We recently connected with Bridget Mccluckie and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started BikinisByBridget as a way to combine my passion for fashion, culture, and women’s empowerment. Growing up, I learned how to sew from my abuela, and my mom supported me with sewing classes until I was 14. This early exposure to the world of design and craftsmanship sparked my love for fashion. I realized there was a gap in the swimwear market, especially in custom, high-quality bikinis that celebrated both style and inclusivity. As a woman, I know that no one body is the same, and it is extremely difficult for women to find swimwear that caters to both their top and bottom in a way that fits and flatters their unique shapes.
The starting point came when a friend expressed her frustration with finding the perfect bikini that complemented her body and boosted her confidence. Aware of my sewing skills, she approached me with a request for a custom bikini. This marked the humble beginnings of BikinisByBridget, initially operating from my basement, where I meticulously tailored each bikini to fit the unique preferences of my clients in terms of fabric, color, and style. Through word-of-mouth recommendations quickly propelled the business, and within just six weeks, I had sold over 150 bikinis.
As the demand grew, I transitioned from my home to my university dorm room, expanding operations and shipping orders across Canada.. Balancing full-time studies with the growing business, I eventually formed a production team in Mexico and opened HERmanas Boutique in North Kawartha with my sister, Victoria McCluckie.
It was through these pivotal moments that I realized the immense potential of turning my passion for custom swimwear into a business that empowered women and built their confidence. I wanted BikinisByBridget to be more than just a swimwear brand, it had to represent empowerment, diversity, and self-love. This vision shaped the brand’s core values, reflecting my journey, heritage, and belief in the power of women supporting women.
BikinisByBridget represents confidence, body positivity, and inclusivity, combining my entrepreneurial drive with my creative passions. Over time, I’ve seen firsthand how our bikinis transform women’s self-esteem, which fuels my dedication to growing the brand. What started as a small idea has blossomed into something much bigger, and I’m excited to continue building BikinisByBridget while staying true to its mission.

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

BikinisByBridget is a swimwear brand specializing in high-quality bikinis designed to make women feel empowered, confident, and comfortable. Our ready-to-wear 2025 collection is designed in Canada with hand-drawn prints making each bikini unique and a piece of art. We believe in creating swimwear that is not only stylish but also inclusive and sustainable, celebrating the diversity of women’s bodies taking your look from the poolside to a sunset dinner along the coast.
We believe in sustainability and donate all our scraps of fabric to create dog beds for dog shelters across Latin America. BikinisByBridget has gained recognition through collaborations with events like Fashion Art Toronto, Miami Swim Week and features in British Vogue, Chicas Guapas, New York Post, View the Vibe and many more.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Building Bikinis by Bridget hasn’t been a straight line. One of the most defining moments of resilience came when I invested heavily into inventory and international production, only to be hit with unexpected shipping delays, rising costs, and import duties that were completely outside of my control.

Instead of letting it derail the brand, I took it as a turning point. I learned the logistics side of the business quickly, communicated transparently with customers and partners, and adjusted my pricing, timelines, and processes to protect the long-term vision of the brand.

That experience forced me to step into the role of a true business owner, not just a creative. It strengthened my decision-making, my confidence, and my ability to adapt under pressure. Today, Bikinis by Bridget is stronger because of it, and I carry that resilience into every challenge knowing setbacks are part of building something meaningful.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients by building genuine relationships rather than focusing solely on transactions. I actively engage with our community through social media by responding to messages, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and reposting customer photos so they feel seen and appreciated.

In our storefront, I make it a priority to ensure every customer receives an experience, not just a purchase. I want everyone who walks in to feel safe, welcomed, and supported, whether they’re trying on swimwear for the first time or returning as a loyal customer. Providing a comfortable, empowering environment allows me to offer the best possible shopping experience and build lasting trust.

Through transparent communication, thoughtful follow-ups, and genuinely listening to feedback, building swimwear for every body type, I foster strong brand loyalty and create a community that feels connected to Bikinis by Bridget long after the sale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bikinisbybridget.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikinisbybridget/?hl=en

Image Credits

miami swimweek: Thomasconcordia
bikini models: yaranehme