Why I decided to start Corallina swim

I think my reason for starting a bikini brand is a perfect example of how you never know just what life is going to throw at you. In summer 2017 I bought more bikinis than I could count on one hand and definitely spent more money than is normal to spend on such small pieces of fabric! Eventually my boyfriend at the time said to me, why don’t you just make your own? I can’t tell you exactly what my first thought was but it definitely wasn’t “excellent idea, I’ll get started”. But without realising it, a small lightbulb had been lit in my head and I started sketching out a few ideas. I had never sketched a bikini before in my life. Day by day more ideas formed but it took a few months before the inspiration for my collection came to me. By that point, in my head I was in too deep to back out so I started researching what I needed to do to bring my designs to life. Nearly a year later the magic is about to happen… My bikinis are on their way!
There were a few things I had in mind when I started my brand which I wanted to make happen. I wanted to create designs that would make women feel comfortable, I didn’t want anyone thinking “oh I don’t know if I could wear that”. So, I created a range of styles that I hope gives everyone a choice. I also wanted to make my swimwear affordable. I bought my own swimwear from either Instagram or high street shops. In shops I spent less than 20 euros and the swimwear only lasted a summer before it stretched or faded. At the other end of the scale I spent over 150 euros on bikinis on Instagram that were gorgeous and lasted a few years (most of the time) but I mean over 150 euros for a bikini?! So, I wanted to bridge the gap in the market by bringing high quality swimwear to the world without breaking the bank. I didn’t even know if this was possible… but it turns out it is! Now I look at swimwear online and see the crazy prices that some brands ask for their designs when I now know how little they cost to produce...  
Growing up I was very fortunate to spend my childhood holidays sailing in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. I think it’s paradise on earth. It is such a beautiful place, the islands range from idyllic white sand beaches and palm trees to tropical forests with huge cliffs that the Atlantic waves crash against. The islands have an incredible underwater life due to their enclosed nature. There are thousands of coral reefs that are home to millions of fish and the deep water channel that runs between the islands is home to whales, dolphins and sharks. I wanted the share this wonderful place with the rest of the world and so I’ve tried to bring a piece of paradise into all the prints and designs in my first collection.
I’ve also kept the complete production of my swimwear based in Italy, which is where I call home. My production is done in a wonderful family run factory. The son runs the business side, the daughter is the seamstress and the Mum has so many years of experience in the swimwear industry. I’m really proud that my business is helping support other local businesses whilst keeping my carbon footprint low too!
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