Inspiring Conversations with Jasmine Romero of Jasmine Romero Swim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Romero.

Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from FIDM in 2000 and spent the next 18 years working as a fashion designer across multiple categories, including junior apparel, kids, missy, plus-size, women’s dresses, and sportswear. Over the years, I worked my way from associate roles into senior and head designer positions, gaining deep experience in fit, fabric, construction, and the full design process.

Along the way, friends and family often asked me to alter their swimwear since they knew I was in fashion. Every summer, I found myself “fixing” bikinis — adding sewn-in cups or padding, adjustinging straps, creating scrunch details, or adding coverage in certain areas. Eventually, I began creating custom swimsuits from scratch, and that’s when I realized there was a real gap in the market.

The women asking for these changes weren’t trying to hide. They were still young, confident, social, and wanted to look like themselves. Many had gone through body changes, including motherhood, but they still wanted to feel sexy, supported, and stylish. They didn’t want to give up fashion — they wanted swimwear that worked with their bodies, not against them. That insight is what led me to start Jasmine Romero Swim.

When the timing felt right, I chose to fully invest in building a brand that would allow me to work from home while raising my daughter. Swimwear felt like the natural choice — I understood it, loved it, and felt deeply connected to it. It’s one of the most vulnerable pieces of clothing a woman wears, and designing it is both challenging and personal, which is what makes it so meaningful to me.

From there, I self-funded the brand, found manufacturers, attended swim and fashion trade shows from Los Angeles to Miami, and launched Jasmine Romero Swim as an online-first business rooted in thoughtful design and quality production. Along the way, I’ve balanced motherhood with learning every side of entrepreneurship — from sourcing and production to marketing, pop-ups, runway shows, and working closely with models and photographers.

Today, Jasmine Romero Swim is about creating swimwear that allows women to feel sexy, comfortable, and supported without sacrificing style, while proving that it’s never too late to build something intentional and fulfilling.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a brand from the ground up, especially a self-funded one, comes with constant learning curves and challenges.

One of the biggest struggles has been wearing every hat at once. I’ve had to learn production, sourcing, logistics, marketing, e-commerce, events, and content creation — all while being a present mom. There’s no separation between “business hours” and real life when you’re building something from scratch, and learning to manage time, energy, and expectations has been an ongoing process.

Another challenge has been navigating manufacturing and cash flow. Swimwear is complex to produce, and getting fit, quality, and timelines right takes patience and persistence. Because I’ve self-funded the business, every decision has mattered — from inventory planning to marketing investments — and there’s been a lot of trial and error along the way.

Visibility has also been a learning curve. Designing the product was only part of the equation; learning how to tell the brand story, show up consistently, and put myself out there has pushed me outside my comfort zone. But that challenge has also helped me grow the most.

That said, every challenge has reinforced why I started. The feedback from women who feel seen and supported by the designs makes the hard moments worth it. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply fulfilling — and I’ve learned that growth often comes from working through the uncomfortable parts.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At the core of my work, I design thoughtfully engineered swimwear that balances style, support, and comfort. I specialize in creating suits that actually function on real women’s bodies — with built-in structure, adjustable elements, and intentional coverage — without sacrificing a sexy, elevated look.

What I’m known for is my attention to fit and detail. Many of my designs include sewn-in cups instead of removable pads, adjustable straps and ties, wider bands for support, and subtle shaping details like scrunch backs or mesh panels. These aren’t trends — they’re solutions inspired directly by years of real feedback from women.

I’m most proud of building a women-owned, self-funded brand rooted in experience and intention. Every piece is designed by me, drawing on nearly two decades in the fashion industry, and produced with care. I’m hands-on through every step — from concept and fit to styling, runway shows, and how the brand shows up visually and emotionally.

What sets Jasmine Romero Swim apart is that it’s designed for women who already know who they are. My customers aren’t looking to hide their bodies — they want swimwear that supports them, moves with them, and makes them feel like the best version of themselves. I design with the understanding that confidence doesn’t come from revealing less or more, but from wearing something that fits properly and feels right.

Ultimately, my work is about honoring women’s bodies as they are — and creating swimwear that allows them to show up fully, comfortably, and confidently, whether they’re at the beach, by the pool, or living their everyday lives.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For me, finding mentors and building a network has happened very organically. I naturally do a lot of research — I’m constantly scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, paying attention to people in my field. If I’m inspired by another mother, creator, or entrepreneur, I’ll follow them, learn from what they’re doing, and take inspiration from their journey. Even if we never connect directly, there’s so much value in observing how others navigate similar paths.

One thing I’m still learning — and actively practicing — is simply speaking up. When you talk openly about what you’re working on or what you’d like to do next, especially when you’re out with friends or meeting new people, opportunities tend to show up. Someone might know someone, make an introduction, invite you to an event, or open a door you didn’t even know existed. That’s been a consistent theme for me — one conversation often leads to another opportunity.

I’ve also learned that some of the most valuable connections happen behind the scenes. Photographers, models, event coordinators, and creatives are incredibly connected, and they often lead you to the next person or project. Not every event or opportunity is the right fit, but every experience teaches you something — whether it’s how to prepare your materials, how to market an event, how to show up confidently, or how to follow up afterward.

My biggest takeaway is that growth comes from being open, taking chances, and showing up — both for yourself and for others. When you do that consistently, doors tend to open in ways you can’t always plan for.

Pricing:

• Jasmine Romero Swim pieces typically range from $87–$198, depending on the style and design details.
• Bikinis are sold as separates, allowing customers to mix sizes for a better fit. Signature designs focus on built-in support and adjustable features, offering long-term value and versatility.
• The brand is designed and produced in Los Angeles and is a women-owned, self-funded business.
• Limited quantities are produced to maintain quality and intentional design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jasmineromeroswim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmineromeroswim/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-romero-89729680/

Image Credits
Images credits:

Jordan Lefler
Montana Adventure Photographer

GaryProPhoto PRIME
Photographer based in Houston Texas

Scott Hall
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