Meet Marina Talamini | Co-Owner/ Founder of Platinum Sun Watersports Apparel

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

Hi Marina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Since I was young, I have always been inclined to take risks. I enjoy facing challenges and constantly seeking new experiences. This mindset led me to make a daring decision at the age of 17 – I courageously moved from my comfortable home in Ukraine to Germany, all on my own. Leaving behind what was familiar, I set out on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Undoubtedly, this decision carried significant risks at such a young age. However, I wholeheartedly accepted these risks in pursuit of my dreams and aspirations. This transformative experience taught me the true value of taking risks – they open doors for opportunities and shape our destinies.

Risk-taking is an integral part of this extraordinary journey. The second biggest risk I took was leaving my secure job as a financial analyst in a renowned institution. I willingly gave up the stability of a consistent income and retirement plans, diving into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. The fields of clothing manufacturing, supply chain management, and advertising were entirely new to me, necessitating that I begin from the ground up. Taking risks goes beyond simply having faith; it involves assuming full responsibility for the outcomes, carefully calculating possibilities, and utilizing every available resource to drive the project forward while ensuring the well-being of my team. The constant need to stay ahead and evaluate risks demands unwavering vigilance. Accepting the journey of risk-taking fills one’s veins with adrenaline, but not everyone is ready for such a path. For me, it was easier because I consider myself an adrenaline junkie who constantly seeks adventure and thrill. This also explains my love for kitesurfing – an extreme sport. Risk also requires unmatched psychological resilience, confronting the fear of disappointing loved ones and facing the possibility of failure. However, recognizing that failure is a valuable lesson is crucial. Failure reveals hidden opportunities for growth, inviting us to surpass our previous limitations and achieve unexpected triumphs. So, take calculated risks, enjoy the process, and cheers to your success.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2014, we embarked on our business venture with little more than an idea, a dream, and a humble budget of $700. Born to Ukrainian parents and raised in the diverse cultures of Germany and Italy, we eventually found our home in Miami, Florida. Here, in the heart of the vibrant kiteboarding community, we’ve nurtured our dreams into reality. Our journey from Europe to the USA was filled with challenges, but it’s this land of opportunities that has truly allowed us to flourish without limits. It all started when I discovered kitesurfing and realized there was a lack of comfortable watersports clothing for women. And so, Platinum Sun came into existence. After my previous experiences as a financial analyst, accountant, and professional ballroom dancer, I now find joy in sharing my passion as a kitesurf instructor in my free time. My deep love for watersports, the ocean, and adventure has drawn me even closer to the water. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by obtaining my 100GT USCG captain master license. This has opened up exciting opportunities for me to travel the world, seeking inspiration for my business and potentially venturing into manufacturing gear for the luxurious yachting industry.
My sister Olena, with her architectural background and a remarkable 12-year journey through two art schools, brought her keen eye for design and detail to our venture. She often jokes that Platinum Sun was her first baby, recalling the days when our modest inventory was stored in her living room, and she would wheel boxes to the post office in her children’s stroller.
Despite lacking experience in the apparel industry, we were driven by our dream, passion, and unwavering work ethic. We took it upon ourselves to learn everything we could, though we certainly had our fair share of lessons to learn along the way. With perseverance, we managed to find a manufacturer and produced our first set of samples. However, the initial results were not what we had anticipated. Our first samples were a disaster, one day we received a rash guard sample with a zipper on the armpit instead of the neck. The language barrier and cultural differences with our Chinese manufacturers presented unique challenges, but they also provided us with invaluable lessons and a dose of humor. Although we’ve learned to navigate these challenges and have greatly improved our communication and process we still aspire and hope to move our production to the USA one day.
Determined to provide nothing short of the best, we devoted 1.5 years to refine our products and seek out a high-quality manufacturer. Quality has always been, and will always remain, our top priority. Our philosophy is rooted in never compromising on quality, whether it be the fabrics we use, the accessories we select, or the stitching we employ. We strive to deliver excellence in every aspect. Furthermore, our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. Our clients can always return a product if they are dissatisfied for any reason. What sets us apart from other brands is our commitment to quality, attention to detail, and distinctive design. Every product is not only of high quality and aesthetically pleasing, but is also crafted with meticulous consideration of every detail, ensuring maximum comfort for the athlete.
It has not been an easy journey for us. We have had to confront counterfeit issues on various online platforms, navigate soaring shipping costs during the challenges posed by COVID-19, and confront numerous other obstacles over our decade in business. Through it all, the most crucial advice I can offer aspiring entrepreneurs is this: never give up. Believe in yourself and your product, and success will follow. Too often, people prematurely abandon their dreams, and that is not the path to success. Stay resolute, and you can make it work.
Now, Platinum Sun thrives with the help of passionate team members located in water-sport hotspots worldwide, like Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, Lo Stanone in Sicily, Italy, Boracay in the Philippines, and Brazil. Our apparel comes to life through the creative genius of designers in the United Kingdom.
When brainstorming the perfect name for our brand, we sought something that embodied excellence and quality, thus “Platinum Sun” was born. Our brand is a testament to our values – truth, freedom, self-expression, love, the right to a future, tolerance, solidarity, and peace. We stand with Ukraine and carry these values in everything we do.
As we continue our journey, we’re reminded every day of the resilience and determination that brought us here. Olena and her son, who are now learning kitesurfing, symbolize the next generation embracing our passion. This family connection to watersports not only strengthens our business perspective but also personalizes our journey. Currently, I am embarking on a journey to BVI, eagerly exploring new horizons as a captain and gathering fresh ideas along the way. Our story is one of dreams, laughter, and the relentless pursuit of excellence – a true Platinum Sun journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a passionate dancer, enjoying various styles from ballroom in the past to salsa and bachata nowadays. One of the things I truly love about Miami is the abundance of incredible Latin bars and social dancing venues. The city is filled with a vibrant mix of cultures and a contagious Latin flavor that can be found everywhere you go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My sister, Olena Pavlovska, who is also a co-owner of the business, and to our parents who have always believed in and encouraged us.

Website: Www.platinumsun.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinum_sun/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/platinumsun

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@platinumsun

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/platinum_sun/ https://www.tiktok.com/@platinumsunn