We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maya Faulkner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maya below.
Maya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The first thing I did was dive into the internet.
I googled similar businesses, read customer reviews, and started identifying gaps in the market. I wanted to make sure there was a real need for what I was thinking about. At the same time, I started asking friends and family what they thought of the idea. Their feedback helped me refine it even further.
One thing became clear: people wanted a solution like the one I was imagining, but they had specific needs I hadn’t considered. That was my first big lesson-listen to your potential customers early and often.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into the world of fashion began with a deep appreciation for the Caribbean’s diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.
This passion led me to establish Caribbean Swim Boutique, where I could blend my love for design with the vibrant spirit of the islands.
At Caribbean Swim Boutique, we offer a curated selection of swimwear and beach accessories that capture the essence of Caribbean life.
From bikinis to one-piece suits, our designs feature bold prints and vibrant colors that reflect the tropical paradise of the Caribbean.
Our products are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure comfort and durability.
We offer a wide range of sizes to celebrate all body types, ensuring everyone can find their perfect fit.
We take pride in our collaborations with Caribbean designers, bringing authentic island-inspired designs to a global audience.
Our dedication to quality and cultural representation has garnered positive feedback from our customers, who appreciate the vibrant designs and comfortable fit of our swimwear.
At Caribbean Swim Boutique, we believe in celebrating the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean through our designs. We invite you to explore our collection and experience the vibrant spirit of the islands, no matter where you are.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
When I launched my Caribbean swim boutique, I quickly realized that standing out in a competitive market was a major challenge. Larger brands dominated the space, and getting customers to trust a new, locally inspired swimwear brand took time. At first, sales were slow, and I questioned whether I had made the right decision.
Instead of giving up, I focused on what made my boutique unique-celebrating Caribbean culture, vibrant designs, and sustainable materials. I started telling the story behind my brand through social media, partnering with local influencers, and showcasing real customers enjoying their swimsuits on the islands. Slowly but surely, my community grew, and so did my sales.
That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles— it’s about embracing challenges, staying true to your vision, and connecting with the right audience. Now, my boutique is thriving, and I’m proud to bring a piece of the Caribbean to customers worldwide.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn was that ‘if you build it, they will come! When I launched my Caribbean swim boutique, I assumed that having beautiful, high-quality swimsuits was enough to attract customers. But despite having a great product, sales were slow, and I struggled to grow my brand.
I quickly realized that having a strong marketing strategy was just as important as having a great product. I had to actively put my brand in front of the right audience— leveraging social media, collaborating with influencers, and telling the story behind my designs. Once I focused on visibility and engagement, my boutique started gaining traction, and sales improved.
This experience taught me that passion and quality are essential, but without strategic marketing and brand storytelling, even the best products can go unnoticed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caribbeanswimboutique.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: caribbeanswimboutique
- Other: TikTok caribbeanswimboutique
Image Credits
I would love to give credit to the photographer thank you @shotsby.yaya