Meet Carolina Ospina | Fashion Designer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Ospina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
KAARI SWIM is a mother- and daughter-owned brand, run by Carolina Ospina & Claudia Restrepo. KAARI SWIM’s mission is to create swimwear that empowers women – both the women who make it and the women who wear it. Even though our native country, Colombia, inspires our designs and prints, it was essential for us to manufacture in our hometown, Miami. We provide work to local, talented, and passionate seamstresses who have made this a business of their own. They have become an essential part of our brand through the years, and we frequently consult with them about our ideas. They are part of our KAARI SWIM family.

We are lifelong beach-lovers, so it’s also important to us that we do our bit to protect our incredible planet. By creating high-quality swimwear that will last summer after summer – and designing timeless pieces you’ll want to wear years from now – KAARI SWIM is a more thoughtful alternative to throwaway fashion. And because we want to keep waste to an absolute minimum, all leftover fabrics from our swimwear are turned into products such as storage bags and headbands.

We’re always looking for ways to push boundaries in order to continue designing and manufacturing beautiful swimwear while giving back to the planet and our community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As lifelong beach-lovers with a heritage in Colombia, we noticed there weren’t any swimwear brands local to Miami that offered Colombian designs. We wanted to create a brand that not only empowered the women who wear it but also the women who make it. That’s why all our pieces, from design to manufacture, are hand-made by local seamstresses who have been able to establish their own businesses out of their own homes.

One aspect of our business that sets us apart is our dedication to the environment. Our brand is an alternative to throwaway fashion, with our swimwear made from high-quality materials that will last for years. To reduce waste, we create products such as storage bags and headbands from any leftover fabrics from our swimwear.

After four years, KAARI SWIM has become an established brand from which you can purchase online or through local retailers. However, even to this day, we face constant challenges and growing pains – not to mention a pandemic that completely disrupted our production and sales.

I believe that the success of KAARI SWIM has been due to our problem-solving and the ability to adjust quickly to whatever comes our way – not to mention the unconditional support of our family and friends. There’s so much we still have to learn and grow. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and continue to provide exceptional customer service and flattering pieces, while still doing our bit towards protecting our incredible planet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is a blooming city: sometimes we can’t even keep up with it! However, when we’re not designing or working on our brands, we have discovered a couple of places that are “must-dos” and “must-eats” while visiting Miami. It may sound cliché, but you can’t come to Miami without visiting the historical Calle Ocho. If you’re looking for a fun, Latin night, start at La Trova for amazing live music and food. Then dance to the latest Latin beats at El Santo or Ball and Chain.

On Saturday morning, burn some mega calories at one of Beat The Gym classes with celebrity trainer Tony Thomas. The classes take place in public spaces such as 1111 Lincoln Road, The Wharf, and Brickell City Center, so you can visit some of Miami’s popular spots while working out! After that, refuel at Pura Vida in South Beach; they have the most amazing avocado toast and smoothies. Then spend the day tanning at South Pointe Beach – but don’t forget your KAARI SWIM! You should also visit some of our favorite restaurants: Le Chick, KYU, The Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Mamey, and The River Oyster Bar.

On Sunday, head to brunch at Bachour in Coral Gables! They have the cutest ‘Spanish’ flare terrace – don’t forget to get the perfect Instagram shot on the flower wall – and their food is just to die for! Finally, head to the Design District for designer shopping and more “Instagrammable” spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Behind every brand, there’s a story. KAARI SWIM wouldn’t be possible without the constant support of my husband and my parents, especially of my mom and partner, Claudia. Creating a swimwear brand has been a long-life dream. However owning your own business and “jumping in the water” can be very frightening and overwhelming, especially when you’re surrounded by so many talented designers. My family gave me the support and courage I needed to take the first steps.

After four years of operating KAARI SWIM, I’ve learned that being a business owner and facing unpredictable circumstances, such as COVID, requires the love and unconditional support of a community – a community of people who will celebrate every small win and who will help you get up when you face multiple challenges and uncertainty crawls in! I’m extremely grateful that in my case, my family is there with me every step of the way; I hope to make them as proud as they make me.

Website: www.kaariswim.com

Instagram: @kaariswim

Facebook: @kaariswim

Other: info@kaariswim.com

Image Credits
Model: @_taylorbryant = Taylor Bryant Photographer: @betancisco = Francisco Betancourt