Making A Splash: A Q&A With Bathing Belle Swimwear’s Danica Salajko (Win!)

With winter getaway season in full swing, Bathing Belle Swimwear is here to turn up the heat with its latest Cruise Collection—a lineup of fan-favourite, ultra-flattering swimsuits designed for real women who love both style and comfort.

Founded by Danica Salajko, Bathing Belle has built a reputation for custom-fit swimwear that makes every body feel confident, and this collection is no exception. Featuring vibrant prints like Jungle Cat, Midnight Olive, and Papaya, and silhouettes that sculpt and support, each piece is tailored to perfection—with the added bonus of free alterations for a year.

We sat down with Danica to talk swimwear, confidence, and what makes the perfect suit for your next vacation. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to create Bathing Belle Swimwear, and how has the brand evolved since its founding in 2018?

Bathing Belle was inspired by my passion for making swimsuit shopping a better, more uplifting experience. Growing up in a family business dedicated to custom swimwear, I saw firsthand how life-changing a perfect fit can be. Now, I’m on a mission to create confidence—one fabulous swimsuit at a time!

What began in the humble (and somewhat scary) basement of my home has grown into something much bigger. In 2018, I took the leap and opened my brick-and-mortar store in Toronto’s Roncesvalles Village. This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate seven years in business! Since our opening, we’ve listened closely to hundreds of our clients, and our latest collection directly reflects their priorities and ideas.

What sets the Cruise Collection apart from your previous collections, and how did you decide which fan-favourite styles to include?

The Cruise Collection shines with its focus on timeless, effortlessly flattering styles like the Peek-a-Boo, Underwire, and Marilyn One-Pieces. Unlike past collections that played with bold risks, this one is all about go-to designs that truly fit “real bodies,” making every choice a confident, no-brainer win!

How do you approach designing swimsuits that balance style, comfort, and functionality for a wide range of body types?

Designing swimwear for all body types starts with listening to our customers. We prioritize adjustable features, like straps that can be customized for optimal comfort and support. Our focus also extends to fabric selection, using eco-friendly Lycra that offers compression, quick-drying properties, and exceptional durability. Plus, we include alterations at no additional cost, offering the same price whether the swimsuit is custom or off the rack.

What role did Jennifer Fennell play in curating this collection, and how did your collaboration shape its final designs?

Jenn’s sharp eye for detail and genius in construction and fit have been total game-changers for Bathing Belle. Together, we handpicked our best-selling styles and curated colors and prints that our customers can’t get enough of!

The collection celebrates authentic beauty by featuring everyday women instead of professional models. Why was this an important decision for Bathing Belle?

By featuring everyday women of all ages, we showcase how our swimwear is thoughtfully designed to celebrate real bodies, real lives, and the beauty of age diversity. It’s all about embracing the uniqueness of every woman, proving that confidence doesn’t have an age limit and beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!

How does your commitment to inclusivity and personalization—such as offering one year of free alterations—enhance the customer experience?

We like to think of it as insurance for your swimsuit! Haha. Sometimes it’s only after your holiday that you realize you’d prefer the leg cut a little higher or the straps adjusted for a better fit. We want our customers to feel confident knowing they’re not just getting great value, but also the reassurance that their swimsuit can be tailored to their needs.

Can you share more about the “secret flamingo room” and how it contributes to creating a comfortable swimsuit shopping environment?

The “Flamingo” fitting room is pure fun! As a nod to my childhood dream of having a pink bedroom, I brought it to life with this vibrant space. Designed to help customers feel relaxed and special, the room features flamingo-print wallpaper and soft, warm lighting. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere creates a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience.

Sustainability is a key aspect of your brand. How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your designs and production processes?

We’ve been committed to sustainability long before it became a trend! Eco-friendly fabrics from Italy and the UK have always been central to our business. Every swimsuit is sewn by Jenn and I — whether you shop online or in-store, there’s no mass manufacturing here.

To minimize waste, we use fabric offcuts to create scrunchies, keeping discarded materials out of landfills. Saving the planet, one scrunchie at a time!

What’s your advice for women who feel self-conscious about swimsuit shopping, and how does Bathing Belle aim to make it a more positive experience?

My advice is to focus on what makes you feel good, not just what’s trendy. At Bathing Belle, we’re dedicated to helping you embrace your unique beauty and find a swimsuit that enhances your best features. With personalized fittings, a welcoming atmosphere, and inclusive designs, we’re all about making you feel confident and celebrated.

As a founder and designer, what’s the most rewarding part of helping customers find or create their perfect swimsuit?

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone’s reaction when they try on something I’ve created and how it makes them feel! Knowing that I’ve played a part in helping them embrace their beauty and feel empowered is what motivates me every day.

Win! A $250 Bathing Belle Swimwear Gift Card!

Congrats Lisa L. of Winnipeg, MB, who will receive a $250 Bathing Belle Swimwear Gift Card! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.