After immigrating to the United States from Sudan at the age of 12, I began my journey in modeling and beauty pageants. Winning the title of Miss South Sudan in 2017 was a significant milestone for me. In 2020, I founded San Diego Swim Week, which has become a beloved local event featuring four days of fashion shows and panel discussions in July each year. My mission is to inspire others and challenge the conventional beauty standards in the fashion industry. As I always say, “Confidence is key—it’s not about your size or weight.”
About Eyga
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I used to think I was a bit nuts, but I’m grateful for my family’s support in letting me chase my big dreams. I hope they’re proud of how much progress I’ve made and that they see my vision for the San Diego fashion scene.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I previously served as the state pageant director for Miss Grand California/Nevada and Miss Supernatural California/Nevada. Under my production company, I achieved two consecutive Miss Grand USA titles and one international title. Alongside, I collaborated with charity organizations, raising funds for various causes, including leukemia, and supporting first-time college students through NAACP fundraisers. This was particularly meaningful to me as I didn’t have access to education until I was 12 years old. In 2017, Corey Booker, the president of Gloucester County NAACP, honored me as the Phenomenal Woman of the Year. My experiences with these organizations have equipped me with the skills needed to produce high-quality fashion shows for my company, San Diego Swim Week.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The best advice I can offer is this: The only time gambling is truly worthwhile is when you’re betting on yourself.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I want to keep making a difference, whether it’s in my community, the fashion industry, or the non-profit sector. In 10 years, I see myself with my own family. I’ll stick to doing what I love and expanding my business.
Eyga & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Here are some of my favorite restaurants: Cafe Sevilla – The food is always tasty. Herb & Wood – They have great drinks, and I love the art displayed on the walls. Callie – Amazing food! Aminae – Delicious food and a great atmosphere. The Marine Room feels peaceful, with waves crashing against the windows, and the view is beautiful. Lucrezia La Jolla I love wine and good Italian food.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My family and I migrated to San Diego, California, and I’ve been part of the community for over 20 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Felena Hanson, the founder of Hera Hub, stands out as the most engaging person I’ve met in our community. She’s a wealth of information, and her business boosters provide valuable resources for business owners, whether they’re just starting out or preparing to expand.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
What really excites me about local fashion designers in San Diego? Well, the founder of San Diego Swim Week particularly grabs my interest, especially because it’s closely related to what I do.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Weather: San Diego has fantastic weather, kind of like the Mediterranean, with lots of sunshine—around 266 days a year. That means you can enjoy outdoor stuff pretty much all the time. San Diego has over 70 miles of coastline, so it’s a big deal for surfers or those who love the water. Taco Culture: San Diego is close to Mexico, so there’s a really cool taco scene. You can find all kinds of tasty tacos to try. I’m also into history and the historic landmarks in San Diego. Hotel del Coronado Is a famous old hotel that’s a National Historic Landmark. Lots of fancy people have stayed there, and it has beautiful Victorian-style architecture. Gaslamp Quarter: This area used to be full of old Victorian buildings, and now they’ve turned them into cool bars and restaurants. It’s got a lot of history to explore.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I’d really like to sit down and have a chat with Emma Grede and Anna Wintour. Firstly, I want to talk with Emma about her remarkable journey running and growing businesses. Emma co-founded Good American, a fashion brand known for its inclusivity and body positivity. She’s also the CEO of Skims, a highly successful shapewear brand. Secondly, Anna Wintour is an iconic figure in the fashion world, renowned for her influential role as the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue magazine. With her keen eye for trends and talent, she has shaped the fashion industry for decades, and her insights would be invaluable. Having a lunch meeting at Mister A’s with these two powerful women in the fashion world would be incredibly beneficial for me. They’re both successful and thriving in their fields.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love watching K-dramas. Although I don’t watch TV often, when I do, it’s usually a Korean drama. I find it a great escape from work stress or life. K-dramas make me feel a range of emotions – they make me laugh, cry, and daydream about romance. The storylines and plots always leave me missing the cast of actors and actresses. I love watching K-dramas alone or with my mom. I even got her hooked on them.
Q: (Even for friends or family) What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
In my business and industry, it may seem that I enjoy being around people and socializing, but I truly cherish my time alone. Being by myself is where I find true happiness, allowing me to reflect, restructure my life, and unwind. My alone time is precious to me.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Traveling to a new country has always been a “10” experience for me. Even if I didn’t like the country, I still appreciate the opportunity to experience new ways of thinking, different cultures, cuisines, and unique encounters with people I may never cross paths with again.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents and siblings inspire me to be better, and knowing our humble beginnings motivates me to strive for a better future for both myself and my family.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I admire any local business that’s contributing to our economy, especially after the challenges we’ve faced during the pandemic. This goes double for those who started their businesses during this tough time.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I got, which is memorable and that I still use today, came from a brilliant guy I used to date. Don’t rely on your mind as a storage facility; instead, jot down all your ideas and thoughts. I make it a habit to write down all my happy moments, what made me sad, areas for improvement, or simply things I’m grateful for. I believe this practice is what has helped me maintain my mental peace.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
I spent my childhood in City Heights.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Melting Pot – A place where different peoples, styles, theories, etc are mixed together.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
My perfect weekend in San Diego would begin with brunch with family and friends, followed by enjoying a day at a cute coffee shop. I’d spend the sunny afternoon relaxing in a bikini at the beach or pool, surrounded by loved ones. Maybe we’d catch a new play or musical or attend a San Diego Padres game for some fun. And, of course, I’d definitely go shopping at one of the best malls in San Diego—I always find joy in buying something new and getting dolled up just because
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, sanctuary, belonging. Bikini “Comfort” embodies the feeling of relaxation and ease that one experiences in one’s home. It’s a place where you can be yourself and unwind after a long day, surrounded by familiar comforts. “Sanctuary” suggests a safe and peaceful haven where you can find refuge from the outside world. It’s a space that offers protection and security, both physically and emotionally. “Belonging” reflects the sense of attachment and connection to a place and its people. Home is where you feel accepted and valued and have an understanding of identity and belonging within your community or family. These three words capture the essence of what makes a home special and meaningful. And sometimes, home is holding a well-crafted cocktail in one hand while lounging at a beachfront property. Life is more enjoyable in a bikini with an Apron spritz in hand.
