Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Santiesteban.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Sparkling Smiles started as a fashion stamp I have been trying to push and make relevant for a couple of years, going on 5 years now actually. It all started because I used to wear tooth gems back in the day. One day, I went back to my lady to have it replaced and she was shut down, & I never heard from her again. So, I took it upon myself to go through the trial and error of the best glues, gems, and products that were the best in the market. I would test them on myself all the time!
Unfortunately, I had no luck and they would always fall off. My parents used to tell me I was gonna intoxicate myself one day! Lol. I have always loved how tooth gems looked on me. It just so happens I was scrolling down my insta one day and I came across these two sisters who were touring the US giving courses for tooth gems and teeth whitening. I took the leap of faith and took the course when they came down to Miami. I only did it to learn how to do it myself.
I never thought of doing it on anyone else cause I didn’t want anyone to copy me lol. However, I have always been so inspired to start my own business since a young age. Tooth gems and starting my own business collided with one another & this is where my idea blossomed.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest, it has been very very challenging! Since the beginning and it still is actually. Starting with the fact that not a lot of people are into that style of fashion, so many people criticize it. They think it’s “Rachet” or “ghetto.” Lol so that’s tough, gaining a non judgemental fanbase. Aside from that, when I felt like my business was going to take off and I’d get my studio, COVID-19 hit, & the whole world was on lockdown.
So I was at an ultimate standstill for about 2 years. I learned from a very young age to always work for the things I want, so I have always had a highly demanding job. My career path isn’t the easiest, it’s very time-consuming so that has also taken a toll on the time put into sparkling smiles. It’s been very rough but always stand by your faith.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am fully devoted to the hospitality industry at the moment. I am currently the Reservations Manager at Osaka Nikkei Miami. I handle anything that has to do with reservations and private events, as well as VIP clientele.
I am the main point of contact when it comes to investors, artists, celebrities, athletes, etc. I however love working on my gems on the side. What I’m most proud of? I would say is my kickass work ethic. I have always been a go-getter since a young age. & I truly love that about myself because I’m very independent and I always work hard for the things I want!
Shout out to my mom for that!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Big shifts, more and more artists are wearing tooth gems nowadays so it’s probably gonna blow soon!
Pricing:
- $40 Swarovski tooth gems
- $60 18k Gold Charms
- $90 1 hour Whitenings
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sparklingsmiless
