How One Latina Solopreneur is Redefining Swimwear for All Bodies

In 2022, Mary Ann Mercedes launched Mary Mercedes Swimwear, a direct-to-consumer brand that’s rewriting the rules of swim fashion for fuller figures and all body types. With inclusive sizing ranging from small to 3X, earth-toned colorways, and luxe fabrics sourced from trusted suppliers, her brand resonates with the woman who wants to feel held, both literally and figuratively.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the swimwear market size is estimated to be USD 28.29 billion in 2025. Although the swimwear industry is saturated with various designs and brands, Mary Ann’s one-woman business has carved out a distinct space. “I wanted to create a brand that felt like a love letter to women who’ve been overlooked because of their sizes,” she tells Fierce.

A Swimwear Brand Born From Personal Frustration

Like many brands rooted in identity, Mary Mercedes Swimwear was born out of personal pain. Mary Ann remembers trips to the beach or pool where she’d wear ill-fitting one-pieces that made her feel uncomfortable.

“I wanted to buy a really good bathing suit,” she recalls. “But I realized very quickly that all the higher-end brands weren’t carrying plus-size swimwear. And the few that did only had the most simple designs, none of the cool items came in plus size.”

Years after working in fashion design and product development for brands like Derek Lam and Garan, Mary Ann launched her label to fill a gap she deeply felt. “I think the light bulb moment was really a combination of two things,” she recalls. “One was not able to find what I was looking for. I had a girls’ trip to Punta Cana, and I felt so uncomfortable in my bathing suit.” She wanted to create genuinely inclusive swimwear that promoted self-love and body acceptance through intentional messaging. “I wanted them to know that it was coming from me as a person,” she adds, not just a company.

A One-Woman Show With a Big Vision

Since launching Mary Mercedes Swimwear, Mary Ann has worn all the hats, including design, logistics, customer service, and content creation. “Work-life balance is hard as an entrepreneur,” she says. “To be quite honest, I have not found it… I wish I did.” She works seven days a week and admits to occasional breakdowns, but finds small ways to recharge. “At least once a week, I do something that’s just for me,” she says. One of her favorite activities is playing beach volleyball every Saturday. “Those few hours are amazing for me because they’re just mine.” As her brand grows, she hopes balance will come with it.

Swimwear That Makes Women Feel Seen

Mary Ann’s hands-on approach has built a loyal and growing customer base, sparking emotional moments she’ll never forget. “I remember this one specific customer,” she says. “She tried on a bathing suit, came out of the room, and started crying.” Mary Ann remembers how her customer couldn’t believe they carried her size(3XL) and that it actually fit her well. “She said it was the first time she’d put on a bathing suit and felt good.” For many plus-size women, shopping for swimwear can be a painful experience. “To see something I created bring that kind of joy… that’s why I do this,” Mary Ann says.

Sustainability That Goes Beyond Buzzwords

Mary Ann is intentional about making sustainability more than a marketing term. “About 95% of our swimsuits are made with biodegradable nylon,” she says. “Most brands use recycled polyester or nylon, which still takes 200 years to decompose. Mine breaks down in three to five years once it hits a landfill.” The fabric utilizes nanotechnology that allows bacteria to break down the fibers, making it a more environmentally friendly option. While she tested recycled polyester this year to keep pricing accessible, she plans to return to fully biodegradable fabrics. “It’s just a much better solution,” she says.

What Keeps Mary Going

Mary Ann admits there are moments when the weight of running everything herself feels overwhelming. She sometimes calls customers directly to check in and gather feedback, which often turns into something more meaningful. “A few months ago, I spoke to a woman in her late thirties who said it was the first time she’d ever loved a bathing suit,” Mary Ann recalls. “She said trying on swimwear had always been a traumatizing experience. Nothing ever fit right, and it made her avoid pools or beaches entirely. But now, she was genuinely excited to wear something that made her feel confident.”

Moments like that remind Mary Ann why she does what she does. She’s helping women feel seen, stylish, and strong in their own skin.

Rewriting the Narrative on Swimwear

In a world where body positivity is often reduced to marketing buzzwords, Mary Ann’s approach feels genuinely rooted in care. With summer on the horizon, she’s restocking bestsellers and preparing to launch a new collection by early July. She’s also expanding into size-inclusive resort wear made with natural materials. “I’m really excited about what’s coming,” she says. 

Start Before You’re Ready

“If I could give one piece of advice to any Latina entrepreneur, it would be: start now, even if you don’t think you’re ready,” Mary Ann says. “No one ever really feels 100% ready. I held myself back for a long time, thinking I didn’t know enough or didn’t have enough money. But the truth is, we’re all figuring it out as we go. Fear creates most of the blocks we face. Do it scared. If it doesn’t work, try again tomorrow. That’s still what I tell myself. Every mistake teaches you something, and that’s how you make it.”