Advocates, businesswomen and mothers – there isn’t much these Aussie sisters can’t do!

Meet Naomi Collings and Kristy Parnell, the creators of MARA swim, selling sun protective and fashionable swimwear to Australian women.

After launching a swimwear label in 2017, Australian sisters Naomi and Kirsty are two inspiring women embracing the #progressforchange in more ways than one.

MARA swim prides itself on its luxurious sun safe swimwear collection, incorporating bold prints, unique designs and rich protective fabrics to make women feel comfortable, protected, confident and fashionable.

In the short time of launching, MARA have seen interest from international markets including the US West Coast, French Polynesia and Europe, have stock constantly selling out online, and are currently working on the new summer collection to be released this year - doing this all while being busy dedicated mums, juggling small children and building a successful label.

Naomi said the company is now experiencing a whole new market.

“There are now MARA swim owners all over the world. We have been invited to L.A Fashion Week and we are getting interest from the US Paddleboarding market,” said Naomi.

“What this means for the future is growth for the brand and the sun protection message, not just in Australia. International recognition means women everywhere are joining us to protect their skin and work towards ending skin cancer.

“Every woman should have a sun protective swimwear piece in their wardrobe.”

Pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons has been spotted representing the brand during the world surf league championship tour as a fan and lover of the swimwear.

However, it is the partnership with Melanoma Institute Australia formed this year that means the most to these two sisters, as Naomi was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2014, sparking the inspiration for this label.

“As a business, we want to do all we can to create more awareness for Melanoma and the Melanoma Institute of Australia. It is an organisation that has a very special place in our hearts. Our customers are now joining the MARA swim movement bringing beautiful sun protection into their lives and making the health of their skin a priority.

A $1 from every purchase of any MARA swim product even goes to the Melanoma Institute Australia.

These busy mums are also nominees for this year’s AusMumpreneur, a movement aiming to recognise mothers in business.

“Juggling motherhood and a business can sometimes feel as though there is not enough time in the day, but this has helped build an ability to maximise every minute and see priorities much clearer than we did before,” Naomi said.

“It took time to get used to but now we live it every day. Mothers are some of the toughest people on this planet.”