In 2020, Thought Process Boutique desperately needed a new reason for people to shop.  Product offerings at that time were at best stale and tired.  It was also the portion of the pandemic that athleisure was on the rise which meant that people were still shopping.  Instead of trying to find more sweatsuits, leggings and t-shirts that have been tie-dyed, it seemed reasonable to stock a different product category.  I sourced a swimwear manufacturer.  There wasn’t a lot of money to work with, I also didn’t know if it would really make any changes to sales, I picked one style and ordered it in two colors.  

  A new swimwear brand was created.  Introducing Mari Swim.

  Creating Mari Swim was an experiment for me.  It was a my first step into the the fashion business as more than a wholesale retailer.  It allowed me to have a basic understanding of the creation process.  Don’t get me wrong, being able to have an idea and watch it come to life properly in fit, finish and quality, bring that same idea to market and actually sell it requires so much more than what goes into sourcing for private label design.  Almost all of the heavy lifting ( design, patterns, samples, manufacturing and pricing for both wholesale and retail ) have already been done by the manufacturer.  It is a more detailed version of wholesale but you have the opportunity to say that it is yours, a brand that you created is in the world awaiting discovery and life.  It is the genesis of my understanding of what I can do in the fashion world.  I think I’m ready to try the next step - cut and sew which requires me to have my OWN ideas of garments that need to go through an entire process before they’re brought to life.  I’m ready for the next step.

  I haven’t embarked on the next part of this journey yet, however, Mari Swim is an experiment that so far has worked.  The swimsuits were someone else’s design, but I liked them and I believe others will like them too, like them enough to buy them.  So here it is, my “creation” to share with you.  I hope you like it.  I hope you’ll want to buy it and wear it.  I hope it fits you beautifully and that you’ll feel amazing in it.  From me to you, my first love note, if you will, Mari Swim.

  P.S. I'd love to know which color is your favorite, feel free to share.