Crafting Confidence:
The Bold Journey of Sandy Bottom Swimwear
All Images Courtesy of Sandy Bottom Swimwear | Photography by AJIA RAMBALLY
In an industry where change is as constant as the tides, Sandy Bottom Swimwear stands out like the sun-drenched horizon of St. Lucia—enduring beauty, cultural richness, and the power of aspirations. Inspired by founders’ St. Lucian roots and brought to life through the expert craftsmanship of Italian artisans, this brand is more than just swimwear – it’s a celebration of life, a canvas of personal expression, and a story of unwavering passion. Sanya Rambally Conklin, founder of Sandy Bottom Swimwear, is reshaping the narrative of what beachwear can be.
Redefining Swimwear: A Bold Statement
Sandy Bottom is not about conforming. It’s about challenging norms and changing perceptions. In Canada, where conservatism in beach attire often reigns, this brand boldly launches an insurrection, liberating cuts and silhouettes to accentuate the curves and contours they embrace. “Why should swimwear be mundane or purely functional?” the founder questions, her tone laced with a mix of rebellion and inspiration. She passionately discusses creating bold pieces that speak of confidence and unapologetic self-expression.
For the founder, the beach is a runway, and her swimwear is a gesture that encourages every woman to flaunt her individuality. The brand’s signature style – provocative cutouts, shimmering fabrics, and audacious designs – isn’t just about making a fashion statement. It’s about empowering women to own their space, bodies, and stories.
The Heart of St. Lucia in Every Design
St. Lucia is the backdrop to Sanya’s childhood, where the beach was a second home, and the vivacity of the tropics wasn’t just admired but woven into the very fabric of life. This is where the story of Sandy Bottom began, in the memories of a young girl who dreamt of capturing the essence of her island. “Our beaches were runways, where each woman was a model, unabashedly herself,” the founder says. It’s this celebration of individuality and natural beauty that she seeks to share with the world.
Global Hands Crafting Local Dreams
Collaboration is the strength of Sandy Bottom, with artisans from Naples, Italy, playing pivotal roles. These craftsmen bring more than just skill; it’s a melding of worlds turning swimwear into international tapestries of artistry. The nuanced excellence of Italian design tradition is culminated in collections that resonate with the brand’s ethos.
“Body positivity isn’t a passing trend with us; it’s our bedrock!”
From Inspiration to Reality: The Creative Process
The creation of each Sandy Bottom swimsuit is a journey in itself. “Every design starts as a dream, born from travels or the latest runway trends, an idea inspired by a sunset, a street, a feeling,” the founder shares. Though untrained, her sketches are raw reflections of this creative spark. A meticulous selection process, prototyping, and hands-on testing follow to ensure the swimsuits meet the highest comfort, durability, and fashion standards. But what’s most striking is her commitment to real-world functionality. “I take my prototypes to the beach, blending market research with sunbathing,” she shares. This blend of practicality and creativity has helped carve a niche for Sandy Bottom in the competitive swimwear landscape.
Timeless Elegance, Modern Functionality
In an era dominated by fleeting fashion trends, Sandy Bottom Swimwear stands out for its commitment to enduring style with functionality. “I believe in creating swimwear that transcends seasons, as timeless as the waves,” she states. This philosophy extends to her material choices – resilient, high-quality fabrics that withstand nature and time. She prioritizes classic colours, and the brand’s simplicity is sophisticated, offering versatility that transforms a swimsuit into a bodysuit, seamlessly fitting into a year-round wardrobe.
Championing Body Positivity
At its core, Sandy Bottom celebrates every woman’s inherent beauty. “Body positivity isn’t a passing trend with us; it’s our bedrock,” Sanya declares firmly.
“Caribbean women are among the most self-assured individuals globally! They have an inspiring approach to fashion—they wear what they feel fantastic in, not what society dictates as ‘looking good.’ If they feel confident in an outfit that makes them feel great, they wear it without hesitation. I aspire to pass on this mindset to women in Canada and worldwide.”
Channelling the confident spirit of Caribbean women, she herself defies norms, sunbathing in a thong bikini as a 40-something-year-old mother, championing the idea that self-love is the ultimate defiance against societal judgment.
The founder shares an emotional anecdote from a photoshoot in Turks and Caicos, where a participant, far from the conventional swimwear model archetype, discovered a newfound sense of beauty and confidence in a Sandy Bottom piece. “Those moments define our success,” she states.
A Personal Journey, A Universal Message
Behind Sandy Bottom is a story of personal resilience and ambition. The founder’s journey as a single working mother delayed her dream, but the empty nest of 2022 brought a moment of transformation. Her commitment to pursuing a long-held dream has become a powerful message to her daughter and women everywhere: “I want to show my daughter and women everywhere that it’s never too late to chase your dreams,” she says.