IN THE REALM OF FASHION, FEW TALES ARE AS CAPTIVATING AS THE JOURNEY OF THE EPSTEINS – One that has transcended trends, epitomised style, and set a new standard for customer-centric excellence.
Meet Tarryn and Richard Epstein, the dynamic couple and visionary business partners steering the helm of the Sea Weeds, Slimsuit, and Sea Storm brands. Their journey extends beyond transforming a swimwear boutique into a fashion haven; it’s a testament to their entrepreneurial expertise, leaving a lasting impact on the South African retail landscape.
SEA WEEDS
Imagine the sun-kissed shores of the Atlantic Seaboard, where in 1979, the vibrant tale of Sea Weeds unfolded. From its modest inception, this boutique swiftly evolved into a symbol of swimwear elegance in the Western Cape. It became a beacon, drawing South African celebrities and trendsetters seeking not just swimwear but a unique blend of dedicated service and stylish clothing ranges.
In 2007, with 13 years of fashion industry expertise, Tarryn took the reins of the popular Sea Weeds brand, with one boutique in Constantia Village.
Her shift from a dynamic corporate retail career echoed a desire for a more flexible, fulfilling work-life balance, particularly after embracing motherhood. Tarryn attributes her entrepreneurial success to the solid foundation laid during her corporate career, with a strong work ethic, deep understanding of her customer base, and continuous efforts to stand out in a competitive market being the cornerstones of her achievements.
Fuelled by a passion for both retail and business, she relishes being in a leadership position, using her skills to motivate, develop, and train her staff. The Sea Weeds team, with members who have been with her since the start of her journey, reflects her commitment to fostering a positive and dynamic work environment.
SEA STORM
Having nurtured the Sea Weeds and Slimsuit brands, Richard discerned a gap in the menswear market; an opportunity for a fresh approach to fashion. This realisation marked the birth of Sea Storm, a dedicated space within Sea Weeds catering to discerning gentlemen seeking quality, fit, and style. Bugatti, an international fashion brand since 1978, blends European elegance with modern urban chic, while A Fish Named Fred brings forth fearless, daring, and brave designs, celebrating the uniqueness of men, and Psycho Bunny brings sophisticated mischief to the consumer, offering a sense of rebellion with style. Sea Storm is also represented within the four outlets in Constantia Village, Sea Point, Cavendish Square and Franschhoek.
THE FUTURE UNFOLDS
Beyond business, the Epsteins showcase
a story of family, dedication, and passion. Tarryn and Richard, alongside their dedicated team of many years, have become the architects of not just fashion success but a legacy of excellence in Southern Africa. Sea Weeds, now with outlets in Constantia Village, Sea Point, Cavendish and Franschhoek, has become a curator of global fashion trends, with the boutique’s selection including brands that redefine swimwear and fashion. From Miraclesuit, Piha, Moontide, Joseph Ribkoff, Sea Level Swim to Bond-Eye Swimwear, Marble, Lulalife, and LulaSoul – each brand brings a distinctive touch, from sculpting confidence to embodying the iconic South African summer spirit.
SLIMSUIT DISTRIBUTORS
In Tarryn’s inaugural season at Sea Weeds, the closure of South Africa’s largest swimwear manufacturer prompted a strategic pivot. Choosing not to rely on external suppliers, she founded Slimsuit Distributors in 2010; a pivotal shift from retail to global distribution. In 2014, her husband Richard, with a background in international property, joined full-time, bringing financial acumen and marketing prowess to the forefront. The Slimsuit chapter has since unfolded into a global narrative, representing 10 renowned brands from various corners of the world. Strategically targeting a discerning audience aged 35 and above, the collections on offer transcend boundaries. Brands showcased in over 160 stores nationwide signify their ambitious reach, with expansion plans into Africa on the horizon.