St. Johns County Business Spotlight: Tidewater Tots

Established in 2020 by Abbie Paul, Tidewater Tots is a local business that designs and creates unique mix-and-match swimwear for toddlers and youth handmade in St. Johns County. The idea for the company originated when Abbie was having difficulty finding swimwear for her toddlers that was different from what you’d typically find in a department store and also made in the U.S.A. Now, Tidewater Tots employs 20 people, and the swimwear can be found in 25 stores throughout the United States.

Abbie shares her thoughts on having a business here in St. Johns County.

Q: What inspired you to select St. Johns County as the home of your business?

A: When I moved to St. Augustine in 2000, I instantly fell in love with the city and the county in general. I understand that St. Johns County is very business friendly and supportive of small business owners, so when we outgrew our old location located outside of St. Johns County and were ready to take the leap to a new home base for our growing business, I knew it had to be St. Johns County. 

Q: What is the best part about a having a business in St. Johns County?

A: As a business owner, it is also very important that my company is in a business-friendly county. My experiences with the staff in the county offices are always very positive. This makes a world of a difference when running a small business! Beyond that, the local community has been so supportive of our growing business venture!

Q: What is your biggest business success to date?

A: We just celebrated four years in business and that is huge to me! It feels more and more real with each year, and I pinch myself every time I see another boutique or resort order our products for their shop. Beyond that, purchasing our own building in St. Augustine in order to keep up with our growth, and the process of making it our own was a huge undertaking, but a very big milestone for us.  

Q: What is your vision for the future of your business?

A: Our brand is growing very quickly. I see us hiring and employing more people in the county. Our current building has space to grow, and I look forward to taking on that growth, while improving technologies and processes along the way. And most importantly, keeping our products very proudly made in St. Johns County, FL, USA!

Q: Outside of work, what activities do you enjoy here in St. Johns County?

A: I enjoy spending time with my husband, two children and our dog, Pumpkin. Some of our favorite activities are spending time on the water and traveling. Some of our best-selling swimwear prints are even inspired by our travels.

For more information about Tidewater Tots and to shop online, visit www.tidewatertots.com. For more information about the St. Johns County Department of Economic Development, visit www.sjcfl.us/economicdevelopment.