We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amie Santiago. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amie below.
Hi Amie, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Everyday when we wake up, we make choices. Those choices usually dictate the way that the rest of our day will go — and with that, the rest of our lives. I believe the saying that says, the best things in life are the ones that are worth a risk or even “high risk for a higher reward”. If something is important enough to you, who is to say that a “risk” is even a risk at all? Who is to say that staying in the same comfortable spot isn’t in fact, the real risk? I have a mindset where i would rather try to go for something that sparks me up, speaks to me and I’m passionate about and not make it to where i intended, then to look back on life with the thought of “well what if i tried,” and simply never knowing the outcome of it. I don’t believe anyone in this life was meant to be stagnant. We don’t have roots, we are not trees. I believe we are meant to be ever changing, always evolving and growing, Always learning and aspiring for more, because there is SO much out there. We truly have the ability to create anything that we want in this little life of ours, so why not aim high? With all the doubt in the world of “what if this goes bad,” we could arguably use the same effort and intention for “what if this works out, and manifests how I’ve longed and prayed for.”. Life is about perspective, so why not make yours a strong one with an unwavering amount of faith in yourself, and your dreams. I live life with a strong footing in my faith as well. Faith is believing when you can’t see it. People say, “Seeing is believing.” God says the exact opposite: “Believing is seeing.” Some things you’ll never see unless you believe them first. Hebrews 11:1 says it like this: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” At the end, your choice is to believe in either faith or fear, neither you can see — but one truly sets you free. What’s the real risk in that?
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Amneris Santiago formally, But everyone knows me as Amie. I’m proudly Afro-Latina From Puerto Rico & Panama. I’m blessed to be a full time entrepreneur in the 757 area! I’m a lash & brow artist who also slays tattoos and tooth gems! To have the ability to not only exercise my craft, but create a judgement free environment for my clients to freely vent, and feel heard. What is said in the sacred room, stays in the sacred room! I have genuinely bonded and created lifelong friendships in this field, and it’s not something i take lightly, AmieArtistry is a one-stop shop for all of your beautification needs. I have the privilege of walking each guest into a comfortable & welcoming experience. Giving each client a personalized service to indulge themselves in the self-care & love they desire and deserve on a consistent basis. The goal is to help those entering my studio feel their absolute best. I strive for all guests to experience what it’s like to look in the mirror and be happy with the person who looks back at them. I offer customized handmade lash strips, as well as magnetic ones. I have 9 different lip shades that have a clasp that closes with a kiss, glides on smooth, with a matte finish. I also have my own “festival” eyeshadow palette, and lash wash to make sure we’re keeping those extensions pristine! You can order everything online, or just pick it up at the studio! I wanted to be a one stop shop because who doesn’t dream to have one person who can almost do it all? I love being a company and woman of variety. Whether you need lash strips, lipsticks, extensions, waxing, tint, lash lift. permanent cosmetics, or even a tattoo— you name it; I’m your girl and intend on always expanding and growing where I can!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Do the research! Do the work! Find a mentor! Don’t think that you have to do everything on your own or that you can simply Google, or YouTube University your way through the process. Entrepreneurship is a JOURNEY. Just like life, it’s all about the little steps that allow you to get to where you want to be. You won’t have the best days all the time, and not everything will work out in the way that you strive for. I believe that it is essential not just in business but in life, “acknowledge, and adjust.” Acknowledge what works, what your strengths and weakness are, where you can improve, what you want to truly accomplish through which methods… etc. — Reflect and take stock of yourself frequently, and then you ADJUST. PIVOT. Doing the same thing over and again and expecting a different result is true insanity, Break the mold, be uncomfortable. Fill your frequencies with podcast or audiobooks that allow you to learn, grow, or simply test your boundaries and mental limitations. Brick by brick. Remain patient, remain resilient, and hungry. The best things in life come to those who go out and get things handled; not the ones who only write down a few manifestations, put no work in and sit to wait for the transmutation to occur. Even prayer without work is “dead”.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Moving forward in business, I am definitely open to collaborating with other creatives! Whether that is makeup artists, photographers, nail artists, clothing brands, etc! I think it is actually such a beautiful thing when people from different fields/talents are able to come together to create the ultimate piece of art simply through creativity and thought. I am also extremely invested in giving back to the community whenever i can! I love being able to do coat and toy drives and am interested in seeking out more ways where I’m needed in my community, We all know that one person alone might not be able to do a lot of change on their own, but a VILLAGE of equal minded individuals can at LEAST be the catalyst to get the ball really rolling with not only awareness but ACTION.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amieartistry.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amieartistry/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amie-artistry-norfolk-2
- Other: www.amieartistry.com
Image Credits
Joshua Boone Photography.
