Meet Andrew Soto

We were lucky to catch up with Andrew Soto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a shared journey for both of us, shaped by the challenges we’ve faced individually and together.

For me, Andrew, being in medical school has meant constantly navigating self-doubt in a high-pressure environment. There are moments when I question if I’m good enough, but reflecting on my progress, leaning into my passion for medicine, and knowing Deissy believes in me keeps me grounded.

And for me, Deissy, as an architect, I’ve faced my own moments of imposter syndrome. The creative field can be intimidating, but I’ve learned to trust my ideas and embrace the process, knowing that growth comes from putting yourself out there. Seeing Andrew tackle medical school with determination has been a reminder for me, too, that we’re capable of much more than we give ourselves credit for.

When imposter syndrome creeps in, we remind each other of the challenges we’ve already overcome, whether in school, work, or building Swa. Supporting each other’s dreams has shown us that success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, learning, and growing together.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

What We Do

We’re Andrew and Deissy, the founders of Swa Athletics. Our brand is all about creating high-quality sports gear that not only meets the needs of athletes but also inspires them to pursue their goals and dreams. Swa is more than a brand—it’s a movement rooted in resilience, strength, and adaptability, symbolized by our shark logo.

What’s Exciting and Special About Swa

What makes Swa special is its mission to give back. We started small, selling wristbands and sports gear, but our vision has always been bigger. Today, we proudly sponsor growing athletes, helping them reach their potential and thrive as professionals in their sport. Seeing these athletes achieve their dreams while knowing we’ve been part of their journey is the most fulfilling aspect of what we do.

Our personal story is intertwined with Swa. As an architect (Deissy) and a medical student (Andrew), we’ve faced challenges and worked hard to build something meaningful. This shared passion fuels our drive to create products that not only serve athletes but also inspire them to keep pushing forward.

What’s New

We’re excited about the growth of Swa Athletics. We’re constantly working on expanding our product line with gear that balances performance and style. In addition to our current offerings, we’re exploring new designs and innovative materials to elevate what athletes expect from their gear.

We’re also deepening our commitment to the community by increasing the scope of our sponsorships. Supporting more athletes and giving back in bigger ways is a core part of our plans moving forward.

To stay updated, check out our website at swathletics.us and follow us on social media. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or someone who loves sports, we’re here to inspire and support you in achieving your dreams.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three Most Impactful Qualities in Our Journey

Vision: From the very beginning, we had a clear idea of what Swa Athletics could become—a brand that not only provides high-quality sports gear but also uplifts athletes and gives back to the community. This vision has been our guiding light, even when the path was uncertain.

Advice: Spend time defining your “why.” A strong vision will keep you motivated and focused, especially during challenging times. Revisit and refine it as you grow.

Work Ethic: Balancing medical school, architecture, and building Swa Athletics required an unwavering commitment to putting in the effort, day in and day out. Whether it was designing products, managing sponsorships, or studying late into the night, hard work was non-negotiable.

Advice: Develop discipline by setting small, achievable goals and consistently working toward them. Celebrate progress, and remember that showing up every day matters more than perfection.

Creativity: Creativity has been at the heart of everything we do—whether it’s designing Swa’s shark logo to symbolize strength and adaptability or finding innovative ways to grow the brand and connect with the community.

Advice: Nurture creativity by exploring new perspectives, taking risks, and experimenting with ideas. Surround yourself with inspiring people and environments that spark your imagination.

For Those Early in Their Journey

Understand that these qualities are not innate—they can be developed with time and intention. Start by clarifying your vision, committing to hard work, and allowing yourself to think outside the box. Be patient, stay curious, and take pride in every step of progress, no matter how small.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Are We Looking for Collaborations?

Absolutely! At Swa Athletics, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We’re always looking to partner with individuals and organizations who share our passion for empowering athletes and promoting excellence in sports.

Who We’d Love to Collaborate With
We’re particularly interested in working with:

Athletes: Whether you’re an up-and-coming talent or a seasoned professional, we’d love to support you in your journey through sponsorships or partnerships that align with our mission.
Sports Organizations and Coaches: Collaborations to provide high-quality gear or co-develop initiatives that inspire and uplift athletes are always welcome.
Creators and Innovators: If you’re a designer, influencer, or creative professional with fresh ideas that align with our brand values, we’d love to team up and bring those ideas to life.
Community Leaders and Nonprofits: Partnerships that focus on giving back and creating opportunities for athletes are a priority for us.

How to Connect With Us
If this resonates with you, we’d be thrilled to hear from you! You can connect with us by visiting our website at swathletics.us or reaching out via our social media platforms. Let’s explore how we can work together to empower athletes and make a lasting impact in the world of sports.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Swa Athletics

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