Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Nadia Weekes of Toronto

Nadia Weekes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Nadia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is how many of them buy swimsuits year-round, not just in the summer months. I originally thought sales would slow down once the warm weather ended, but I’ve met so many people shopping for vacations, resort wear, and even swim classes or indoor pools.

It reminded me that swimwear isn’t just seasonal, it’s tied to people’s lifestyles and experiences. That insight has pushed me to think beyond “summer” and create pieces that can travel with my customers anywhere, anytime.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nadia, and I’m the founder and designer behind Top Knot Swim, a swimwear brand based in Toronto. I started this brand because I wanted to create swimsuits that not only look good but also feel good, pieces that celebrate individuality, comfort, and confidence.
What makes Top Knot Swim unique is our focus on customization and inclusivity. Every body is different, and I love being able to work directly with customers to design swimsuits that truly fit their needs, whether that’s a unique style, a custom size, or a bold color they can’t find elsewhere.

This year, I’ve been part of the Kensington Market community, where I’ve had the chance to meet so many amazing people face-to-face and hear their stories. Right now, I’m working on growing beyond the summer season by highlighting swimwear as resort wear, vacation essentials, and versatile fashion pieces. For me, it’s not just about selling swimsuits, it’s about creating garments that empower people to feel confident and express themselves.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds between people are often broken by misunderstanding, lack of communication, and forgetting to see each other as individuals with unique experiences. When we stop listening, or when judgment outweighs empathy, it’s easy for distance to grow.

What restores those bonds is often much simpler than we think; honest conversation, vulnerability, and shared experiences. When people feel truly seen and valued for who they are, connection has a way of coming back. In my work, I see this when a customer lights up after finding a swimsuit that makes them feel confident. It’s a reminder that celebrating individuality can bring us closer together.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self it’s okay to move more slowly and ask for help. You don’t have to have every answer before you start, and admitting what you don’t know will open doors, to better designs, better partnerships, and people who actually want to help you grow. Pace and honesty are strengths, not liabilities.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to growing Top Knot Swim, a brand that started with handmade swimwear and has since built a small, passionate niche community. What began as a creative project has opened doors I never expected; runways around the world, features in magazines, and opportunities to connect with people across the fashion industry.

None of that would have been possible without Top Knot Swim, and that’s why I’ll keep building it for as long as it takes. It’s more than swimwear; it’s community, creativity, and connection.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I can step away from the city for a little while and give myself space to recharge. Travel, fitness, and creativity all bring me peace in different ways, and together they keep me grounded and inspired. Whether it’s moving my body, exploring a new place, or simply letting ideas flow without distraction, those are the moments when I feel most balanced and connected to myself.

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