In African ancestry, the calabash is a traditional magic pot representing the cosmic womb. Inside this calabash, ingredients are added to direct intentions toward what we wish to “birth to life.” The journey to creative inception can be winding for many, and the more dynamic and multifaceted an individual is, the more complex that journey may become.
Sarah Mark’s journey into creative entrepreneurship certainly embodies this complexity. However, with the relaunch of Calabash Swim for 2024, it would be remiss to rule her out.
“I wanted to create a brand that embodies the essence of the Caribbean. Our region is naturally stunning, with a culture that is undeniably rich and resilient. These are the reasons millions of tourists flock to our islands each year. The development of Calabash Swim is about showcasing that the Caribbean has so much more to offer. We’re all familiar with the big swimwear/clothing brands from the U.S., Europe, South America, etc., but I want the world to see that Calabash Swim stands among the MANY exceptional brands that are Caribbean-born & Caribbean-owned.”
Sarah Mark has always expressed her deep love for Caribbean culture, which is embedded in her creative expression. From her early days as a recording artist, her sound and writing consistently incorporated Caribbean elements, and as a designer, her creative output is no different.
“Our region is more than just a collection of beautiful islands with vibrant culture. We are a hub of talent, creativity, and immense potential, ready to shine on the global stage. Calabash Swim, and many other Caribbean brands, is a testament to that.”
Each piece in the Calabash collection is meticulously crafted from sustainable materials, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. The form-fitting designs hug the body, providing comfort, support, and confidence. Each step of the production process is guided by a deep respect for nature, from the use of recycled materials to a commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.
But Calabash Swim’s story doesn’t end with its products. The brand is dedicated to promoting sustainability beyond swimwear. By raising awareness and supporting environmental initiatives, they aim to inspire the Caribbean community to join them in protecting the planet’s beauty.
Calabash Swim reflects Sarah Mark’s design evolution, and it’s by no means her first venture into the competitive swimwear market. Her previous brand, Golden Girl Swim, saw success before COVID, but Sarah candidly shared, “I had to put Golden Girl Swim on hold during the pandemic. Like many, I faced the challenges COVID brought. During that time, I ventured into different industries, but there was always this feeling that I wasn’t where I was meant to be. Everything else felt disconnected from who I truly am. My love for swimwear started when I moved to Antigua in 2013, and ever since, it’s been a constant pull. I had to trust my intuition, and what I believed were signs, and get back into it. It was something I couldn’t ignore.”
So, in 2023, Sarah made the decision to return to her passion. “I did all the groundwork to build the foundation for Calabash Swim, and by the Grace of God, here we are today!”
Having learned from her experiences with Golden Girl Swim, she is determined to re-enter the market with precision and strategic refinement. “I think Golden Girl Swim represented the younger me, and the styles reflected that. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I’ve grown a lot since the initial launch, and I wanted my brand to evolve with that growth. Now, my designs are more refined, taking on a bit more edge, but still stylish and sexy. I think they take on a maturity that aligns with who I am now.”
