A few years before I attended graduate school at the University of Georgia, I was living it up in paradise on the island of Maui. During my last month in Maui, I was grocery shopping in town and saw a familiar face on the cereal aisle. Being halfway around the world- this did not happen often. I realized it was another St. Simons Island Georgia gal! Not many native Georgians move to Hawaii, much less someone from St. Simons Island. Nevertheless- Erica Segerburg made her way to Maui and she and friend Caroline Hay (another Southern gal) have joined forces to create a sexy and sporty swimsuit line that is making waves…
As a former Maui girl I had to show these entrepreneurial Southern belles turned surfer chicks some love. I had the pleasure of interviewing them recently about their line Citrine Swim. Check it out!
How did y’all meet and where did the concept for Citrine Swim come from?
Citrine Swim: We met through a mutual friend that Erica went to college with on the island of Maui. We shared the same idea and wanted to reach out to our girlfriends on the East Coast. Skipped past the skimpy and halted before the frumpy!! 🙂 We wanted to create something that everyone could wear and feel beautiful in!
Co-Creators of Citrine Swim. Image Via Citrine Swim
Both of you are natives of the Southeastern shore…was this background/heritage a major influence for y’all?
CS: It was, we wanted to share with our friends on the Southeastern shore what we have learned about the swimwear industry from living on Maui and how the smaller cuts actually look best on all bodies. And we knew it would be a different feel from the norm so we wanted to watch them experience.
Citrine Swim at Charleston Fashion Week 2013
Can you tell me a little more about your line? What fabrics you chose and why?
CS: Everything is seamless, easy on the hips, styles that are flirty, sporty, funky and simple. We created a line that you can mix and match colors and styles. Versatility! Italian lycra, softest lycra. Made in Bali with love. Our graphic designer, Tami Snodgrass designed those fabrics based on our three story boards of style inspiration.
Image via Citrine Swim
What were your design influences? Designers, places, etc
CS: Traveling to many different countries and seeing many cultures. Our eyes were drawn to bright and rich colors which makes us high on design. Inspired by our adventures in Maui together and the many designers that come from here. Everyone is so creative and loves life! We both love crafting, creating, and being adventurous so we decided to do it with swimwear!
Image via Citrine Swim
What are your favorite Citrine suits?
CS: hmm…. We both wear the skimpy “kipahulu” bottom and/or Tupelo bottom. We are obsessed with the cumberland top because it is off the neck and different, as well as the Folly Bandeau for no tan lines! Love the funkiness of the Charleston bandeau paired with the Lanikai bottoms!
Image via Citrine Swim
What do you love about the beach/ocean?
CS: We love the freedom, salty air, sandy hair, meditative state, feeling of ducking your head under and cleansing away the day. Everyone on the beach comes to have fun and/or chill out! Always a good time and great conversations.
Anything else you want our readers to know about Citrine Swim?
CS: Our daily advice: Live. Swim. Be Free
oh and for four months we created our line while Erica was abroad in Indonesia and New Zealand!! All via the internet and Skype!! Thank goodness for 2013 technology!
Image via Citrine Swim
Emily Laborde is a freelance writer and social media manager hooked on cruising backroads, photographing old houses, and loving all things local.
Image via Citrine Swim
Great post and great success!
So proud of fellow St. Simons Islander Erica! Way to follow your dreams!