Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Sadauskas.
Nina , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Bulgaria where swimming became a huge part of my life at a very young age. That passion eventually brought me to the United States on a full athletic scholarship to Southern Methodist University, a renowned Division 1 school in Dallas. During my career as an elite athlete I had the honor to represent my country at three Olympic Games. For most of my life my identity was rooted in being an athlete, pushing myself, chasing big goals and being part of a team.
I feel lucky that I was able to end my career on my own terms when I knew I was ready for something different. At the time I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do but I knew I was ready for a change. I have always had an entrepreneurial heart. Challenges and problem solving have always inspired me. Right after retiring from swimming I took a job in the sports industry which still aligned with my passion. During the pandemic things shifted for me both personally with the birth of my first son and professionally and that is when I realized I wanted to build something of my own. Something meaningful that I could one day share with my kids.
That is how Delfina Athletics was born. Through my experience as an athlete and later working in the sports industry I saw a gap in the market for high quality custom swim and triathlon gear that makes athletes feel proud of what they are wearing. Gear that not only performs well but also tells the story of their team and their community.
Now Delfina Athletics works with numerous teams nationally and we have established ourselves as the vendor that offers the most variety of products in the industry with premium quality, efficient processes and world class customer service. This has allowed us to secure some key sponsorships that will help bring the company to the next level. I’m so excited to see what’s next.
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?
I don’t think there’s an entrepreneur out there who would say their journey has been smooth. When you are building something from the ground up there is so much you have to figure out along the way. There are plenty of pivots you have to make and it takes a lot of determination, discipline and persistence to keep moving forward through the unknowns.
For me personally the biggest challenge has been figuring out what work life balance looks like for our family. In many ways entrepreneurship gives you flexibility but it also comes with its own sacrifices. Unlike in other countries or even in traditional jobs here in the US there is no maternity leave for entrepreneurs. I was back to working full time when my first son was three months old and I kept working through both of my pregnancies. I even remember sitting at my laptop the day I got home from the hospital with my second baby because there were things that simply needed to get done.
So yes the mompreneur life is full of bumps and sacrifices but I truly believe that’s what makes us better moms and better leaders. Our kids get to see what hard work and resilience look like up close and we get to show them that it’s possible to build something meaningful while still putting family first.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Delfina Athletics is a custom athletic gear company that works with swim teams, triathlon clubs and other endurance sports communities all over the country. We specialize in creating high quality, fully custom apparel and gear that athletes are proud to wear. We’re known for offering the widest variety of products in the industry, from swimsuits and caps to tri suits, hooded towels, parkas and even lifestyle pieces like joggers and tees. If a team can dream it up, we can bring it to life for them.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to the full experience. Of course our products are premium quality but equally important to me is the way we work with our teams. We pride ourselves on being efficient, creative and incredibly easy to work with. I know firsthand how much coaches and athletes already have on their plate so our job is to make the process seamless for them while delivering gear they’ll love.
Brand wise what I’m most proud of is how personal this company feels even as it grows. We’ve been able to build strong relationships with our teams and really celebrate the unique story behind each one. Whether it’s a summer league trying to instill confidence in young swimmers or an elite tri team competing on the national stage, we’re here to make them feel seen and supported.
We’re also passionate about giving back to the communities we serve. Recently we launched the Kerrville Strong collection, which donates 100% of proceeds to support local flood relief efforts. The response from our customers has been outstanding and we’re already working on expanding the collection with additional designs.
What I want readers to know about Delfina is that we’re not just making gear. We’re helping teams and communities tell their story, build pride and create memories that last far beyond the finish line. Every order we work on is treated with care and respect because we know how much it means to the athletes who wear it.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Personally what makes me happiest is traveling and spending quality time with my family. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and creating memories with my husband and our two boys. Those moments when we can disconnect from the day to day and just enjoy each other’s company fill me up and remind me why I work so hard.
Professionally what makes me happy is hearing the stories of our athletes and teams about the impact our gear has on them. Whether it’s an athlete telling us how confident and fast they felt competing in our suit or a coach sharing how proud their team looked walking onto the pool deck as a united group, those stories never get old. It means so much to know that what we create not only helps them perform but also builds pride and strengthens their community.
At the end of the day both personally and professionally it all comes down to connection for me. That sense of belonging and knowing you’ve made someone else’s journey a little more special is what truly makes me happy.
Pricing:
- Delfina Kids Goggles on Amazon – Starting at $16.50
- Kerrville Strong Short Sleeve Tee: Adults $32 / Kids $27
- Kerrville Strong Embroidered Cap: $33
- Kerrville Strong Coffee Mug (11, 15oz): Starts at $15
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Starts at $32
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.delfinaathletics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delfinaathletics | https://www.instagram.com/ninarangelova
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninarangelova/
