Check Out Ivana Coughlin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivana Coughlin

Hi Ivana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Mamacita Swim’s story is as much about defying the odds as it is about celebrating women’s confidence. Growing up in Slovakia, I always loved summers by the water, but as a busty girl, I could never find swimwear that truly fit—everything was either uncomfortable, unflattering, or downright boring. That frustration stayed with me, simmering as I moved to Copenhagen to study. Later, while conducting my master’s thesis research in Bali, the island’s vibrant beach culture and creative energy reignited my dream of designing bikinis that actually work for women like me. I decided to give it a go and started visiting Balinese swimwear manufacturers, sharing sketches and ideas, and searching for partners who could bring my vision to life.

In 2019, I took the leap and launched Mamacita Swim. I had no big investors, just a vision and determination to create something special. Working in Bali was magical—I collaborated with talented artisans and carefully chose premium Lycra fabric to craft bikinis that were both luxurious and practical. Every piece was designed with love, keeping in mind the women who, like me, wanted lift, support, and style without compromise.
What sets Mamacita Swim apart is that our bikinis are designed by someone who gets it. I’ve lived the struggle of ill-fitting swimwear, and I’ve poured my heart into solving it. Our designs celebrate all women—busty or not—because beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The journey has been incredible, from hosting pop-ups to having swimsuit line featured at Apricot Lane Boutique in Westlake, Ohio. Being an international mom in Ohio, far from my family and friends, has been both a challenge and a blessing in disguise. The pop-ups and the vibrant community of women-owned businesses have been a lifeline, helping me connect with the local community in a meaningful way. Along the way, I’ve also become a mother of two little boys, balancing entrepreneurship with family life. It hasn’t always been easy, but seeing Mamacita Swim help women feel confident and beautiful makes it all so worthwhile.

Now, Mamacita Swim is more than a brand—it’s a movement. We’re empowering women to embrace their curves, flaunt their style, and feel unstoppable. With collections like “Mommy and Me,” I’m also striving to cater to all the amazing moms who spend their days chasing little ones around the pool. I want these moms to feel supported, stylish, and like the best version of themselves, no matter how busy life gets.
This isn’t just a business; it’s my passion. And every time a woman slips into one of our bikinis and feels amazing, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not! The road has been anything but smooth. My background is in tourism, so stepping into the world of fashion and entrepreneurship was entirely new to me. Mamacita Swim is a one-woman show, and I wear countless hats—I’m the swimwear designer, web designer, social media manager, photographer, content creator, and often the model for my own swimsuits. It’s exciting but also incredibly challenging because, truthfully, there are moments when I’m not sure what I’m doing. I’m constantly figuring things out, learning as I go, and adapting to new obstacles.

One of the biggest hurdles has been building brand awareness. I’ve poured my heart into creating something special, but reaching the women who would love Mamacita Swim is an uphill climb. Sometimes, I wish I had a magic wand to instantly let every woman like me—someone who has struggled to find stylish and supportive swimwear—know that Mamacita Swim exists and was made with her in mind. But I believe in this brand, and I’m determined to keep growing and connecting, one bikini at a time.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My absolute favorite part of what I do is designing. It’s where my creativity comes alive and where I feel I make the biggest impact. What truly sets Mamacita Swim apart is our detail-oriented fit. I pay special attention to adding inches in the right places, ensuring that bustier women feel secure and confident. I design with a no-spillage promise because every woman deserves swimwear that stays in place and provides the comfort and support she needs.

I’m especially proud of redefining the standard fit guide to offer a more custom approach. As a busty woman myself, I have firsthand insight into what’s often missed or overlooked in the market. Mamacita Swim is filling that gap, empowering women to feel amazing in swimwear that celebrates their shape while offering the perfect fit. Knowing that my designs help women feel more confident is the most rewarding part of this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mamacitaswim.com
• Instagram: mamacitaswim