In the swim: alumna Cassandra dives into entrepreneurship with sustainable luxury swimwear brand AQVA

Cassandra Cabrera Gassmann, a Glion alumna (Master’s in Hospitality Business Leadership, 2019), launched AQVA, a sustainable luxury swimwear brand inspired by her Mediterranean roots. Noticing a lack of elegant, comfortable swimwear for all body types, she created a brand built on the idea of "real swimwear for real women."

Her background in hospitality shaped her customer-centric approach—focusing on emotional connection, quality, and personalized service. Despite early challenges finding sustainable manufacturers, Cassandra remained committed to her values, even discarding entire collections that didn’t meet her standards.

Each AQVA piece is handcrafted in Barcelona using regenerated nylon from ocean waste, with compostable packaging and fabric-made pouches. Cassandra sells directly through pop-ups and selected boutiques aligned with her eco-luxury ethos.

Looking ahead, she plans to expand AQVA into accessories and resort wear, continuing to champion self-love, sustainability, and artisanal quality.

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