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 life-style coach. You could be overwhelmed simply studying that, however a busy schedule is nothing new for the lady who almost gained a Bikini Olympia title earlier than retiring from competitors to pursue new alternatives.
“I’ve been working actually onerous 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 optimistic. She has absolutely dedicated to the method of constructing her new enterprise develop as a result of she’s taken lots of the obligations on herself. She’s not solely designing the swimsuits, however she maintains the web site, handles delivery, manages the social media, and assessments all the things out herself earlier than it turns into obtainable.
Santiago defined, “I need the bikinis I promote to be the sort I’d put on. I at all times be sure they’re excellent. Every thing with my title on it, I need it to be the most effective.”
Whereas it’s lots of work, she feels that having the ability to deal with variables she will be able to management serves her nicely. She isn’t complaining in regards to the work both. This was really 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 mentioned. “I assume that’s as a result of I like the seaside, I like summer time, and I like having the ability to get pleasure from that a part of the 12 months.”
The native of Brazil isn’t afraid of working onerous to chase a dream. As a matter of truth, onerous work was what helped her excel as an athlete. Earlier than taking over 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 gained 4 reveals, together with the 2019 Toronto Professional, Musclecontest Brazil Professional, and the Iron Video games contest. In 2020, she gained the New York Professional and positioned third within the 2020 Bikini Olympia. That occasion was thought-about probably the most aggressive contests within the division’s historical past. Janet Layug gained and Jennifer Dorie positioned second, however some followers felt Santiago might’ve gained it.
She transitioned to judging following that contest and commenced pursuing the longtime aim of beginning her swimwear line. Delays past her management obtained in the way in which and got here with many challenges, however she by no means thought-about backing out or giving up.
“It’s actually onerous, actually, as a result of all of the stress is on me as a result of I’ve to do that on my own, but it surely works,” she said. “If one thing goes fallacious, I need to know I used to be the one which made that mistake and it’s on me.”
Very similar to when she would push herself within the health club for her subsequent contest, Santiago pushed herself and obtained comfy with being uncomfortable so she might attain her enterprise objectives. She does have assist and encouragement together 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 likely be featured as part of the 2023 Olympia Expo in Orlando, FL on November third and 4th, a possibility she is happy about, an opportunity to attach with hundreds of recent prospects on the health business’s most prestigious occasion. Like each different present she goes to, her schedule will likely 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 go away this business due to what it has carried out for me, and I’m very glad 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 nicely. 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 onerous work.”
Santiago might have competed within the Bikini division, however she needs followers on the Olympia to think about her merchandise for causes past the stage. Consolation and enjoyable matter as nicely, 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 comfy. That’s what my line is about. I’m doing my very best at this for them. If individuals discover my line to be completely 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 the complete Etila Swimwear assortment, go to www.etilaswimwear.com . And comply with @etilaswimwear on Instagram.