At a latest health competitors in Arlington, Texas, Etila Santiago was working as a decide the place she would assist decide the placings for over 100 elite our bodies. Whereas she was there, she additionally took half in enterprise conferences, made time to coach, and was busy discussing her new Etila Swimwear line. She additionally works as a health way of life coach. You could be overwhelmed simply studying that, however a busy schedule is nothing new for the lady who practically received a Bikini Olympia title earlier than retiring from competitors to pursue new alternatives.
“I’ve been working actually exhausting for a very very long time on it. I’m giving this my greatest.”
Santiago shared that the preliminary response from prospects has been very optimistic. She has absolutely dedicated to the method of constructing her new enterprise develop as a result of she’s taken a number of the tasks on herself. She’s not solely designing the swimsuits, however she maintains the web site, handles delivery, manages the social media, and exams all the things out herself earlier than it turns into out there.
Santiago defined, “I need the bikinis I promote to be the type I might put on. I at all times ensure that they’re excellent. Every part with my identify on it, I need it to be one of the best.”
Whereas it’s a number of work, she feels that having the ability to deal with variables she will be able to management serves her properly. She isn’t complaining concerning the work both. This was truly a dream of hers rising up.
“Even earlier than I began competing, I had at all times dreamed of proudly owning a swimwear line,” she stated. “I suppose that’s as a result of I like the seashore, I like summer season, and I like having the ability to get pleasure from that a part of the yr.”
The native of Brazil isn’t afraid of working exhausting to chase a dream. As a matter of truth, exhausting work was what helped her excel as an athlete. Earlier than taking up the function of decide and enterprise proprietor, Santiago was an IFBB Professional Bikini competitor, and he or she was a really profitable one. All through her athletic profession, she received 4 reveals, together with the 2019 Toronto Professional, Musclecontest Brazil Professional, and the Iron Video games contest. In 2020, she received the New York Professional and positioned third within the 2020 Bikini Olympia. That occasion was thought of one of the aggressive contests within the division’s historical past. Janet Layug received and Jennifer Dorie positioned second, however some followers felt Santiago may’ve received it.
She transitioned to judging following that contest and commenced pursuing the longtime aim of beginning her swimwear line. Delays past her management bought in the best way and got here with many challenges, however she by no means thought of backing out or giving up.
“It’s actually exhausting, actually, as a result of all of the strain is on me as a result of I’ve to do that on my own, however it works,” she acknowledged. “If one thing goes improper, I need to know I used to be the one which made that mistake and it’s on me.”
Very like when she would push herself within the health club for her subsequent contest, Santiago pushed herself and bought snug with being uncomfortable so she may attain her enterprise objectives. She does have assist and encouragement along with her each day due to her longtime boyfriend Tyler Manion.
“He’s been very supportive, and that’s been actually good.”
One optimistic signal of success for Santiago is that her enterprise enterprise will lead her to the identical place she sought as an athlete – on the Olympia. Etila Swimwear will probably be featured as part of the 2023 Olympia Expo in Orlando, FL on November third and 4th, a chance she is happy about, an opportunity to attach with 1000’s of latest prospects on the health business’s most prestigious occasion. Like each different present she goes to, her schedule will probably be hectic, however she is trying ahead to all of it.
“I’m judging too, and after I went to the Olympia to evaluate in 2021, I used to be like “man, I miss this sense,’” she recalled. “I’ll by no means depart this business due to what it has accomplished for me, and I’m very blissful to have the ability to share my bikinis and swimwear on the Olympia with my sales space.”
Olympia President Dan Solomon watched Santiago rise by way of the ranks as a competitor and he’s optimistic about her rise in enterprise as properly. Solomon explains, “It’s extremely thrilling to see Etila transition from the stage to the enterprise world. I’m hoping her story conjures up extra ladies to pursue their ardour. Etila is proving the facility of dedication and exhausting work.”
Santiago might have competed within the Bikini division, however she needs followers on the Olympia to contemplate her merchandise for causes past the stage. Consolation and enjoyable matter as properly, and he or she feels her swimwear could be part of that for them.
“I do know many individuals that come to the Olympia simply need to get pleasure from their lives and be snug. That’s what my line is about. I’m doing my best possible at this for them. If folks discover my line to be totally different and comfy to put on, that’s what I need to hear.”
Make sure to go to the Etila Swimwear sales space November 3-4 in Orlando on the Olympia Health & Efficiency Weekend. To see your complete Etila Swimwear assortment, go to www.etilaswimwear.com . And comply with @etilaswimwear on Instagram.
