Creative, smart and talented: those are just a few of the adjectives I would use to describe up-and-coming bathing suit designer, Stefanie Holtzheuser. She’s the young, genius (or better yet, self professed mermaid) behind a thriving little company called “Jypsea Local Swimwear.” When you walk into her pretty and personable boutique, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a tropical island retreat.
It’s made and meticulously constructed to cater to the South Florida fashionista who has a penchant for all things surf, sand and sexy. Its walls are a greenish-blue, (like the ocean) and it smells of some yummy coconut concoction. It’s not only warm, casual and welcoming, it’s filled with some of the most unique bathing suits you’ll ever see. The best part is…
Those creations aren’t from overseas or ordered from some on-line company and touted as her own. Stefanie hand-makes (with love, care and devotion) each suit herself. She drafts, designs and sews bikinis, one-pieces, cover-up’s, work-out wear, jewelry and pretty much anything else she sets her mind on.
If you can’t find the perfect bathing suit at her boutique, she’ll easily custom design one for you. It’s the creative concept behind her bikini bar, which is smack dab in the middle of her store. As most women know, finding what fits your individual body type can be frustrating; especially when it comes to buying an off the rack cookie cutter design. Jypsea Local is trying to change that by serving-up a variety of choices that fit all different types of the female form.
This isn’t just some girl sitting behind a sewing machine, by the way (which is pretty cool in itself.) It’s someone who knows and loves the water, beach and the lifestyle that goes along with it. Although Stefanie was born in Canada, her mother, who is originally from South Florida, moved the family back to the Sunshine State after almost ten years in the frigid north. Stefanie describes it like this: “My mother needed the warm breeze back in her life.”
That’s when this bathing suit designer in the making became a bonafide mermaid, spending her spare time fishing, diving, boating and getting to know her way around a bikini like nobody’s business. Every year, the 26-year old makes it a point to spend quality time in the Bahamas; more specifically, the lower Exuma Cays.
Stefanie’s insatiable wanderlust and the palpable beauty of the beaches there have not only become her main source of fashion inspiration, they’ve also given her the truest form of “A Jypsea Soul.”
Shireen Sandoval: What is the concept behind Jypsea Local?
Stefanie Holtzheuser: The concept is to support your local artists or small business owners. Personally, I’m a travel bug. I’ve been to over 20 countries and everywhere I went, I supported the people who were small and trying to make their dreams happen rather than go to the larger corporations.
SS: What makes your suits different and unique?
SH: Each one is handmade. They’re made with passion, an extreme eye for detail and there’s a lot of good energy going into every single garment; as opposed to factory made. They’re made to last, support and flatter every different body type. If you can’t find something already made for you, then I’m here to custom alter any of my designs or we can even design something special just for you!
SS: What is your idea of the perfect bathing suit?
SH: The perfect bathing suit is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. For me, it’s the one that gives you a little more of a push-up effect and teenie tiny bottoms for the perfect tan.
SS: South Florida girls love their beachwear and your brand. What makes you popular with the locals?
SH: At the end of the day, you are your brand. I really try my hardest to treat everyone with absolute kindness and impeccable customer service. There are very few things I can’t make happen. How you make someone feel is what keeps them coming back.
SS: You design other things besides swimwear. Tell me about your clothing and accessories.
SH: The creative spark behind Jypsea Local started about 5 years ago with my accessories collection. I started a line of eco-friendly, bullet case jewelry, and then I tapped back into my sewing roots. I’ve integrated that into the company. I feel that as an artist, personally, its important to bounce around with different mediums of creativity to keep it fresh. As far as clothing, now I make maxi dresses, mesh maxi dresses, ponchos, crop tops and have delved into the lucrative world of yoga! My mermaid yoga leggings have had tons of exposure in the yoga community and even made the Yoga Journal Magazine. The same goes with accessories. I make body chains, necklaces, rings, earrings and more to come! Again, these are all made by me and no two items are alike.
SS: You’ve managed to stand out in a crowded fashion arena. What’s your secret?
SH: People know quality garments, and they know quality people. With me, you won’t feel rushed or taken advantage of. I’m here to help you find or build your favorite bikini! My prints and colors are bright and eye catching, but can also be toned down and simple. I really believe I have something for everyone.
SS: It’s not easy to become a swimsuit designer, especially in South Florida. Tell me how you got your start and what’s your ultimate goal as a designer.
SH: I taught myself to sew in a small spare room in my parents’ house. I quit bartending after several years and decided to tackle what I was passionate about- scary! When my friends were out drinking and dining, I was spending that money on fabric. Lots of trial and error with different patterns and fabrics, but with the help of my sisters and friends, perfecting my designs became a little easier. My goal is to infiltrate many great boutiques and inspire others.
SS: I love your Bikini Bar. How did you come up with the concept?
SH: Everyone deserves to have the exact bikini they want at an affordable price. Bar-tending, I would get the most absurd requests, so why not give the bikini addicts what they want!!
SS: What makes a good bathing suit cover-up?
SH: It depends on your coverage preference and what you want covered. If you’re ready to show off those legs, then a shorter cover up (like my poncho) will cover the upper half of the body. If you’d like to go a little more modest, then my full length maxi mesh cover up is great. At floor length, it gives you full coverage with a sexy two slit twist up each side. Either way, it has to be able to breath so that you aren’t dying in the heat, but still have that sheer see through effect.
SS: For the blog, we went with one-pieces, which are making a big comeback this season. What’s in style when it comes to a one-piece?
SH: The high cut, Baywatch 80’s themed one-piece is making a huge comeback. Nude, black and white are always a win and this season we are seeing a lot of Hawaiian florals. A low back cut with minimal side cleavage is also very in.
SS: Are you always bikini-ready? I need help with this! Any tips?
SH: Absolutely. Over the last year I’ve really gotten in tune with my body. After all, I am my brand. I work out at the gym and do yoga MINIMUM three times a week. I drink lots of water (try for a gallon a day) and above all, think before I eat. Diet is 90%. Sure, I mess up, but I have an Italian mother that always has a bowl of pasta ready and doesn’t understand the concept of no carbs. If I splurge, I make up for it and work extra hard. Having a bikini ready body isn’t easy, but what worth having is?
SS: What is your must-have suit of the summer from your line?
SH: THE HONEYCOMB SET! Effortlessly sexy creme base with a nude mesh overlay. Absolutely delicious.
SS: How many bathing suits do you own?
SH: Well, my sister steals them all so it’s pretty scarce right now (haha) but I’ll definitely be adding more soon.
SS: Where can I find you on your day off?
SH: What day off? Just kidding. I rarely take any days off, but when I do, you can find me running the beach to my gym, sipping a cold Coors Light on the beach or out on a boat enjoying this amazing home I call South Florida.
SS: If you could only wear one bathing suit from your line, which would it be and why?
SH: My braided set is my favorite. The top gives you an amazing lift and there’s a thick band of elastic that wraps around your rib cage for an added element of support. Perfect for anything active. Since the top covers a little bit more, I balanced it out with a minimal bottom. The braids from the top tie in nicely with the braids on the bottom. I feel really sexy in this suit and black goes with everything!
SS: What’s the best advice you can give a fashionista when trying to buy the perfect bathing suit?
SH: Don’t be afraid to show off a little booty. This is South Florida!!! If there’s one place to get away with it, it’s here.
For the blog, my stylist (Jackie Kay) and I went for the wonderful one-piece’s in the Jypsea line, choosing the HoneyComb, Mermaid Scales and Exuma Blondie (all pictured in the blog.) My favorite part about rocking a one-piece is being able to wear it with a cool pair of pants, giving off a throwback, 70’s bodysuit look.
We also wanted to show the power of a good cover-up, which can really add pizazz and pretty up any bathing suit. The cobalt blue Mesh Maxi is my absolute favorite from the Jypsea collection. I love the fact that it’s modest, but at the same time (with two deep slits running up the sides,) gives off a subtle sex appeal. I know skin is always in here in South Florida, but I also like leaving a little to the imagination and let’s face it, I’m not 20 anymore.
The bright two-toned pink poncho was fun, flirty and gave me the freedom to stack on the jewelry and be a true fashion diva at the beach. I piled on my favorite custom-made statement pieces by Josette Redwolf to pop the pink in the outfit and called it a day with some top braids. (Both cover-up’s are pictured in the blog.)
The best part about this up-and-coming swimsuit line is that no matter where you wander to and which suit you happen to be wearing, you’ll always be showing off the best version of yourself and you just can’t put a price tag on that kind of feeling; that’s why “A Jypsea Soul” will always be one of my favorite things.
Shop the looks in the blog at WWW.JYPSEALOCAL.COM
Twitter: @JYPSEA_SWIM
Instagram: @JYPSEA_SWIM
Facebook: JYPSEA LOCAL SWIMWEAR
Green stacked bracelets: www.goodluckcharmsmiami.com.
Pink statement necklace and bracelet: www.josetteredwolf.com
Metal/crystal earrings, necklaces and bracelets www.lgeorgedesigns.com
Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com
Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com
Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: O.D.E.T.T
Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com