About Marveca
Our Founder's Story...
It all started in 2014, when I embarked on a trip through Central America. I fell in love with Costa Rica's beautiful landscape, the ocean, surfing, and, of course, Mauricio, my surf instructor. Now my vacation had come to an end, and I had to return to my job as a custom design assistant in Germany. I had difficulty returning to my regular work schedule; the rush of the film production indsutry and the large city life just didn't feel right. My mind kept returning to the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle that I encountered in Costa Rica. 7 months after my first visit to Costa Rica, I sold my possessions, packed a suitcase, sent my sewing machines across the Atlantic Ocean, and leaped into the unknown...
My grandmother taught me how to sew and draw when I was five years old. I used to make costumes for drama class in school, which led to a three-year apprenticeship program to become a seamstress, followed by a fashion design study at the Fashion School Stuttgart. My lifelong desire had always been to one day own my own clothing label, and Costa Rica felt like the ideal location to make that dream a reality.
The Original Custom Swimsuit
After marrying Mauricio and having two dogs, I began making my first bikinis at home and selling them to my husband's surf clients on the beach. I quickly realized that it was difficult to find a good quality, yet cute designed, swimwear that would stay on in heavy waves, so the concept of starting a bikini label was born, and I finally discovered a means to make a living as a foreigner in Costa Rica. I worked as a waitress on weekends and designed bikinis as a side hustle.
Approximately a year later, I started my first shop in Jacó, which has since moved three times and increased in size. I also started designing all of the fabric patterns myself, initially by hand drawing them on paper and then transferring them into computer patterns.
Our Passion
We want to give you a little piece of the paradise I discovered in Costa Rica with my handmade beachwear. They are crafted with passion, love, and the belief that if you work hard for what you want in life, you will find it.
Our Name: Marveca
My family always had a hard time finding a good name for something they love. When I was born, it took my parents 3 days until they decided a name for me. There was even an article in the newspaper that said "girl without name is born". They decided then after 3 days, to call me Magdalena Venise Carmen. That's just my first name.
It took me about 2 weeks brainstorming for a name. Then, one morning I had learned the Spanish word for ocean: "mar." Then, I had the name for my label. A combination of my three first names ( MA-VE-CA) + the word for my favorite place in the world, the ocean. Marveca!
What Makes Marveca Handmade Beachwear Different?
UNIQUE & HAND-PAINTED PRINTS: Seeing someone on the beach with the same bikini you have can be uncomfortable...
We provide you the ability to make something unique. Find your own style by selecting your favorite hand-painted fabric print for each custom swimsuit design. You can mix and match as well!
CUSTOM-MADE: You finally found a design you love, but your size is sold out. Or worse, it's not true to size, or only sold as a set. Many women need different sizes for top and bottom...
At Marveca, we will make a bikini just for you with your measurements, so it will always fit like a second skin. We have a range of small to large cup sizes, as well as bottom styles from thong, cheeky, moderate, and full coverage. All bikinis are sold separately, allowing you to hand-select your favorite top and bottom.
DESIGNED TO STAY ON, COMFORTABLY: Most bikinis have wire that irritates your skin, straps that hurt your neck. Or, it doesn't give enough support, or it falls off in the water.
All Marveca designs are made for surfing AND lifestyle. They are comfortable, adjustable, and won't fall off in the water or on your next girls' day out. The support is provided by flexible elastic straps rather than wires. These straps are always tied in such a way that the weight of your chest is distributed across multiple points on your body. My friend refers to it as the "German engineering" that makes the bikinis so comfortable.
Why Buying Handmade is Better
Because it's good for the environment
Every piece of Marveca swimwear is hand cut. We only make what you order, so there is no waste. With the scraps, we replenish our shop in Jacó or make little patchwork bags for shipping!
We print on fabrics made from regenerated nylon, and work with a company that uses eco-friendly printers that eliminate energy and water-consuming steps. We also use 100% biodegradable inks to create our exclusive prints. Our sewing machines use 70% less energy than traditional industrial machines.
Because its better for people
Mass production requires bulk purchasing, which forces businesses to make cost reductions down the line. This results in outsourcing labor from factories that pay their seamstresses less than a survivable wage. These women live below the poverty line and are not given a dignifed work opportunity.
Marveca is concerned about both the environment AND people. I, Magdalena, was fortunate to have had access to education and medical care, but not everyone has the same privilege.
At Marveca, we are passionate about teaching skills that our employees may not have had access to. At the moment, all our employees are single mothers raising children without assistance. But now, they are empowered with a skill and an income. They can support their families and send their children to school with their earnings.
Because you can purchase with a purpose
By purchasing Marveca Swimwear and Beachwear, you help a local business whose purpose is greater than just making a profit. We do a little happy dance every time a new order arrives, and you just make a a woman entreprenuer's day.
A custom swimsuit is always something special. You will love and care for it twice as much as buying from a big name brand. It may be more difficult to find, but it is worth the search because it has soul and is created with love and passion.
Because it can better meet your needs
With seamstresses specializing in custom swimwear , you can tell us what you want, and we are always willing to make adjustments to your swimsuit. You can mix and match fabrics and designs to find the right style and coverage for you. Make something truly one-of-a-kind that is made just for you!
Thank you for buying handmade beachwear!
¡Pura Vida!
Magdalena & the Marveca Team