A ‘funky little swimsuit shop': Whether it helps your bust line or your backside, Ophelia Swimwear offers something for everyone

When you walk into Ophelia Swimwear in Grayton Beach you are immediately greeted by a friendly face and a warm welcome.

Owner Tori Von Hoene says she has always loved playing dress up and wants to use her passion to benefit South Walton County.

"I noticed there were not that many options in the area for adults and new moms," said the Louisiana native. "So after checking out different types of retail options I decided on swimwear."

Ophelia Swimwear and Accessories opened March 1 and offers patrons more than 12 lines of bathing suits, which are made for almost any body type. They also sell a variety of cover-ups, sunglasses and handmade beach towels.

Von Hoene said she carries brands ranging from Letarte and Shoshanna to Vix, Ondademar, Badgley mischka and Zimmermann.

"What we really want to do is offer suits that are flattering for everyone," Von Hoene said, "whether it helps your bust line or your backside. One of my goals is to make women feel comfortable about themselves."

One thing Von Hoene has done to comfort her patrons is displaying portraits of local women on the walls wearing her bathing suits.

"All of the girls have different body types and sizes," she said. "The pictures even include a nursing mother. I think this really helps people when they come in. If they see people who look like they do, they feel more at ease."

While she has only been open for a little over a month now, Von Hoene said she has enjoyed steady business so far.

"The foot traffic has been picking up a lot with spring breakers in town," she said. "March was pretty difficult, but more and more people are hearing about us through word of mouth and through our Facebook page.”

Bathing suits at Ophelia's average around $130 for both top and bottom.

"We have tried really hard and done a pretty good job of not having a bathing suit over $200," Von Hoene said. "This is pretty good compared to other stores who sell high-end suits. It can be tough to keep prices low, but we are proud of what we have."

Von Hoene said she likes to think of her store as a "funky little swimsuit shop" where people can enjoy a typically uncomfortable shopping experience.

"This is a fun store where people can shop in a comfortable, laid back place," she said. "We really try not to make bathing suit shopping a chore."

Ophelia Swimwear and Accessories is located at 76 Logan Lane, in Grayton Beach. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and can be reached at 850-231-0676.