At a current health competitors in Arlington, Texas, Etila Santiago was working as a choose 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 life-style coach. You is likely to be overwhelmed simply studying that, however a busy schedule is nothing new for the woman who almost received a Bikini Olympia title earlier than retiring from competitors to pursue new alternatives.
“I’ve been working actually laborious for a extremely very long time on it. I’m giving this my greatest.”
Santiago shared that the preliminary response from prospects has been very constructive. She has totally dedicated to the method of constructing her new enterprise develop as a result of she’s taken a whole lot 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 assessments the whole lot out herself earlier than it turns into accessible.
Santiago defined, “I would like the bikinis I promote to be the type I’d put on. I all the time be sure that they’re excellent. All the things with my title on it, I would like it to be the most effective.”
Whereas it’s a whole lot of work, she feels that with the ability to deal with variables she will be able to management serves her effectively. She isn’t complaining in regards to the work both. This was truly a dream of hers rising up.
“Even earlier than I began competing, I had all the time dreamed of proudly owning a swimwear line,” she mentioned. “I assume that’s as a result of I really like the seashore, I really like summer time, and I really like with the ability to take pleasure in that a part of the yr.”
The native of Brazil isn’t afraid of working laborious to chase a dream. As a matter of truth, laborious work was what helped her excel as an athlete. Earlier than taking over the function of choose 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 might’ve received it.
She transitioned to judging following that contest and commenced pursuing the longtime objective of beginning her swimwear line. Delays past her management obtained 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 laborious, 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 said. “If one thing goes fallacious, I wish 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 gymnasium for her subsequent contest, Santiago pushed herself and obtained snug with being uncomfortable so she might 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 constructive 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 might be featured as part of the 2023 Olympia Expo in Orlando, FL on November third and 4th, a possibility she is worked up about, an opportunity to attach with 1000’s of recent prospects on the health business’s most prestigious occasion. Like each different present she goes to, her schedule might be hectic, however she is wanting ahead to all of it.
“I’m judging too, and after I went to the Olympia to guage 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 completed for me, and I’m very completely happy 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 means of the ranks as a competitor and he’s optimistic about her rise in enterprise as effectively. Solomon explains, “It’s extremely thrilling to see Etila transition from the stage to the enterprise world. I’m hoping her story evokes extra ladies to pursue their ardour. Etila is proving the ability of dedication and laborious 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 effectively, and he or she feels her swimwear might be part of that for them.
“I do know many individuals that come to the Olympia simply wish to take pleasure in their lives and be snug. That’s what my line is about. I’m doing my very best at this for them. If individuals discover my line to be totally different and cozy to put on, that’s what I wish to hear.”
Be sure you go to the Etila Swimwear sales space November 3-4 in Orlando on the Olympia Health & Efficiency Weekend. To see your entire Etila Swimwear assortment, go to www.etilaswimwear.com . And comply with @etilaswimwear on Instagram.
