Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Tomasello.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began with creativity and resilience at a young age. Since I was about 8 years old, music has been a constant outlet for me—it has helped me process emotions, navigate challenges, and stay grounded through different seasons of life.
Over time, I began to understand more deeply that everyone carries some form of pain, whether seen or unseen. My own experiences with health challenges, including navigating symptoms related to lupus, along with supporting family members through serious illnesses like acute myeloid leukemia and basal cell carcinoma, shaped how I see people and the world. Those moments weren’t easy, but they gave me a deeper sense of empathy and perspective.
Rather than letting those experiences close me off, they made me want to build things that bring light to others. I’ve learned that pain is something everyone experiences in different ways, and it has the potential to either divide us or bring us closer together. For me, it became a reason to choose kindness more intentionally and to create spaces that reflect love, understanding, and care.
That mindset is what led me to build Costa Sea Suncare, a brand focused on quality and purpose, and to found the Kristin Tomasello Foundation, which serves the special needs community through the arts and meaningful experiences.
Today, I’m still learning and growing, but my focus remains the same: to build with purpose, to lead with compassion, and to create work that reflects kindness in action.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
From a young age, music became a constant outlet. Since I was 8 years old, it has been a way to process emotions, find peace, and stay grounded through life’s highs and lows. That creative expression became a foundation—something I could return to no matter what was happening around me.
As I began building Costa Sea, I was also navigating serious health challenges, including symptoms consistent with lupus. Managing fatigue, uncertainty, and the physical toll while trying to grow a business required resilience beyond what I expected. There were days where progress looked different—but showing up in any capacity became a victory.
At the same time, my family was facing its own battles with cancer, including experiences connected to acute myeloid leukemia and basal cell carcinoma. Walking through those moments with loved ones shifted everything. It made the mission behind Costa Sea deeply personal—transforming it from a business idea into something rooted in protection, awareness, and care.
Through all of this, music remained a steady outlet. In moments of pressure, uncertainty, or emotional weight, it provided clarity and strength. It allowed space to process, to stay creative, and to keep moving forward even when things felt overwhelming.
At the same time, the business itself came with real challenges—starting from nothing, managing financial pressure, entering a highly competitive skincare market, navigating manufacturing, and building partnerships from the ground up. There were rejections, delays, and moments of doubt.
Balancing personal health, family challenges, and building a purpose-driven brand was not easy. But those experiences shaped Costa Sea into something much deeper than a product. They built resilience, strengthened the mission, and clarified the “why” behind every decision.
Costa Sea is not just a suncare brand—it is a reflection of perseverance, healing, and purpose. It represents turning real-life challenges into something meaningful, creating impact through business, and staying grounded in faith, creativity, and service to others.
“Through health challenges, family battles, and personal growth, Costa Sea was built not just with vision—but with resilience, faith, and a purpose to protect and serve others.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I Do / What I Specialize In
I’m the founder of Costa Sea Suncare and the Kristin Tomasello Foundation. My work focuses on building a suncare brand while also creating opportunities for the special needs community through art, events, and outreach.
I spend most of my time learning, growing, and working on how to build something that is both high-quality and meaningful. I’ve had to take on many roles from product development to partnerships and I’m continuing to learn each step of the way.
What I’m Known For
I would say I’m known for leading with heart and intention. I try to be consistent, show up, and build relationships with people in a genuine way.
A big part of what I do is bringing people together whether that’s through my foundation, events, or the brand—and creating spaces where people feel included and valued.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the impact, even in small ways. Seeing individuals in the special needs community feel joy, confidence, and connection through the foundation means everything to me.
I’m also grateful to have kept going through personal challenges, including navigating symptoms related to lupus and supporting family members through experiences with acute myeloid leukemia and basal cell carcinoma. Those moments have shaped how I see both life and business.
What Sets Me Apart
I think what sets me apart is that I’m building from a place of purpose, even while I’m still growing and figuring things out. I don’t have everything perfected, but I care deeply about what I’m creating and who it’s for.
My background, including using music as an outlet since I was young, has helped me stay grounded and creative through challenges. I try to bring that same mindset into my work staying steady, being open, and continuing to move forward.
“I’m still learning every day, but my goal is simple to build something that helps people and reflects what really matters.”
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I Like Best About the City
What I love most about Tampa is the energy and sense of community. There’s a lot of growth happening, but it still feels warm and welcoming. I’ve found that people are open to supporting local businesses and meaningful missions, which makes it a great place to build something purpose-driven.
I also really appreciate the balance of city life and nature—the waterfront, outdoor spaces, and year-round sunshine create an environment that feels inspiring and active. It’s a place where people come together for events, culture, and community impact.
I also love that Tampa continues to evolve. There’s a strong spirit of entrepreneurship here, and it feels like a city where new ideas and brands can grow and find their place.
“It’s a city that feels full of opportunity, and I’m grateful to be building and growing here.”
Pricing:
- 21.99 Retail For CostaSea
- 25.99 Online Orders
Contact Info:
- Website: Costaseasuncare.com, Kristintomasello.com, Kristintomasellofoundation.org
- Instagram: kristintomasello
