Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Tomasello
Hi Kristin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started when my dad was diagnosed with cancer while I was in middle school. Watching him fight for his life was incredibly difficult, but it also gave me a purpose—I wanted to help. I couldn’t change what he was going through, but I could do something. That’s when I started fundraising for the American Cancer Society at just 12 years old. That experience opened my eyes to the power of community, generosity, and taking action, and it sparked a lifelong passion for giving back.
As I grew older, my heart was drawn to working with individuals with special needs. At 15, I began volunteering and quickly saw how much love, joy, and potential this community had. I knew I wanted to create something special for them—a moment where they could feel seen, celebrated, and truly included. That led me to create A Night to Remember Prom, a free event that gives individuals with special abilities a night of confidence, fun, and belonging. Seeing the impact of that one night made me realize this mission was bigger than just an event, so I founded the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, dedicated to creating opportunities for inclusion, empowerment, and joy through our new program called “Creating HeARTS” as we work towards starting a Art Center for those with special needs.
Life has had its challenges, and I’ve faced my own battle with illness, one that left me immobile for a time. But that season of hardship deepened my understanding of resilience and purpose. It reminded me how important it is to have a community that lifts you up, and it made me even more committed to using my platform to make a difference—whether through advocacy, writing, speaking, or creating initiatives that give back.
One of those initiatives is Costa Sea Suncare, a brand deeply personal to me. Inspired by my parents’ battles with cancer, I wanted to create sun care products that are not only safe and effective but also meaningful. A portion of every purchase goes directly to the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, helping fund events like A Night to Remember Prom and the development of an inclusive Art Center—a space where individuals with special needs can express themselves creatively and feel a true sense of belonging. Costa Sea Suncare is more than a business; it’s a way to make an impact, combining my passion for health, giving back, and building something bigger than myself.
Now, as I continue to expand my reach—including competing in Miss Florida USA, As Miss Hillsborough USA 2025—I see every challenge, every experience, and every opportunity as a stepping stone toward something greater. I truly believe faith, kindness, and community have the power to change lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the difficult moments are often where we grow the most. Growing up, my dad’s cancer diagnosis was a major turning point. I was in middle school, and seeing someone I loved go through that kind of battle left me feeling helpless. But instead of letting that pain hold me down, it sparked a desire to do something—anything—to help. That was when I began fundraising for the American Cancer Society, and it taught me the power of action and the importance of leaning into faith during uncertain times.
As I got older, life threw more challenges my way. I faced a major health battle of my own that left me immobile for a while, and the physical and mental toll was harder than I could have imagined. But it was in that struggle that I found a deeper connection with God. I realized that when things feel out of our control, we can find peace in knowing that God is still with us. It doesn’t always make the path easy, but it brings a light into the darkness.
There were plenty of moments where I questioned what I was doing, where I felt discouraged or unsure about the future. But in those moments, I also found hope. I learned that while struggles are inevitable, they’re also temporary. What’s more permanent is the strength and peace we gain when we trust God through it all.
It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’ve learned that even in the toughest times, there is always a way forward. When life gets heavy, it’s a reminder that we don’t have to carry the weight alone. God is with us, and through faith, resilience, and trusting in His plan, we can come out stronger on the other side. Life isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about finding the strength to keep moving forward—and knowing that light will always break through the darkness.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My brand is driven by a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives through faith, resilience, and community. It’s not simply about the products I create or the events I host—it’s about building a space where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered.
At the core of my work is the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, which is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with special needs. Through initiatives like A Night to Remember Prom and various advocacy efforts, I aim to create environments where people can celebrate their unique abilities and feel truly empowered. My personal journey, from overcoming health challenges to witnessing my parents’ battle with cancer, fuels my mission and drives my commitment to helping others.
In addition to the foundation, Costa Sea Suncare is another key aspect of my brand. Born from my parents’ experiences with cancer, Costa Sea offers a family-friendly, ocean-safe sunscreen line that is designed to protect both our skin and the environment. A portion of the proceeds from every sale goes directly to supporting the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, furthering our work to uplift and empower individuals with special needs.
Through my platform as a competitor in Miss Florida USA, I have the unique opportunity to expand my reach and raise awareness for causes close to my heart. It’s about more than the title—it’s about using my voice to advocate for kindness, inclusivity, and the importance of giving everyone a chance to be heard.
Writing is another way I connect with others and share my journey. In books like Diamond Defender, God Enlightened Me: Celebration of Miracles, and my upcoming Pray, Give, Laugh: Life Through God’s Lens, I focus on stories of resilience, faith, and the power of perseverance. Through my writing, I hope to offer hope, encouragement, and a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we can always find strength through faith and community.
Ultimately, my brand is about creating lasting change through service, empowerment, and love. Whether through the foundation, my products, or my writing, my mission is to inspire others and build a community that celebrates kindness, faith, and resilience. Every aspect of my work is rooted in the belief that when we come together with purpose, we can make the world a better place.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about our city is the sense of community. There’s a warmth here that makes it feel like home—people genuinely care about each other, and there’s always an opportunity to give back and make a difference. Whether it’s through local events, businesses supporting one another, or the way the city embraces diversity, there’s a strong spirit of connection that I truly appreciate.
If I had to choose something I like least, it would definitely be the traffic! It can be a challenge getting around, especially during peak hours, but at the end of the day, it’s a small price to pay for living in such a great place.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kristintomasello.com / CostaSeaSuncare.com / Kristintomasellofoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristintomasello?igsh=MXJhbzlvbm94cGlqYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-tomasello-117283153?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Photo Credits to Jessie Seyersdahl & Ricky Acevedo
MUA/Hair Jeremy Kregar
Stylist Thom Brodeur x Christina Albrecht
Outfits Sponsored By Kittenish in Hyde Park & Dillards International Mall
