I’m wearing my TankAir with a skirt. You get the choice to dress it however you like. That inspired me for Jewel Summer because I want to make pieces that people can dress up or dress down,” she said. “I want to make basics that allow the consumer to customize however they like.”

Walk also added how Devon Lee Carlson is someone she looks up to. 

“She is epic,” Walk added. “She knows who she is. She knows she is confident. She knows she is cool. She knows she is fun. She just radiates good vibes, and I want to be like that; I want my brand to be like that,” she said.

Similarly, Walk’s sister, Jade Walk, and mom, Lauren Walk, are also people she looks up to.

“[Jade] is so cool; she is just effortless. She doesn’t even have to try; she really makes me feel confident,” Walk said. “Same with my mom. She has the coolest style EVER. She can find any piece from anywhere and make it look like it was straight out of a magazine,” she said. 

Walk emphasized the immense impact her family has had on the brand. Her brothers, Jesse and Jagger Walk, have supported her in many ways, from brainstorming ideas to helping sell her products. Her mom and sister have also played an important role, helping her select bikini colors they believed would become timeless summer staples.

Walk added that influencers, including Julia Mervis and Payton Purther, have worn Jewel Summer. She said she would also love to see Hailey Bieber or Kylie Jenner wear the brand and hopes to one day see Kris Jenner carrying one of Jewel Summer’s purses. 

When it comes to advice for young women wanting to start a brand of their own, Walk emphasized the importance of listening to your passion. 

“If you have something you are passionate about, start it. There is no shame,” Walk said. “Take the risk.” She added that her mom always told her growing up, “Closed mouths never get fed.” If you do not speak up, nothing will happen.

Walk also added the importance that manifestation has had on her journey.

“I believe manifesting works,” Walk said. “Write it down in your journal, say it to the Universe; it listens to you,” she said. 

Walk added how she hopes to create a men’s line with Jewel Summer and to keep growing every day. She included how some exciting works and collabs are in the works as well.

Walk also said some of her pinch-me moments have been having a pop-up at Montauk General and hearing how much of an impact her brand has had on others.

“Someone said to me that they wore a Jewel Summer bikini after a day of feeling super down and felt like they were their most confident, beautiful self wearing Jewel Summer,” Walk said. “Every day is like a pinch-me because I can’t believe I’m doing this. If you were to ask me, like three years ago, if I thought this was possible, I would probably say no because I can’t believe I am doing this.”

Overall, Walk is more than just a designer, visionary, and leader; she is an inspiration, teaching young women that nothing is impossible and that confidence is the most important accessory to elevate any basic. Keep an eye out for Jewel Summer, she is only just getting started!