For Zeidalyn Templado, God is the center of her life — and business, Aiana Swim, which launched online in March 2026 out of ‘Ewa Beach.
Templado, 21, is currently a business major at the University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu set to graduate next fall. She told Aloha State Daily that growing up, she thought she wanted to be a nurse or go into the military until her stepdad called her an entrepreneur and her auntie nurtured that spirit.
She sold desserts on the side during high school and through Covid, which was around the same time she started going to church. After her family moved to the Mainland, she found closeness to God to be her saving grace, bringing “indescribable peace,” especially in tough times, she said.
“I pray a lot and worship is important to me, but [people often ask] what does a bikini business have to do with Jesus?” Templado explained. “This business is a reflection of my relationship with Him, and I do try to make sure to show that through how I treat my team of ambassadors and customers with kindness. We include a Bible verse on the back of every tag, and I’ve recently started putting stickers in the packaging, as well.”
“I just want to give God all the glory; I have this success because of Him.”
The biz is named after her 8-year-old sister, Aevlene Aiana, who lives in California with her mom, she said.
“Having my sister witness my first bikini launch with the name inspired by her makes me grateful to show her how much she means to me!” Templado wrote in an Instagram post last month. “I hope to continue to show her that you can do anything you put your mind to with the help of God and her family.”
Aiana Swim features “pieces made with intention, creativity and care for the planet,” she said on its website, noting that 10% of sales go back to animal care in Brazil, where small batches are manufactured. She added that the manufacturer’s values align with hers, providing fair wages to their workers and using only PETA-Approved Vegan, cruelty-free textiles, while reducing fabric waste. The biz’s packaging is also biodegradable and compostable.
Templado designs her own prints inspired by her island home.
Her latest collection, which first dropped to hundreds of shoppers on an email list late last month, features a Tiger Set with pink hibiscus print and white tiger stripes. The swimsuit pays homage to her childhood dog, Tiger, who died earlier this year. The shop’s site is now open to the public, while supplies lasts.
While TikTok videos have helped shape parts of the business — such as her approach for new releases that emphasize exclusivity — Templado credits God, her family and team of ambassadors for helping to grow the band.
In the future, she’s looking forward to creating more collections, increasing inventory, and doing more fashion show and pop-up events.
“Every time I see the name Aiana Swim, I’m reminded of family, inspiration and the hope of building something meaningful that can make a difference,” according to Templado. “Every purchase not only supports my dream of building an environmentally responsible brand but also helps me support myself and my family through college. Aiana Swim is more than swimwear, it’s a dream rooted in family, faith and purpose.”
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
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