This teen CEO is turning plastic waste into fashion, proving sustainability can be stylish

At just 18 years old, Holden Bierman is already making his mark in the world of sustainable fashion.

The North Carolina teen is the founder and CEO of Coastal Cool, a fast-growing company known for its stylish eco swimwear and its mission to help clean up the planet’s oceans “one suit at a time.”

A teen’s entrepreneur story begins at home

Bierman’s inspiring entrepreneur story started not in a business office, but inside his family home at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At just 12 years old, he began searching for something meaningful to do while the world was on pause.

“I was just bored,” he told GMA. “I never clicked on the video games, you know, everybody was at home inside, nobody was outside, school was out. So I just started [to] research business ideas.”

What began as a way to pass the time soon became a passion.

He started selling T-shirts and hoodies, learning how to design, market, and ship his products. Even at that young age, Bierman had a clear focus on excellence.

“I want to sell quality,” he added. “I want to bring quality to the market.”

Building a sustainable fashion brand, Coastal Cool, from a $500 loan

Bierman officially launched Coastal Cool on his 13th birthday in August 2020 with a $500 loan from his parents.

He treated the money seriously, even creating a presentation to show exactly how he planned to spend it—from legal fees for registering the business to website costs and sample products.

He spent hours learning online through tutorials, podcasts, and business videos, teaching himself every step of running a company.

What began as a small project slowly evolved into something much bigger.

Within five years, his clothing business grew into a recognized sustainable fashion brand with an environmental purpose.

Turning plastic waste into purpose

Today, Coastal Cool’s focus is on protecting marine life and fighting plastic waste.

Every swimsuit sold by the company is made from recycled materials, giving new life to discarded plastic bottles and fabrics that might otherwise end up in the ocean.

To make a lasting impact, Bierman partnered with Tidey Ocean, a nonprofit that helps collect and recycle ocean-bound plastic.

For every item sold, Coastal Cool funds the removal of one pound of plastic waste, helping both the environment and communities that rely on ocean resources.

Jeremy Porter, the founder of Tidey Ocean, shared his appreciation for the collaboration.

“Their support has helped us expand our cleanups, create local jobs, and turn plastic waste into opportunity. It’s been a pleasure collaborating with such a thoughtful and motivated partner.”

Through this partnership, Bierman’s eco swimwear brand not only supports environmental cleanups but also creates jobs in areas most affected by pollution.

Finding meaning in sustainable fashion

For Bierman, success means more than sales—it’s about purpose. He believes that having a business is rewarding, but doing something meaningful with it is what truly matters.

“It is cool to have a business and make some money, especially as a teenager,” he said, adding that the real reward is seeing how Coastal Cool helps protect the planet.

This mindset led him to seek out manufacturers who could turn recycled plastic into soft, stretchy fabric for his eco swimwear line.

Each swimsuit is made with up to 91% recycled polyester, blended with spandex for added comfort and durability.

He also emphasizes that his brand is about community and values, not just clothing.

In interviews, Bierman explained that anyone can sell swimwear. Still, Coastal Cool stands out because each purchase directly helps remove ocean plastic and promotes sustainable fashion.

Balancing school and business

Managing a company while still in high school hasn’t been easy. Bierman admitted that he had to miss out on some of the usual teenage experiences.

“I missed out on going to dances and football games and social events, but then I’ve been able to do awesome things and connect with awesome people,” he said.

Despite the sacrifices, he remains grateful for the opportunities that running Coastal Cool has brought him.

He often credits his parents for inspiring his unique blend of business acumen and creativity—his father works in sales, and his mother is a children’s author and counselor.

Inspiring others through his sustainable fashion story

Bierman’s entrepreneurial story has already inspired many young people.

He’s been invited to speak at schools and colleges, encouraging students to follow their dreams and pursue ideas that make a difference.

As he plans to attend college and hopes to bring Coastal Cool to retail stores, he continues to focus on his mission—to prove that business can be both profitable and purposeful.

“You’ve got one life and I think everybody has a purpose on earth to do something cool,” Bierman said.

His message to other dreamers is simple: take risks, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of small ideas to grow into something impactful.

From a $500 investment and a childhood idea, Holden Bierman’s journey shows that age doesn’t define potential.

With determination, passion, and purpose, even one teenager can make a global difference—one swimsuit at a time.

Watch ABC 11’s inspiring feature on Coastal Cool CEO Holden Bierman and discover how his sustainable fashion journey is making waves worldwide.