Sarah Jon Porreca’s Salty Mermaid Swim Inc. champions inclusivity and confidence, creating swimwear for all body types while embracing sustainability.
Sarah Jon Porreca, the founder and owner of Salty Mermaid Swim Inc., is making waves in the swimwear industry by promoting empowerment and confidence for women of all shapes and sizes. Based on her passion for inclusivity, she aims to craft swimwear that not only fits diverse body types but also resonates with the unique experiences and stories of women.
Founded seven years ago, Salty Mermaid was born from Porreca’s vision of making “all women feel powerful.” The journey started with a simple poster board featuring magazine cutouts of different body types and swimwear designs, which sparked the creation of the brand’s flagship piece, the “Kara Mesh Me” one-piece swimsuit. This design continues to be the brand’s bestseller, aimed at evoking beauty and playful confidence through its secure fabric and style.
In an interview, Porreca explained that the creative process begins with the feeling they want to inspire, which is then translated into unique prints and patterns. She described how the influence of travel and global destinations plays a significant role in their collections, enhancing the fantasy of adventure for women.
Porreca also highlighted how her background in fitness has intertwined with her business model, describing the energizing effect of being surrounded by women committed to feeling healthy and confident. Sharing experiences, many women express their common struggle in finding the perfect swimsuit. “I want a suit that makes me feel powerful,” is a sentiment she has often heard and aims to address through her designs.
Salty Mermaid stands out in a competitive market by being a women-owned enterprise that understands the multifaceted lives of women. Porreca noted, “Some days we feel beautiful, while other days we might feel bloated,” and the company’s mission is to create swimwear that embraces this reality. Their designs range from sexy to sporty, and they emphasize comfort, utilizing fabrics that feel like a second skin.
Sustainability is integral to Salty Mermaid’s ethos. The company focuses on using recycled materials, crafting swim bags instead of using poly bags, and creatively repurposing fabric scraps into products like scrunchies and dog scarves. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in their small batch production approach, ensuring they maintain a low environmental footprint while maximizing utilization of resources.
Porreca described her customer base as multifaceted women who embrace their varied roles, whether they are dog moms, beach lovers, or vacation dreamers. “There are no limits, and no woman should ever feel she isn’t the right fit for a brand,” she stated. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of Salty Mermaid’s philosophy, aiming to resonate with women across different walks of life.
Looking ahead, the upcoming “Mob Wife” collection is set to embody the essence of strong, confident women. Inspired by her Italian heritage and the powerful stories of women, this collection is designed to empower wearers, aiming to capture the “boss babe” vibe. Porreca recalled, “It’s the women who run this world, never forget that,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to uplifting women through fashion.
As Salty Mermaid prepares for its showcase at Paraiso Miami Swim Week, Porreca expressed excitement about witnessing creativity from other designers and the emotional experience of showcasing their swimwear on the runway. The event is also an opportunity to connect with the Salty team, reinforcing a sense of community and celebration. The joy of seeing the audience’s reaction to their designs is a moment that Porreca and her team look forward to as they continue to empower women through their swimwear creations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
