This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Women’s Celebrating Women in Business Expo, and it was truly a memorable experience. As a business owner, every event brings new challenges, new lessons, and new connections, but what made this one stand out was the energy of being surrounded by other women who are also building their dreams. It’s inspiring to see women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey—some just starting, others thriving—and knowing that we’re all pushing forward together.

      One of the most special moments of the day was when a group of high school girls came around to interview female business owners. They asked me about my journey, what it takes to run a business, and any advice I had for future entrepreneurs. Seeing their curiosity and excitement reminded me of why I started. It was an honor to share my experience and hopefully spark inspiration in the next generation of women pursuing their dreams.

Of course, the day wasn’t without its challenges. Bringing my entire setup to the event was a huge task. My boyfriend had to work, so his uncle stepped in to help transport everything, which was a first for us. Then there’s the usual struggle of running an event like this—managing my booth, engaging with attendees, and balancing everything while also being a mom. Having my family and friends there for support made all the difference. At times, I feel bad asking them to spend hours at these events, knowing it can be long and tiring, but the fact that they show up for me means so much

      The response to my brand was great—everyone loved the setup and the swimwear. Other vendors even complimented how beautiful my booth looked. But one thing I kept hearing from women was that they weren’t “bikini ready.” Even though they loved my designs, they weren’t quite ready to buy. On the other hand, the Charm Bar was a hit—especially with younger girls. That was definitely a highlight!

I won’t lie—after all the time, effort, and energy put into preparing for the event, only making a couple of sales was discouraging. But after stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, I realized that this experience was still valuable. Building relationships, learning more about my community, and collaborating with other women all play a part in long-term success.

      For my next event, I want to refine my approach. I’m thinking of offering more incentives—maybe bundling deals or creating a better way to help women find the perfect fit. I also want to focus on attracting more bikini-ready customers or encouraging attendees to share my brand with someone they know who is. Every event is a learning experience, and I’m grateful for each step forward.

At the end of the day, Jasmine Romero Swim is growing, and so am I. And that’s what matters most.

JasmineRomero SWIM