Salty Togs makes waves

Launched just a few months ago, Pacific-owned Salty Togs Swimwear is connecting with women through its fuller coverage swimsuits

By Jernese Macanawai

Dawn Gibson-Nand spent much of her life in the water and under the sun in Fiji, where she was born and raised. Growing up, comfortable yet flattering swimsuits were hard to come by. Now living in New Zealand, Dawn is designing women’s swimwear that she’s always wanted – and wants others to enjoy.

The former communications professional-turned-business owner is the founder and creative force behind Salty Togs Swimwear, which launched online late last year.

For over a year, Dawn worked to bring her dream to life, starting with developing a business plan. This was not only her first time building a brand from scratch, but also designing actual pieces that people could wear.

She took design software classes and reached out to manufacturers with her original designs, ordering samples to finalise fit and quality. Dawn eventually went with one in China who had been “creating swimwear for over 30 years and for well-known brands”, she explains.

Manufacturing and shipping was “an expensive process” she learnt to navigate largely due to the quality and durability of the fabrics being used. 

The swimsuits – one pieces and bikinis – are made from a premium recycled polyester outer and recycled nylon lining. Each swimsuit also includes removable padding to meet and support different needs.

All the swimwear pieces and sarongs feature unique, colourful tropical flora prints she has hand-drawn, inspired by her upbringing and family memories. But the main selling point is their fuller coverage and modest style.

“I usually research old and new swimsuit styles and try to combine some elements of each to come up with a design that’s cute, a little sexy, but still provides fuller coverage for women who prefer that,” Dawn says. “I honestly believe that you can look and feel confident and sexy in swimwear that provides fuller coverage.”

Since launching in October 2025, Dawn has shipped orders to customers worldwide, including in Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The response, she says, has been “overwhelming and encouraging”. The brand has amassed 3000 followers and counting on social media within just a few months.

“We couldn’t do it without the likes, the shares, the recommendations, and the trust people show us every time they buy a product.”

‘Don’t count yourself out’

Dawn says such early success has made the hard work and sacrifice all the more worthwhile and credits the wealth of helpful resources available in New Zealand to support first-time business owners. She encourages people with big dreams to give it a go.

“Personal application is powerful. I believe that by intentionally applying yourself to a dream you might have – even if it’s 30 minutes a day – for a year or even six months, you will be significantly closer to achieving it.

“A lot can change in as little as a year if you dedicate yourself to it. I know that sounds so obvious, but I didn’t really think about it in that way until I began working on this business. Don’t count yourself out just because it’s hard. You’ll have a lot to learn, and there will be so many times when you second-guess yourself, but you can do it.”

Moving forward, fuller coverage but fashionable women’s swimsuits will remain a central pillar of Salty Togs, even while the brand considers expanding into men’s swimwear, women’s clothing, and “mums and bubs sets”, Dawn explains.

Her faith, however, is the heartbeat of it all. The 35-year-old, who is of Rotuman, Fijian and mixed European heritage, says that foundation her parents and grandparents laid is now woven all throughout her “faith-led” business.

“I don’t separate my spiritual life from my creative life; in fact, it influences my work. In our family, we pray over decisions, and that’s exactly the same for Salty Togs. I seek wisdom before expanding, and I try to build slowly and sustainably rather than chasing the latest trends.

“It also influences the way I design swimwear. We have always wanted our pieces to give women the option of beautiful swimwear that offers a bit more coverage and playfulness, without the added pressure to reveal more than they might want to.

“Having a faith-led business model is a way of reminding me that business is a form of service. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s also about contributing something good to the world.”

A matter of faith

Family is important to Dawn, and much of the inspiration for her swimsuits and sarongs comes from her closest loved ones. It’s why she named her launch pieces after her mother, Fanny Tekela, her only sister, Emily and her best friend, Francesca, who unexpectedly passed away last year.

When she’s not running the business from her workbench, Dawn is a dedicated wife to husband, Deral and mum to their one-year-old son, Matteo.

Dawn says time management is key.

“I prioritise my time, including taking advantage of the time that Matteo is sleeping. It’s been really valuable for me to have a schedule and a routine, especially working from home, because they provide structure and direction to my day. It might sound simple, but I also have a really supportive husband who believes in me, in the business, and supports the vision.”

Other women, she insists, can do the same. She encourages those starting out to make the most out of the tools and opportunities around them.

“The internet has so many great resources, and a lot of them are free. Embrace social media. If you have a business idea on your heart, brainstorm it out with people you trust, create a business plan, and go from there. I found it very helpful to map out the next steps and tick them off a list.

“And to the women of faith, pray about your ideas and trust that He is guiding and leading you. If something doesn’t align with your business model or beliefs, don’t feel pressured to change just to please the world.”