A model who struggled to find flattering ʙικιɴιs and swimsuits has started her own successful swimwear brand – but it’s been harder than you may think.
Madison Martina, 24, just launched her first self-funded swimwear collection through her brand Kamari Swim, which is quickly taking off as the influencer fan-favourite swimwear line of the season.
Influencer Tana Mongeau and DJ Charly Jordan have been seen sporting the brand and model Stephanie Viada even wore it for a Playboy cover.
Madison spent most of her days growing up in a swimsuit, however, a negative experience while modelling for a swimwear company changed her perspective.
She felt the suits she was made to wear didn’t compliment her body type, which made her not feel confident or comfortable.
Poorly made swimwear isn’t a reflection of one’s beauty, but Madison knows it can feel that way.
Paired with her fashion design aspirations, she saw this as her opportunity to create Sєxy, confidence-boosting, liveable swimwear that is innovatively designed to mould comfortably to the body to ensure women feel amazing.
She exclusively told Daily Star: “I created Kamari Swim after modelling for a swimwear company I felt didn’t fit my body type.
“I know how hard it is to find a bathing suit that allows you the freedom to move around while still feeling comfortable and Sєxy.
“I really wanted to make sure every body type would look good in every style. I also know what I like when I’m looking for a ʙικιɴι and how it fits so it was very easy for me to know exactly how I wanted them to be. No hugging or bulging on anybody.
Madison started modelling when she was “very young” but decided to take a break during high school and college to focus on academics.
After graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2018, she moved out to LA to get back into modelling and went from one success to another.
Some of the impressive brands she’s worked for are Guess, TooFaced Cosmetics, Anastasia, Beverly Hills, Pretty Little Thing, Fashion Nova, Kosas Cosmetics, Shutz and Honey Birdette, amongst many others.
Her time in the industry has meant she knows what is required when starting a brand and what customers really want.
While the brand has been successful, this doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
“Learning how to build a brand from the ground up has for sure been an eye-opening journey,” she explained.
“There are two sides to this, design of our product and running the business/marketing side of everything.
“The most challenging is design. So many little detailed steps go into making the swimsuit perfect. There are multiple rounds of fittings and sourcing material from different countries.
“For Kamari, I’d say the fittings and measurements were the hardest. I wanted to make sure I loved how everything fit and felt and nothing is ever perfect the first time with something like swimwear.
“I’m still learning new things every day and new ways to always improve.”
While the brand only launched in April of this year, Madison said they’ve had a solid few months of sales and their numbers are better than expected.
The model’s latest collection represents how to be happy in one’s own skin, with pieces of her personality and those she loves reflected in bright colours and bold tropical patterns.
Her dream is for anyone wearing Kamari to see a part of themselves in each collection. In support of this mission, 10% of all Kamari sales go to the non-profit organization Best Buddies.
In Madison’s own words, the organisation is “near to [her] heart”, due in no small part to the impact their service had on her own life while spending years volunteering.
Madison learned the value of inner beauty and confidence, the very values that have underscored the development of Kamari Swim into what it is today.