The Origin Story of Salinity Swimwear

The ocean has a way of pulling people in, but for me, it wasn’t an immediate love affair. Growing up, I wasn’t near the sea, and though I enjoyed the water, the ocean’s vastness and power felt intimidating. That all changed in 2016, when I moved to Baja California Sur. Living near the ocean, I felt my fears slowly wash away as I began to spend more time by the shore. First came snorkeling, then learning to surf but once I experienced scuba diving, I fell completely in love with the world beneath the waves. And that’s where my journey with Salinity Swimwear truly began.

Falling in Love with Scuba Diving

My first scuba certification came during the COVID pandemic, fulfilling a dream I’d held for 10+ years. Like many I can still remember my first breaths underwater. I was in in Cabo, watching pelicans dive-bomb for sardines at Pelican Rock. I was hooked from that moment. My scuba instructor, Ellen, was new to the area, and we quickly bonded. Through her, I met a community of people who were passionate about the ocean, and they were committed to protecting it. Each dive brought new incredible experiences and lessons in responsible interaction with marine life. This awe-inspiring world had been right in my backyard all along.

I often thought of a saying from my childhood: “You are like the five closest people to you, so choose wisely.” With divers, I felt I’d finally found my people. Diving introduced me to people from all walks of life who shared a respect for the ocean and a love of the outdoors. They inspired me to become a better version of myself. As I ventured further into diving, from group liveaboard trips to thrilling encounters with tiger sharks, I knew I’d found a purpose in these experiences.

A Lifelong Love for Art and Design

Its important to know that before diving, art and design were always a huge part of my life. I am always creating something new and trying new artistic mediums. I spent my childhood drawing everything from fantasy characters to clothing designs. I went on to study painting and drawing, eventually switching to jewelry and metal arts, which I crafted by hand for 10 years. Though I loved the artistry of it, making jewelry took a physical toll on my body, and the grueling market scene sometimes left me discouraged. There were days I’d come home utterly drained from both the physical strain and the challenging experience of selling handcrafted work.

Burnout led me to consider other pathways to merge my love for design with my newfound ocean passion. Diving brought a renewed purpose and, as I worked toward my Divemaster certification, I started dreaming of a career in the ocean. My path took me to continue to earn my instructor certification. Where i loved being surrounded by other divers equally committed to the journey.

An Idea is Born Out of Necessity

Back in Baja, I started assisting with diving tours, spending long hours on boats under the intense Baja sun. Protecting my skin became essential, so I searched for a rash guard to keep the sun at bay. Living in a small town means limited shopping options, and online orders took weeks. Eventually, I bought an overpriced plain blue rash guard—functional but lacking in personality. Frustrated by the limited options, I wondered if there could be something better out there.

Searching online, I found a few companies, but most didn’t have designs that truly resonated with my love for marine life, and several were sold out of the styles I wanted. That’s when the idea struck: what if I created my own designs?

From Doodles to Divewear

What began as apersonal project turned into something much bigger. I started by sketching patterns inspired by the marine life I encountered in Baja—gray whales, sea lions, dolphins, and more. Each pattern is rooted in memories from my time underwater. Swimming with a juvenile whale shark in La Paz and witnessing humpback whales leaping from the water each year sparked my first designs. Bringing these experiences to life through illustration felt like capturing a piece of the ocean’s magic, making each design personal and unique.

I’ve always been fascinated by how art can connect us to the things we love, and I wanted these patterns to be bold, vibrant, and full of personality. My years of design work prepared me to bring my vision to life on fabric. The process is both creative and meticulous—I carefully refine each pattern, adjusting colors, adding elements, and making sure that every detail aligns with the spirit of Salinity Swimwear. Every time I wore one of my creations, people would complement them, asking where I got it. The thrill of being able to say, “I designed it,” reignited a joy I hadn’t felt in a long time.

As demand grew, I repurposed my jewelry website for Salinity Swimwear. I was excited to bring these designs to life and share them with others who loved the ocean. My dream was to create a brand that celebrated the beauty and diversity of marine life through vibrant, unique patterns—a brand that felt both functional, fun and expressive.

The Future of Salinity Swimwear

Transitioning from jewelry to swimwear opened up an entirely new world for me. Moving away from the physically demanding work of handcrafting each piece allowed me to focus on growing Salinity Swimwear and connecting with a larger audience of ocean lovers. Salinity isn’t just about clothing; it’s about creating a connection to the sea, a reminder of its beauty, and the importance of protecting it.

My vision for Salinity Swimwear is to build something that stands for more than just stylish divewear. I want Salinity to be a movement—a brand that reflects our responsibility to the ocean and celebrates the vibrant marine life within it. Through thoughtful designs and sustainable practices, I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the ocean and all its wonders.

As Salinity grows, I hope to expand our impact beyond apparel. I dream of partnering with marine conservation organizations, supporting ocean protection efforts, and building a community of ocean advocates. Salinity Swimwear was born from my love for the ocean, and with each design, I’m reminded of the journey that brought me here. Thank you for being part of this adventure with me—I’m excited to see where the tide will take us.

xoxo,
Angela, Founder Salinity Swimwear