We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristin Tomasello a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Costa Sea Suncare was born from both professional knowledge and deeply personal experiences. While earning my nursing degree, I learned how the chemicals in many everyday products—especially sunscreens—can be absorbed into the bloodstream and, over time, contribute to serious health issues, including skin cancer. That knowledge took on new urgency when my own family was affected: my father is a survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and my mother has battled multiple skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma.

I realized that safe, effective sun protection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. I set out to create a reef-safe, clean, and family-approved sunscreen line made in the USA, free from harmful chemicals, and designed to protect both people and the planet.

But my mission goes beyond skincare. A portion of every sale supports the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, which builds creative, inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs in the Tampa Bay area. Our programs focus on art, community, and belonging—because health isn’t just about physical well-being, it’s about living a full, vibrant life surrounded by love and opportunity.

This mission is personal to me because it’s woven from my family’s journey, my medical background, and my heart for underserved communities. Every product we make is one step toward a world where people can live healthier, safer, and more joy-filled lives—whether that’s under the sun or in a room filled with art and laughter.

Kristin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Kristin Tomasello, and I’m a nurse-graduate -entrepreneur, author, and founder of both Costa Sea Suncare and the Kristin Tomasello Foundation. My journey into the skincare and nonprofit world wasn’t a straight path—it was one fueled by personal trials, deep compassion, and a desire to create products and programs that truly make a difference.

While studying nursing, I learned about the harmful chemicals found in many sunscreens—ingredients that not only damage marine life but can also enter our bloodstream and contribute to serious health conditions, including skin cancer. This knowledge became personal when my father battled and survived Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and my mother for basal cell carcinoma. I knew I had to take action.

Costa Sea Suncare was created to solve two problems at once:

Provide safe, effective sun protection that’s reef-safe, clean, family-approved, and made in the USA.
Educate and protect communities from harmful chemicals—because what we put on our skin should protect us, not put us at risk.
Our products are ocean-friendly, formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other reef-harming chemicals, and they’re tested with both people and planet in mind. What sets us apart is our combination of nursing expertise, luxury coastal branding, and a mission-driven model that gives back.
A portion of every sale funds programs through the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, where we create art-centered, inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs in the Tampa Bay area. Through initiatives like The Night to Remember Prom and our Creating Hearts art program, we focus on building joy, connection, and opportunities for those who are often overlooked.

I’m most proud of the fact that this isn’t just a business—it’s a movement toward healthier living and greater inclusion. My work is rooted in faith, compassion, and purpose, and I want people to know that every product and every program is created with genuine care.

Whether someone is using Costa Sea sunscreen at the beach, attending one of our foundation’s events, or reading one of my books, they’re joining a story much bigger than mine—they’re helping protect health, the environment, and the hearts of people who deserve to shine.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation has grown because everything I do is deeply personal, transparent, and mission-driven. People can sense when something is built from the heart rather than just for profit. My nursing background gives me the credibility to speak on skin health and product safety, and my family’s personal battles with cancer make the mission behind Costa Sea Suncare very real.

Any advice for managing a team?

For me, leading a team starts with servant leadership—putting people first and creating an environment where they feel valued, heard, and supported. I believe in leading by example, showing the same dedication, integrity, and work ethic I expect from others.

One of the biggest morale boosters is clear communication. People work best when they know the vision, understand their role in it, and receive feedback that’s constructive, not critical. I try to keep the mission front and center so the team always sees the bigger “why” behind their work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://CostaSeaSuncare.com
• Instagram: Costaseasuncare

Image Credits

Carlos Velez
MUA Ali Lee Glam