We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephy Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephy, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Puerto Rico. I came to Georgia in 2017 right after hurricane Maria hit my country. I was an independent woman and literally I had to pause everything; my job and the college I was attending, for Spanish Education, had to stop because they had a lot of damages in their facilities after the hurricane. My apartment was not in the best condition, so I decided I needed a change and that’s when I moved to Georgia. Coming here was a challenge I will say. My dad wanted me to move to Florida with him; however, I wanted to continue being an independent woman. I lived in a hotel for about a month. I had two jobs to sustain myself. Both my background and my upbringing impact who I am today. I was raised by a single mom, she had me and my sister very young. She taught us how to be strong in life and she has always been very workaholic. That definitely has helped me learn how to manage things in life. My dad has impacted me as a businessman. We always have conversations about that. He definitely has been my mentor.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Thiago because I have a passion for shoes. I love the different styles, designs, and how you can reflect personalities through an extraordinary accessory. The way that the same outfit can look different just because the pair of shoes you choose is amazing. Also, I have loved to wear heels since I was little. I have a devotion for heels and fashion styles. I feel that shows empowerment. In 2021, I was thinking about doing it and I actually started an e-commerce course to learn about everything I needed to know. After a lot of obstacles, money loss and frustrations I finally started the business this year 2023. I can say I got to where I am today because I never lost faith in myself nor God. It hasn’t been easy at all! Sometimes I want to pause everything ,however, I’ve been disciplined in this project and I hope I can continue growing personally and professionally. I have overcome the challenges thinking as they are lessons for me. I know it can be hard at the beginning, but I also know that later on I will laugh about all of them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Helen, GA! I will eat, drink, and hangout there! Helen is very opposite from where I come from. I’m from the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Helen is a mountain town in the northeast of Georgia. You feel like you are transported to the streets of Germany because of their Bavarian-style buildings. To me it is one of the most interesting places in Georgia. In my time off I like to go to wineries and enjoy nature.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank God for all the blessings. Thanks to my husband for all the support and encouragement. Thanks for always believing in myself. Thanks to my dad for his mentoring. Thanks to my mom and sisters as well.

Website: https://thiagoshoetique.com

Instagram: @thiagoshoetique

Facebook: @thiagoshoetique

Youtube: @thiagoshoetique

Image Credits
Maury Rossel

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