about me

Aloha! I’m Annie, and I grew up in the beautiful rainbow state that is Hawaii, specifically the Big Island (of Hawaii). In the summer of 2014, as a full-time college student eager to channel my creative energy, I was fortunate to receive a sewing machine for my birthday. Despite knowing nothing about sewing or where to start, I started. Back then, cheeky bikini styles were just beginning to be seen in Hawaii, and I thought (like many others), “How could something so small cost so much?” At the time, there were few resources online to help me learn, but my desire to upgrade my beachwear affordably pushed me to figure it out. I studied the swimsuits I owned to guide me in the right direction. By the end of that year, that first project ignited a DIY passion in me, and I launched my Etsy shop, (aptly named) Manini Bikini.

A couple years later I faced a setback when a competing brand sent me a cease and desist notice for my original business name. Rather than letting that discourage me, I embraced the challenge and rebranded as Iniki Swimwear after my middle name. Over the past decade, I've fulfilled over 7,000 orders on Etsy and created more bikinis than I could have ever imagined when I was that beginner seamstress with no sewing or business skills.

I'm beyond excited to share the sewing knowledge and patterns I've developed and gained through years of trial and error in this industry. My hope is that my unique designs and tutorials will inspire you (whether a beginner or not) to create your own one-of-a-kind swimwear at home, just like I did when I first started. Let’s dive into creativity together!

~leave any questions or comments for me below~