We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paige Gullotti a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Paige thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, “I’M POSSIBLE.” It’s Audrey Hepburn quotes like this that represent the risk I took and how taking that first step with positivity can make all the difference.
I am nobody special, but I enjoy looking back to see how far I’ve come and am grateful for the opportunity to share my story. I’m someone who can whole-heartedly say…take that risk, take that leap and believe in yourself. I was a teacher for 12 years and decided I needed a change. I’ll be honest, I had no idea what I was I going to do when I told my principal I’d be “retiring.” I wouldn’t take any of it back though, because I enjoyed teaching and everything it taught me, but I was ready to learn and grow myself. I have since used my teaching skills in everything I have bravely decided to do. You see, I was the type of teacher who typed up a newsletter with an inspirational quote every week. When it was the last day of the school year, I was a little scared, a little lost…but I eventually kept those quotes coming for myself and for others, too. I came up with the idea to start a blog in order to do so and utilize my voice to make a positive difference. I researched how to start a blog, stick to a weekly schedule, best practices, growing it, etc. I had the passion to write, create my own website, share photography, give advice and inspire others to be happy. I just knew I had to start without having any idea of what would come of it. When an idea is planted in your mind, it’s up to you to make it bloom and so, www.SwimwearInspiration.com was born.
I worked hard on it, without any pay, but there are some things you can’t put a price on. Many would most definitely call it risky, because I was posting myself in swimwear of all things! I have to give credit to my amazing family and friends who showed me support from day one and have never stopped to this day. They keep me going with their kind words, fun moments and taking countless pictures with me for my blog. So many great things came from my it. I receive many testimonials of how I was helping others and I still feel like I am making the world a better place in little ways. I post photos with reviews, advice, laughter and inspiration so that everyone can feel confident in their own skin. If I can do it, you can too. From starting my blog, I met many wonderful and inspirational women (who were also taking risks). We collaborate and work together for good causes. I am a firm believer in women supporting other women and the ones who do are stronger because of it. I work with designers and small business owners. I work with great photographers and write about many amazing brands with a clear focus on helping others. I was featured in magazines and even walked the runway a few times. I also eventually became a paid blogger and model. Mostly, I am having so much fun being myself, spending time with great people, enjoying the great outdoors and bringing my little dog, Foxy, everywhere. Doesn’t that sound like it was worth the risk? I am and always will be very grateful for it all.
The next risk I more recently decided to take was to start a second website so that I could have a platform specifically to help the Earth by selling only Eco-friendly products. Again, I needed to be brave, just do it and follow my heart. I built my website, EcoMermaids.com, from scratch and work with many amazing partners I had met from my blog. With every purchase, we are working together to help save the world and my customers feel good about it. I appreciate everyone’s kindness and support with this adventure. Just the other day, I attended an event and was told I had the best idea because it was the only one focused on Earth-friendly, small businesses. That made me smile. And, there’s my teacher skills coming around full circle as I teach others about ways to help the planet through my advertisements, product listings and in person. My website is a small, work in progress and even though I don’t see a huge profit yet, I am doing what I love while spreading good vibes and that to me is worth every risk I have taken. After all, we only have one life and it is the little things that matter. Your dreams are possible and the power of positivity is all it takes!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am just a fun-loving woman who used to be a science teacher. I literally quit everything to become a mermaid. My goal is to save the world while spreading health and happiness to everyone.
Swimming in the water, being surrounded by ocean animals, hanging out with my precious dog, Foxy, at the beach and soaking up some vitamin D from the sun helped to bring back my happiness after a difficult time in my life. Life doesn’t always work out perfectly and everyone is dealing with some sort of pain, but we can all learn to be happy and confident anyway. I believe in the benefits of exercising outdoors while having fun-in-the-sun. Even as a child and as a science teacher, I have always been interested in teaching others what I know about healthy living and saving the Earth. I grew up sewing, swimming, planting trees, eating healthy and doing things like making “Save the Sea Turtles” books. We should find what makes us happy and use it to make others happy- that’s why I am here. I’m a positive person trying to make a difference in this world and follow my mermaid dreams.
I like to say that I was in “mermaid” college for the past 4 years while I worked in swimwear retail, started my own blog, attended shows/seminars, modeled, sewed my own designs and reviewed multiple products. I’ve helped women from all over the world to feel confident in the most flattering, high-quality swimsuits for their body and I’m a trained fit specialist for all types of women with all types of needs. Being a lifetime Floridian, I also have spent a lot of time testing out products in the ocean, at the beach, on the river and in lakes. I can’t explain the amazing feeling I get of being out on the water, especially at sunrise with dolphin popping up to say hello near me! I love what I do, but I have realized that certain aspects of the retail/fashion industry are actually hurting our waterways, beaches and animals; which was the main reason I followed my passion toward ocean-related merchandise in the first place. Did you know fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world? Luckily, there are a lot of little ways we can all make a big difference.
Our experiences are not by mistake. I believe in using my knowledge to support the American, small businesses that are doing their part for us all and help others to be happy. With the always positive encouragement from my amazing family and friends, I came up with the strength to finally start my Eco-friendly online collection that encompasses everything I believe in. I assure you my products are unique and wonderful, just like you! Quality products formed by quality people are built to last and you can feel confident with an Eco Mermaids™ purchase. Plus, it can be fun to save the world and work on your self little by little. As Mother Teresa said, “Don’t look for big things, just small things with great love.”
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to spread sunshine, inspire others and help to save the Earth.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
SINK OR SWIMWEAR; MY CRAZY DAYS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR SURVIVING LIFE, PTSD, AND A CUTTHROAT INDUSTRY by Jennifer Berk Weisman
“Sink or Swimwear” is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I just love that title, too! I found the entire book to be very intriguing and interesting. The chapter titles captured my attention and I finished it within a week. It was very well-written and and easy to read. I felt it to be educational and juicy at the same time. I definitely enjoyed reading about both the “glamour and gloom” in the fashion industry and the seeds that help others grow. The author is relatable, real and inspirational. I am motivated now to follow my dreams with patience and determination. I have to say, I am so proud of Jennifer! She is not alone and quite brave. Thank you for sharing your great story, the inspiration and your advice. We all need to believe in each other and stick with women who support one another. May we ALL keep swimming… just like in “Sink or Swimwear!”
Contact Info:
- Website: EcoMermaids.com & www.SwimwearInspiration.com
- Instagram: @ecomermaidstribe & @foxyandpaige
Image Credits
Main photo: Self-Designed Swimwear (with a real picture of my dog on it) by Petflair; Cherry Blossom Photography Others: 1) “You Only Live Once” with my sister-in-law, brother, best friend and our dogs 2) Blue Coral Swimwear; Erik Jimenez Pictures 3) Sunshine State Fashion Show during Miami Swim Week 4) Danalou Fit; Tristine Davis Photography 5) Hakunawear Swimwear & Body Glove Boards; Jeff Jafay Photography 6) Just Bones Boardwear & Body Glove Boards; Just a Blink Photos by Joleen 7) Just Bones Boardwear; Shelly Hanson Photos 8) Dylee & Lylee Swimwear, Facesoft Towels and Charming Shark Jewelry with my mer-mazing sister-in-law for Eco Mermaids™