From selling swimsuits at the beach to watching their designs slay the fashion runways, Cami Rush and Robyn Orieux, sisters and co-owners of Fenntessa, have carved out a space for themselves in the world of sustainable swimwear.
The name — dreamed up by their father and stitched together using the sisters’ middle names — Fenntessa is proof that family is at the heart of everything they do.
What began as a grassroots hustle is now a successful Vancouver-based business.
Today, Fenntessa is more than just a swimwear brand — it’s a celebration of confidence, creativity, and the power of starting small but dreaming big. It is a brand born from a love of freedom, movement, and making waves in every sense of the word.
The brand features high-quality, flattering and colourful pieces with a whimsical flair that any trendsetter can appreciate.
“We don’t follow the crowd and that’s very intentional,” said Rush.
The faces behind the brand: Cami Rush and Robyn Orieux
Everything is thought out, down to the packaging. Following an effective environmental system, they work with a small family-run workshop in Colombia to produce their ISO Certified swimwear. Not only are printed fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, they avoid shipping with plastic.
As part of our “Client of the Month” series, we touched base with the co-founder and owner Cami on everything from how she got her first customer to her biggest challenge as a small business owner:
What motivated you to start your own business?
My dad was an entrepreneur, and I was always inspired by the freedom he had—to set his own schedule and follow his own path. He used to say, “Be your own boss,” and I took that to heart. It stuck with me and shaped the way I approach work and life.
What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
The freedom, hands down. I love being able to take a spontaneous day off to spend time with friends and family. I also have complete creative control—I can design whatever I dream up, without limitations. That kind of freedom is everything to me.
What has been your biggest challenge as a small business owner?
The financial side has definitely been the biggest challenge. I didn’t go to business school and I’m an artist at heart, so things like accounting and financial planning didn’t come naturally. I would be completely lost without my bookkeepers and accountant!
How did you get your first customer?
I used to sell swimsuits at the beach and carry extras with me everywhere—events, parties, you name it. I was always wearing one and always had a few on hand. It was very grassroots, but it worked.
How did your business get its name?
Our dad actually named it. It’s a blend of our middle names—my sister Robyn’s is Fenner, and mine is Tessa. I love that it feels personal and reminds me of my family every day.
Fun fact most people don’t know about your business?
I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. I started with selling blackberries, then paintings as a teenager, then silk-screened tees, women’s clothing, and eventually landed on swimwear and resort wear. I had two brands before Fenntessa: a t-shirt brand called Palmtree and a womenswear label called Crush. Every step was a learning experience that brought me to where I am now.
Describe a typical day:
I usually start with emails. Then my colleague Verena comes into the office and we review inventory and outline tasks for the day and week ahead. After that, I shift into marketing. In the evening, I dive into the creative side—designing, sketching, and experimenting with new ideas.
Proudest moment so far?
We’ve thrown some amazing fashion shows that brought together such an inspiring community. Seeing our designs on the runway, worn with confidence, was one of the proudest moments of my career.
What sets Fenntessa apart from others in the industry?
We’re driven by creativity, not trends. Our pieces are made for trendsetters and early adopters—people who aren’t afraid to express themselves. We don’t follow the crowd, and that’s very intentional.
What’s your favorite part of the swimwear industry?
I love that sustainability is becoming more important in this space. Our printed fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles, and we avoid shipping with plastic. Our manufacturer shares our low-waste values too. It feels good to know that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible.
What’s your #1 motivator?
Creativity. I’m happiest when I’m designing or dreaming up new concepts. It’s deeply satisfying to bring something into the world that didn’t exist before.
What’s your vision for the business?
To expand into more clothing categories—dresses, camisoles, coverups—while continuing to use sustainable fabrics and practices. I want to keep evolving creatively without compromising our values.
Who is your product for?
Anyone who values individuality. Our pieces aren’t made for the masses—they’re for people who celebrate uniqueness, expression, and authenticity.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
Go for it—and don’t overthink it. You’ll learn as you go, just like any other job. Experience is the best teacher.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
Ask for help. People genuinely want to see you succeed, but they can’t help unless you reach out. You don’t have to do everything yourself—and you shouldn’t. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your vision. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, so having a good support system makes all the difference.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
I practice yoga almost every day, and I love playing tennis and golf. I make a conscious effort to stay active—it helps me stay grounded. I also travel often and try to truly disconnect during those trips to recharge and reset.
What does supporting local mean to you?
To me, it means being mindful of what we consume and where it comes from. Even more than “supporting local,” I believe in conscious consumption. If a t-shirt costs $8 full price at a big chain store, we should all be asking how it was made and at what cost—socially and environmentally.
How can people best support your business right now?
By shopping through our website or visiting the incredible retail stores that carry us. We’re proud to be in every one of those locations and so grateful for the support.
The Fenntessa story is a bold reminder that with passion, persistence, and a sharp eye for style, dreams can evolve into something lasting, woven with meaning, beauty and intention.
Get summer-ready with Fenntessa at these local retail shopping centres or shop online. Find your new favourite swimsuit by following Fenntessa on Instagram here.
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