She Couldn’t Find a Bikini That Felt Right — So She Made One That Did
Credit: Courtesy of Izzies Bikinies
Every big idea starts small. For Isabella Grinter, it began with a dream, thread, and gumption. Few people can say they built a swimwear brand from scratch before age 25, but Izzie isn’t most people. She is the kind of business owner who pours her heart into every stitch, dreams up bikini ideas over breakfast, and meticulously transforms fabric into something you feel confident in. What makes her story truly special isn’t just the business she is building, but the lifestyle she is inspiring. One that celebrates showing up exactly as you are, bold and confident in your skin.
Isabella, or Izzie, as her friends and fans call her, grew up far away from the ocean, in southern Illinois. But water has always been a special part of her story. A former competitive swimmer, Izzie found her happiest moments in the pool. This love for swimming truly took her imagination in her senior year of high school, where she first picked up a sewing machine and knew she wanted to build a swimsuit brand.
Photography by Nicole Lawler, courtesy of Izzies Bikinies x Aloha Diary
Like many, Izzie grew tired of fast fashion bikinis that often feel cheap and ill-fitting, or on the other end, frustrated by the high price tags on quality suits. Izzie saw this issue and created a game plan. She set out to develop swimsuits designed for real bodies that didn’t feel cheaply made and were set at an affordable price.
Social media significantly affects how Izzies Bikinies connects with their audience. In her eyes, Instagram and TikTok aren't marketing tools, but they are ways Izzie builds and connects with her community. She shares behind-the-scenes looks, showcases her new designs, and talks directly to her fans. Word of mouth spreads fast, but so does her relentless passion to keep creating.
Photography by Nicole Lawler, courtesy of Izzies Bikinies x Aloha Diary
Something that stood out to me when I first came across this brand was its standout use of reversibility. Each bikini is designed to be worn two ways, giving more style options without the extra cost or waste. It’s a slight but innovative and unique twist that fits her mission and sets her apart from the other bikini brands.
Photography by Nicole Lawler, courtesy of Izzies Bikinies x Aloha Diary
Looking ahead, Izzie has big plans. She’s heading to the University of Tampa this fall to pursue a master's degree in business and entrepreneurship, eager to hone her skills and grow her brand name further. In five years, she dreams of running Izzies Bikinies full-time and turning this sole proprietorship into a storefront where customers can shop her designs in person.
Credit: Courtesy of Izzies Bikinies
Again, a huge mahalo from all of us at the Aloha Diary to Izzie for sharing her story and reminding us to embrace who we are. Trust me when I say you need to check out her bikinis. I bought it from her a while back and can confidently say it's my favorite bikini. They’re comfortable, flattering, and made just for you, what's not to love?
So, whether you're hitting the beach or dreaming about a vacation you're going on, Izzies Bikinies have got you covered, literally.
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