Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Burg.
Gina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been creatively self-employed most of my life. I was on my own at sixteen, and creativity became both my survival skill and my voice. Over the years, I worked as a gallery manager, photographer, mixed-media artist, and designer—always drawn to the intersection of art, community, and self-expression.
Sunny + Salty Swimwear grew out of my own experience as an active, ocean-loving woman who struggled to find swimwear that truly fit and felt good. After years of walking into surf shops and leaving empty-handed, I decided to create what I couldn’t find: swimwear designed for comfort, confidence, and life in the water, made with respect for the ocean.
After three years of designing and a lot of “how hard can it be?” leaps of faith, I opened my brick-and-mortar shop in Lantana, Florida. Today, Sunny + Salty is more than a boutique; it’s a community space that highlights women-owned, sustainable brands and brings people together through creativity and connection. Getting here hasn’t been linear or easy, but it’s been honest, built by choosing creativity over fear and connection over perfection, one brave decision at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, definitely not smooth. There was a lot of learning as I went and figuring out an industry I had never worked in before, making expensive mistakes, and trusting my gut when there wasn’t a clear rulebook.
There were plenty of moments where things took way longer than expected, or didn’t go as planned, especially with design, sourcing, and opening a brick-and-mortar space. Add in the emotional side of taking risks, spending money before seeing a return, and putting something personal out into the world, and it can be a lot.
That said, every challenge made the business better. It forced me to get creative, stay flexible, and really listen to my customers and community. I don’t think Sunny + Salty would be what it is today without the messy parts.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sunny + Salty Swimwear. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sunny + Salty Swimwear is a coastal boutique with a sense of humor and a conscience. It’s for men and women who love the ocean, respect the locals (the manatees, sharks, gators, and sea turtles included), and don’t mind a little sweat if it means living a full life. We specialize in swimwear and beachwear that’s made to move, last, and feel good—without taking itself too seriously.
We’re probably best known for mixing function with personality. One day, it’s thoughtfully designed swimwear made from recycled materials, the next, it’s a Swamp Queen sweatshirt or a “Respect the Locals” tee featuring Florida’s endangered species. Sustainability is woven into everything we do, not as a trend, but as a responsibility, because if you love the water, you protect it.
What really sets Sunny + Salty apart is that it’s more than a shop; it is a gathering place. We throw block parties to support our business neighbors, host hands-on workshops, and believe retail should feel like community, not a transaction. What I’m most proud of is that Sunny + Salty has become a space where people feel welcome, a little braver, and very much themselves.
I want readers to know this brand was built with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of Florida grit. My shop is proof that you can care deeply, laugh often, and still make waves… Pun intended.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is making things that feel honest, useful, and a little fun. I’m a maker at my core. My wheels are always turning, whether I’m designing swimwear, planning a block party, or tearing apart something in my house because I’m convinced I can make it better. I am always working on something.
I still take on side projects as an artist and interior designer because I need to be creating. That tinkering mindset spills into everything I do, including the shop. It’s why sustainability matters so much to me, and if you’re going to make things, you should make them thoughtfully and with respect for the environment you’re borrowing from.
At the end of the day, I care about building things that bring people together, spark joy, and actually get used and loved. If it’s not meaningful, functional, or fun, I’m probably not interested.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunnysaltyswim.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysaltyswim/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysaltyswim
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ginasmayhem
Image Credits
All product shots by myself, the headshot of me in the boutique was photographed by Sloane Lopez
