How She Wears It : Celeste Leva

Tell us about yourself — who is Celeste Leva?

I'm a content creator and the founder and CEO of Thermae Swimwear. I love working closely with brands to capture user-generated content that reflects their marketing vision and overall brand mission. In my free time, I focus on building Thermae Swimwear - a brand rooted in preserving the past and present through consciously crafted swimwear.

What’s the story behind launching your own swimwear line?

I’ve always had a deep connection to the ocean. I worked as a swim instructor growing up, so I naturally built an extensive swimwear collection. That eventually turned into a full-on bikini obsession when I started my content creation journey. I also studied history and design in university, and launching Thermae was my way of fusing my passions - blending swimwear and historical influence with a strong commitment to eco-conscious practices.

How do you balance being a content creator and running a brand?

At first, it was definitely overwhelming to manage both a brand and content creation deadlines. What helped was learning to step away and be fully present with family and friends. That balance has been key in creating a healthier relationship with my work. It comes with sacrifices, but I’m doing what I love and I’ve never been happier.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I’m a Pinterest fanatic so I’m always saving pins that spark inspiration and revisiting them when I need a creative boost. I’m also deeply inspired by past eras and love finding ways to modernize those aesthetics, whether it’s for my wardrobe or a new collection.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’d say my style is mostly feminine and classic, with a playful mix of trends woven in. I love experimenting but always come back to timeless silhouettes.

What trends are you into this season, and which ones are you skipping?

I’m loving the bohemian wave that’s been all over my Pinterest and Instagram feeds - the effortless, feminine silhouettes are everything. I’ll be skipping the fisherman-core trend this season!

What is your favorite Twenty Compass piece at the moment?

My favorite piece from the new Pearl Edit has to be the Voyage Earrings. They add the perfect summery touch to any outfit and are water-resistant, so I can even wear them to the beach.

You can find Celeste on IG @celesteleva and discover her swimwear brand at @thermaeswimwear or thermaeswimwear.com.