Meet Elise Taormina + Morgan Brahs | Founders of Nuku Swim

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elise Taormina + Morgan Brahs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elise Taormina + Morgan Brahs, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
At Nuku, we find inspiration in the timeless femininity of women who embody confidence and grace. We draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us—both near and far. Our brand was born on a trip to the breathtaking island of Tavarua, where we were captivated by the deep ocean blues, coral reefs, and the raw, organic textures of nature. That connection to the earth is reflected in everything we create. We’re drawn to rich earth tones, unique textiles, and the effortless beauty of natural materials. Travel fuels our creativity, but staying local is just as important—every piece is designed and made right here in Orange County.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart ?
At Nuku, every suit is hand-cut and hand-sewn right here in Orange County, ensuring quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. We’ve built a brand that blends effortless femininity with deep ties to nature—drawing inspiration from Hawaii, the ocean, and organic textures. Beyond our designs, what truly sets us apart is how we operate: it’s just the two of us running Nuku, working closely with an incredible team that feels like family. Each piece is a result of strong relationships and a commitment to creating something incredible.

What are you most proud of or excited about in your business right now?
We’re really proud of how we’ve been able to grow and adapt while staying true to our vision. Starting as a direct-to-consumer brand and expanding into wholesale was a big shift, but it allowed us to reach more people in a way that still felt personal. Right now, we’re excited about the new colors and textures we’re bringing into our collections and the amazing stores we’re partnering with. It’s rewarding to see our suits in places that align with our brand and values.

How did you get to where you are today? Was the journey easy, or did you face challenges along the way?
It has definitely been a journey! Running a business with just the two of us means wearing a lot of hats—design, production, marketing, and everything in between. The market and consumer behavior have changed so much over the past seven years, so being able to pivot has been key. It’s been a mix of trial and error, learning as we go, and trusting our instincts.

If there were challenges, how did you overcome them?
As a small team, one of the biggest challenges is pushing forward when things get tough. There’s no roadmap, no boss telling us what to do—it’s just us making decisions on the fly, adapting, and figuring things out as we go. Mistakes are inevitable, whether big or small, but what really matters is how you get to the other side of them.
There have been plenty of moments where we’ve second-guessed ourselves, wondering if we’re making the right call. But we’ve learned to trust our instincts, lean on each other, and take things step by step. The ability to adapt is everything in running a small business. No matter how challenging it gets, we always remind ourselves why we started—our passion for creating, our commitment to quality, and the amazing community that supports us. That keeps us moving forward.

What valuable lessons have you learned through this process?
One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of resilience—sticking with it through the highs and lows. We’ve also learned that relationships are everything. From the talented people who sew our suits to the boutiques that carry our brand, every connection matters. Lastly, trusting our gut and staying true to what makes Nuku special has been key. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts.

What do you want the world to know about you, your brand, and your story?
Nuku isn’t just a swimwear brand—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we love. Every piece is made with care, from the first sketch to the final stitch. Our ties to Hawaii, our love for nature, and our commitment to making everything locally are at the heart of what we do. We want people to feel confident, effortless, and connected when they wear our suits, just like we felt when we first dreamt up this brand on the shores of Tavarua.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Huge shoutout to Natasha, the amazing owner of Purre Boutique in Costa Mesa! She has supported us since day one and has been such a guiding light on this journey. We’re beyond grateful for her belief in us and our brand.

Website: https://www.nukuswim.com

Instagram: @nukuswim

Facebook: @nukuswim

Image Credits
@Valvogtbauer @tahneinei