Bootin Bikinis: A Dream Turned Reality
Written & Interviewed By : Hannah Corbett
Who knew a love for bikinis could turn into a full-blown business? Bootin Bikinis is proof that passion, creativity, and a little bit of obsession can turn a dream into reality. With a mission to blend affordability, quality, and original designs, this brand is making waves in the swimwear world—literally!
From Inspiration to Creation
When I got the chance to meet with Founder of Bootin Bikinis, Carley Pinsonneault, I knew I was in for a story. Her bubbling personality was bright even through the computer screen, with bright red picture frames hung on the wall in the background of her NYC apartment. I settled in to listen to all about how Bootin started.
It started with an obsession. "I would spend money I didn’t have on Frankie's Bikinis," she admits with a laugh. "It was all I wore, but I saw a gap—something was missing." She noticed there was no perfect middle ground between high-end luxury and budget-friendly options. So, like any determined fashion-lover, she decided to create it herself.
After months of research, saving up, and plenty of trial and error, Bootin Bikinis was born.
When I asked Carley where the name “Bootin Bikinis: came from, she told me that it didn’t start with just bikinis. The brand originally included cowboy boots—a trendy, college-girl staple at the time. "I wanted to create something unique—something that looks like you bought it in Italy but is affordable for a college student," she explains. The boots helped build buzz, but as the business grew, she decided to focus on perfecting her swimwear line.
Each collection has showcased a mix of custom designs, high-quality fabrics, and reasonable pricing, proving that great style doesn’t have to break the bank.
The New York Collection
I discovered Carley at the most perfect time. My first impression of the brand was The New York Collection.
"How cool would it be to create a really unique bikini that’s literally one of my favorite things?" she says, reflecting on her latest collection. "I love Burberry, so I wanted Burberry vibes on it. I love Aperol Spritzes. The Manolo Blahniks that Carrie Bradshaw wore. XOXO Gossip Girl. A slice of pizza—it was supposed to look like Prince Street Pizza! Ralph’s Coffee. A little taxi cab. Just everything I love about New York."
And the best part? "It’s reversible! So smart, you know?"
While the collection has been generating buzz, she’s noticed something interesting: "With this drop, funny enough, the sales haven’t been as much as usual. Normally, we sell out on day one, but this time, it’s been more of a slow burn. But also, it’s 20 degrees out in New York—no one’s really buying bikinis right now!" Still, she’s noticed a shift. "Some girls are obsessed with the New York design, while others prefer the pink one because it’s more everyday."
There’s also talk of a pop-up shop in Soho. "A lot of people in New York have been reaching out. I think once it’s springtime, we’ll see a big jump in interest."
How Bootin Bikinis Got into PacSun
"So there’s this show called "Collective Show", and I went once with my boss when I worked at a shoe store in high school," she recalls. "I was obsessed—I got to see all these brands, like Alo, Beyond Yoga, Frankie's, and their unreleased collections. I convinced my boss to bring Frankie’s into the store just because I wanted a discount!"
Years later, one of her interns brought up the idea of Bootin Bikinis attending Collective. "She was like, 'Carley, have you ever heard of Collective Shows?' And I was like, 'Why does that sound so familiar?' Then she told me the booth cost $10,000, and I was like, 'That’s a lot!' But then, we did the collab with Hannah Lizzy, we made that capital in one day, and I was like, 'Okay, we’re doing it.'"
The moment she arrived at Collective was surreal. "They put me right next to Frankie’s Bikinis. My 15-year-old self would not have believed it.”
With no appointments lined up, she had to sell herself. "But our swimsuits have good hanger appeal. People were stopping by, and suddenly, someone handed me a card—PacSun. Then Saks Fifth Avenue. Then Forever 21. PacSun followed up, and next thing I knew, they invited me to Huntington Beach to meet with their buying team."
She drove up, presented her collection, and hoped for the best. "I didn’t know what to expect, but they looked at me and said, 'We’re sold.' It was unreal."
She describes the experience as a whirlwind of emotions. "I walked into their office thinking, 'I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m going to fake it till I make it.'" PacSun not only loved the designs but wanted to place an order right away. "I was like, 'I don’t even know how this works, but sure, I’ll figure it out!'"
The Future is Bright
With PacSun in the mix and a growing presence, the next goal is clear. "I want to get into Revolve. That’s my big dream." But beyond that, she wants to build something lasting. "My biggest goal is to open my own office, hire a team of girls, and create an amazing company culture. I love leading, building people up, and making work fun."
She’s all about women supporting women. "I want to build a strong community where we talk about mental health, support each other, and encourage each other to be boss babes."
Her motto? "Play Hard, Work hard, be intentional. Love what you do."
She envisions a future where Bootin Bikinis is a household name. "I want to create a brand that girls feel connected to, where they see themselves in the designs and the journey behind them."
Looking back, she reflects on how far she’s come. "I was just a girl obsessed with bikinis, and now my brand is PacSun! It’s surreal."
As she looks ahead, one thing is certain: Bootin Bikinis isn’t just another swimwear brand—it’s a movement built on ambition, resilience, and the courage to chase your dreams. And for Carley, this is just the beginning.