We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynne O’Brien a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lynne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

When I was diagnosed with leukemia over ten years ago, I was told I was at higher risk for leukemia so I needed to stay out of the sun. But my favorite activities in life are in the sun and the water. I also noticed that my friends and I were becoming more self conscious going to the beach (who wants to walk around in essentially their bra and underwear?!) So I looked all over for alternatives to a bathing suit that would provide protection and that looked good and could not find anything. Everything was either too small, too neon or made with uncomfortable and unattractive fabric. So I started my own line of swim leggings, tops, swim dresses and other accessories that are made of sustainable fabrics, chic, and allow women to be active.
My “line in the sand” was to create this company that combines my passions:
1)to give women a way to be comfortable outside and in the water AND ]
2) giving 100% of our profits to cancer and ocean organizations to leave this world a better place
Very idealistic sounding but it’s resonating with women everywhere.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into this business because I could not find products I wanted and needed! My health required me to stay out of the sun but my favorite activities in life are outside and in the water (paddleboarding, boating, sailing, swimming, pickle ball) I had no retail or fashion experience and in fact was a lawyer, mom and board member of several cancer organizations. (I am also proud that I was nearly 60 when I started this business and hope women can hear that it’s never too late to try something new!) We proudly use a fabric made from recycled nylons and plastics that is the best of its kind. Sometimes it’s more expensive to do the right thing.
So many women have written to us saying they have a new lease on life now that they feel comfortable at the beach or with their children and grandchildren in the water. Women feel like they look great and now don’t need to worry about covering up.
I’m most thrilled that we donate 100% of our profits to causes we care about: ocean conservation and cancer research and care

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

We have faced nearly every obstacle at every turn. But I’m so determined that this business is what need and want, that I don’t give up. We started right before Covid and our fabric is from Italy and Italy shut down. We have had several factories shut which delayed our production. We even had thread that was being shipped delayed because of the Suez Canal issues. We had part of our first production stolen off the UPS truck. And there are so many more examples.
I just had to keep moving and keep believing!

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I am so lucky to have a mentor in Kay Unger who is an iconic fashion designer and successful woman. A business partner of my husband’s tried to connect us early on in my business but I was too intimidated and kept saying now. How could I as a veteran in this business who didn’t even know what a hang tag was, meet with someone who had an internationally successful clothing line? After a year I finally met with her and we had so much in common and shared the same values and goals. She has taught me so much and we learned from each other. My lack of knowledge sometimes helps us to go ahead with a non traditional idea and her experience has helped guide us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lineinthesand.com
• Instagram: @line_in_the_sand
• Facebook: Line in the Sand
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lynne-fletcher-o-brien-337a64113