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. While 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 may 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 really hard for a really long time on it. I’m giving this my best.”
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 number 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 every thing out herself earlier than it turns into out there.
Santiago defined, “I want the bikinis I promote to be the kind I would wear. I always make sure they are perfect. Everything with my name on it, I want it to be the best.”
While it’s a number of work, she feels that with the ability to deal with variables she will management serves her properly. She isn’t complaining concerning the work both. This was truly a dream of hers rising up.
“Even before I started competing, I had always dreamed of owning a swimwear line,” she mentioned. “I guess that’s because I love the beach, I love summer, and I love being able to enjoy that part of the year.”
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. Before taking up the position of decide and enterprise proprietor, Santiago was an IFBB Pro Bikini competitor, and she or he was a really profitable one. Throughout her athletic profession, she received 4 exhibits, together with the 2019 Toronto Pro, Musclecontest Brazil Pro, and the Iron Games contest. In 2020, she received the New York Pro and positioned third within the 2020 Bikini Olympia. That occasion was thought-about one of the vital 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 started pursuing the longtime purpose 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 really hard, honestly, because all the pressure is on me because I have to do this by myself, but it works,” she said. “If something goes wrong, I want to know I was the one that made that mistake and it’s on me.”
Much like when she would push herself within the health club for her subsequent contest, Santiago pushed herself and obtained snug with being uncomfortable so she might attain her enterprise objectives. She does have help and encouragement together with her every day because of her longtime boyfriend Tyler Manion.
“He’s been very supportive, and that’s been really 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 will probably 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 hundreds 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 when I went to the Olympia to judge in 2021, I was like “man, I miss this feeling,’” she recalled. “I will never leave this industry because of what it has done for me, and I’m very happy to be able to share my bikinis and swimwear at the Olympia with my booth.”
Olympia President Dan Solomon watched Santiago rise via the ranks as a competitor and he’s optimistic about her rise in enterprise as properly. Solomon explains, “It’s incredibly exciting to see Etila transition from the stage to the business world. I’m hoping her story inspires more women to pursue their passion. Etila is proving the power of dedication and hard work.”
Santiago could have competed within the Bikini division, however she needs followers on the Olympia to contemplate her merchandise for causes past the stage. Comfort and enjoyable matter as properly, and she or he feels her swimwear may be part of that for them.
“I know many people that come to the Olympia just want to enjoy their lives and be comfortable. That is what my line is about. I’m doing my absolute best at this for them. If people find my line to be different and comfortable to wear, that is what I want to hear.”
Be certain to go to the Etila Swimwear sales space November 3-4 in Orlando on the Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend. To see your entire Etila Swimwear assortment, go to www.etilaswimwear.com . And comply with @etilaswimwear on Instagram.