Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Polanco.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for fashion, art, and business has been with me for as long as I can remember. Growing up with a single, immigrant mother, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices she made to provide for our household. Watching her navigate those challenges inspired me to be resourceful from a young age. I was always looking for ways to earn my own money—whether that meant doing hair for family members, selling chocolates at school, or DIY-ing and selling my own clothing. Hustling became second nature to me.
In 2019, I asked my boyfriend for a sewing machine for Christmas. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, I was furloughed from my job and suddenly had the time—and the motivation—to start learning. I turned to “YouTube University” and taught myself how to sew.
As a Florida girl through and through, I naturally gravitated toward designing swimwear. After finishing my first swimsuit, I was hooked. I kept creating and soon began sharing my designs on social media. The response was overwhelming—in the best way. People really connected with my work, and I knew right then that launching a swimwear line would be my first real business venture.
Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve expanded my brand to include both swimwear and athletic wear. I’ve generated over five figures in sales and, more importantly, built a community where women can shop confidently and feel empowered, supported, and seen.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business from scratch always comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. Do your research, yes—but be prepared to figure a lot out along the way. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are essential.
The creative side of running a business has always been the most fun for me. That’s where I feel inspired and in flow—even though I’ve definitely had my moments of “creator’s block.” That self-doubt, or lack of motivation, can slow you down if you let it. It’s something many creatives face, but not everyone talks about.
That said, the real challenges have come from the business side. Things like building a website, keeping up with bookkeeping, and learning how to effectively communicate, negotiate, and managing each role necessary as a solo entrepreneur —those have been the steepest parts of the learning curve. They’re not the most glamorous parts of entrepreneurship, but they’re absolutely necessary for turning your vision into something sustainable.
We’ve been impressed with PIEL, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
PIEL—which means “skin” in Spanish—was created to celebrate and support all women, embracing the beauty and diversity of every skin tone, type, and ethnicity under one name. At its core, the brand is about building a community of strong-minded women who love themselves both inside and out. My mission is to ensure that every woman feels her absolute best when wearing my designs.
PIEL offers a unique, handcrafted line of apparel made with intention and care. From day one, our focus has been on the little things that make a big difference—like ensuring quality in every piece, creating brand loyalty by giving back to our customers, and staying true to a vision that uplifts and empowers. We’ve built a brand where women can feel confident, authentic, and beautiful in their own skin.
What I’m most proud of is how PIEL has continued to grow and thrive, even through challenges—and how much genuine love and support we’ve received from our community along the way. That connection means everything.
What are your plans for the future?
I have a million ideas I want to bring to life as PIEL continues to grow and evolve. But no matter how far we go, my priority is to stay rooted in why I started this journey in the first place: a genuine love for sewing and creating fashion that empowers women. Staying creatively inspired—with fresh designs, expanding our product line, and exploring new ventures like an accessories collection or brand collaborations—is key to our continued growth.
A big part of our future also lies in deepening our connection with the PIEL community. We’re committed to hosting more events where women can come together to focus on their well-being—spaces that promote empowerment, self-love, and connection. These experiences reflect everything the brand stands for: confidence, authenticity, and celebrating women in all their forms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pielbysp.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pielbystephaniepolanco
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bystephaniepolanco
