Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evelin Andrade. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Evelin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right, and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up in Queens, New York, in the 1970s, I witnessed my immigrant parents’ remarkable work ethic and determination. Working multiple jobs, they strived to give my sisters and me the best opportunities. Every summer, we spent time with our maternal grandmother in Colombia, near the breathtaking beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta. As a curious child, I eagerly anticipated those summers. The locals’ vibrant swimwear showcased the spirit and essence of Colombian culture—intricate designs, bold patterns, and vivid colors that left a lasting impression on me. Living with my paternal grandparents, I had the privilege of learning valuable skills passed down from my grandmother and aunt, including the art of sewing. My parents’ strong work ethic and my grandmother’s nurturing nature profoundly influenced my journey. Their tenacity motivated me to work tirelessly toward my goals, while their compassion ignited my passion for nursing. The summers spent on the Colombian beaches taught me the importance of embracing sun-kissed days by the ocean. This love for the beach has stayed with me throughout my life, from nursing school to creating cherished memories with my children, who have also developed a passion for the seaside. These experiences have shaped my life and career, fostering a deep connection to the ocean and a desire to design swimwear that honors this bond.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights, and we’ve got a few more questions for you. But before we get to that, can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some background and context?

If you’re unfamiliar with me, I’m Evelin Andrade—a nurse with over twenty years of experience and the creative mind behind Ir Al Sol Swimwear. My passion for swimwear design is deeply rooted in my Colombian heritage and childhood experiences. When you see my swimwear designs, you’ll understand their inspiration. My goal is to share Colombian culture’s vibrancy and uniqueness and its landscapes’ beauty. Each piece I create reflects the lively spirit that captivated me as a child.

My nurse background and sketched designs set me apart from others. With this, I have an innate understanding of what women need and desire in their swimwear, as I, like many others, struggled to find the right swimwear. Comfort, support, and functionality are always at the forefront of my designs. I want my clients to feel confident and empowered wearing their exclusive swimwear. I take great pride in the swimwear collections I have created, as they represent my passion and dedication. But my brand is about more than just fashion; it’s about embracing one’s unique curves and celebrating the beauty of our bodies. Ir Al Sol Swimwear has exclusive customized designs and a ready-to-wear collection. Each piece showcases bold patterns and vibrant colors on one side while providing solid tones on the other, offering a swim piece with more than just one look. We focus on creating high-quality, comfortable, stylish swimwear that celebrates women and their individuality.

My commitment to authenticity and personal connection sets Ir Al Sol apart. My limited designs draw inspiration from Colombian culture, my own experiences, the women in my life, and those who have inspired me both iconically and through their humanitarian ways. The iconic Carmen Miranda inspires Ir al Sol’s summer of 2025 collection; stay tuned.

Growing up, I faced immense pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards. Being labeled as “la flaca” (the skinny one), I dealt with criticism and unsolicited comments about my body. Shopping for clothes became a nightmare; I struggled to find pieces that fit my small chest and Latina hips. The pressure intensified during my pregnancies and postpartum period, with family members commenting on my changing body. However, I reclaimed my body through fitness, particularly weight training. This journey was about more than just regaining my pre-baby body; it was about freeing myself from outdated beliefs and embracing what made me feel confident in my skin. Through my dedication to fitness, I had an epiphany: true beauty lies in self-acceptance. This realization became the inspiration behind Ir Al Sol.

Our brand celebrates every woman’s body at every stage of her life. I design custom-fitted, Colombian-inspired swimwear to showcase the beauty and diversity of all women. Ir Al Sol is more than just a swimwear brand; it celebrates each woman’s unique journey, a testament to resilience and empowerment. I take great pride in the designs crafted with attention to detail and a genuine love for swimwear design.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us? 

Defining a niche is often about identifying the unique characteristics that make a brand stand out. For Ir Al Sol, it’s not just about creating swimwear but about connecting each piece to the rich heritage of Colombia and the vibrant energy of summer. One story that reflects this commitment happened when I faced the challenge of creating a custom swimsuit in an unfamiliar size. I had hoped to expand production through a new local sewer while focusing on the business’s administrative side. Unfortunately, a combination of setbacks—contracting issues and the postal service misplacing the custom piece—strained my plan.

Rather than letting this affect my clients’ experience, I took swift action. I made sure to award each customer a gift card for a future purchase and promised to send them another custom swimsuit once production was back on track. This experience tested my resilience and reinforced my dedication to ensuring that every woman connected with Ir Al Sol has a memorable, positive experience, no matter what challenges arise.

Through this, I learned how crucial it is to maintain the integrity of the brand and always honor the promise of celebrating culture, heritage, and the joy of feeling beautiful in a swimsuit that is uniquely designed for them.

We’d greatly appreciate it if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

When I started Ir Al Sol, I had a basic understanding of sewing thanks to my grandmother and aunt. However, manufacturing products on a larger scale presented new challenges. To address this, I dedicated time to research and contacted local sewers. I also partnered with my stepmother’s Miami-based shop, which had eight industrial sewing machines, to bring our custom pieces to life. Throughout this process, I learned valuable lessons about clear communication, trial and error, building Ir al Sol to remain exclusive and limited as intended, and ensuring that my passion for quality and craftsmanship is shared. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the significance of patience and persistence in remaining with Ir al Sol and disregarding the fast-paced, low-cost fashion market that customers are accustomed to. Continue to work toward building a reliable sewing team, and ensuring consistent quality takes time and effort. However, witnessing my designs come to life and the joy they bring to Ir Al Sol clients makes every challenge worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iralsol.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iralsolswimwear/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelin-baez-andrade-msn-ed-ccctm-rn-0b907063

Image Credits

All images by Sydney Morgan Photography

https://www.instagram.com/sydneymormanphotography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==