At just 18 years old, Holden Bierman is proving that you don’t need to be a corporate giant to make a difference for the planet. The North Carolina teen is the founder of Coastal Cool, a sustainable swimwear brand transforming plastic waste from the ocean into stylish, high-quality beachwear.
Bierman first launched the company at only 13, using a $500 loan from his parents to create T-shirts and hoodies before realizing he wanted to do something that directly benefited the earth. Over time, his research led him to eco-friendly materials made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean-bound waste, now used in every swimsuit his brand sells.
Each purchase from Coastal Cool funds the removal of one pound of ocean plastic through a partnership with Tidey Ocean, a nonprofit that provides fair-pay cleanup jobs in developing countries hit hardest by the plastic crisis. “It’s cool to make money,” Bierman said, “but it’s even cooler to connect that to something with real purpose.”
The young CEO taught himself everything — from building his own website to managing suppliers — using YouTube tutorials and podcasts. He now speaks at schools across North Carolina, encouraging other young people to chase their passions while protecting the environment.
Bierman’s journey reflects a growing shift toward ethical, plant-based, and sustainable business models that prioritize both people and the planet. As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny for its Pollution and waste, innovators like Bierman are proving that change doesn’t have to wait until adulthood — it can start now, one recycled swimsuit at a time.
Supporting small, sustainable brands helps cut down on plastic waste, protect marine life, and build a cleaner, healthier planet. Choose recycled, choose cruelty-free, and help keep plastic out of our oceans — because every choice counts.