ETU comes from the Angolan Umbundu language and means “the totality of us.” It is a name rooted in deep sense of belonging, care, love, wholeness, and inclusivity. ETU Swimwear was born during a deeply personal chapter—one of healing, resilience, and rediscovery. After experiencing postpartum health challenges, Vale found that swimming was the only form of movement that felt both possible and restorative. In the water she found strength again. What she didn’t find was a swimsuit that was size inclusive of her body, her culture, or her joy. Ray helped Vale search for swimwear designed for plus-size bodies—pieces that felt bold, Afro-futuristic, expressive, and unapologetically Black. What she discovered instead was a gap: swimsuits that rarely honored fuller bodies and cultural artistry at the same time.

So she imagined something different. ETU Swimwear draws inspiration from her Angolan and Zambian heritage and Papua New Guinean upbringing that uplifts elements of artistry, and global Black creativity— which are cultural influences that shaped Vale’s worldview. While growing up in the Pacific Island nation of Papua New Guinea as a former Refugee, Vale's memory of art and designs originate from where she was born in the country of Zambia, a country that happens to be situated next to the Republic of Angola which is the land of her ancestral roots. Each design reflects a fusion of ancestral memory, futuristic expression, and vibrant storytelling. With Ray’s insistence that this vision deserved to live beyond an idea, ETU Swimwear took form—intentionally designed to spark conversation, celebrate culture, and inspire confidence for a plethora of body types. From its name to its colors, prints, and silhouettes, ETU embodies a simple truth: you are worthy of being seen, celebrated, and adorned because you are the occasion. Officially launched in the Spring 2025, ETU Swimwear is just beginning its journey—one rooted in vibrancy and joy, and the freedom to show up fully as yourself.