We recently had the chance to connect with Stephanee Santamaría and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Stephanee, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Over time, I’ve learned that acting too quickly never works. I’ve learned that we all have a path to follow and a specific timing for things. What’s meant for you—cliché as it may sound—is for you, and it will align with you when the right moment comes and you’re ready to receive it. So I’ve learned to focus on myself and not rush, because at the end of the day, you’re the one putting pressure on yourself that doesn’t really exist.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is stephanee Santamaría, I’m from Venezuela, I’m a fashion stylist, I work in the music industry, I’ve been working as a stylist during 4 years now, and it’s been a crazy journey, I never though that I will jump in this journey, I used to studied architecture and when I moved to Miami I jumps into fashion, the most crazy about this, is the fact that takes me to places I just dreamed about it, and I met people that I used to listen when I was younger, and makes me realize everyday that you can make your dreams come true with a lot of passion and discipline
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’d like to speak to the 18- or 19-year-old Steph,
the one who felt a little lost or thought she knew exactly what she had to do.
I moved from my country to Paris when I was 19.
And even though I must say it was a divine experience,
it was terrifying.
I left without knowing much,
with the idea at the time of finishing my architecture degree.
And even though Paris is the fashion capital,
all it did was awaken in me the connection I now feel with the Steph I am today.
She was a girl—somewhat insecure, somewhat lost—
who managed to lose herself and find herself again in a magical place
that inspired her to do something else wild:
to move once again across the world
to completely rethink her entire life.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Not to call it suffering, but rather pain—I think I’ve held on tightly to that, to memories or feelings that have made me be reborn and turned me into a more genuine person each time. Pain teaches you, empowers you, and makes you see many things clearly. It helps you get to know yourself and work deeply on yourself—on the love you feel for yourself and on how you want others to perceive you.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I think some of the people I’ve admired the most are my parents, for how brave they are. We always need to remember that even though they’re our parents, they’re also people experiencing everything for the first time. They’re making mistakes, learning how to be parents, and trying to be the best for you—to guide you through life or to do it in the best way they know how. I think sometimes we see them as superheroes—and they are—but we also need to remember that they’re doing everything for the first time, just like we are. And I think that’s what makes me admire them endlessly and gives me strength whenever I need it.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
This question is funny because I feel like it happens to me a lot. I think we’re always chasing more and wanting more, and we completely forget about the achievement we just reached and how much effort we put into it.
So I’m learning to be more present, to enjoy the ride, and to give myself credit for it.
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All credits are mine
