Meet Stephanie Aquino | Social Media Creator

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

Hi Stephanie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from South Central Los Angeles, born and raised. Where I’m from definitely impacted who I am today, I have come across many people with different personalities, but one thing we all have in common is a sense of pride in our city. The way I walk, talk, carry myself, and dress is a representation of my neighborhood. It is something that cannot be copied, there is an authenticity to it. People from communities like mine can quickly spot when something is being mimicked and not genuine, so I am glad I am able to take elements from my environment and do it justice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My creative/modeling career came by accident to be honest haha. I was reached out to by the founders of CALAM (Color a la Mexicana) a couple of years ago to see if I was interested in modeling their clothing line for their brand, and I was honestly really nervous because it was my first time modeling for a brand, and I did not know what to do; however, it started to become something natural and I ended up enjoying it a lot! What sets me apart from others is the way I put things out there in real life and in social media. I use my platform like a creative journal, there is really no theme just vibes. I post things on my stories with things I enjoy, and I talk to my followers like I talk to my family and friends, very conversational and open. A big challenge for me has been imposter-syndrome, sometimes walking into sets has been weird for me especially if I don’t see others who look like me, but I always remind myself that I am meant to be here, and I have talent. Words of affirmation help me a lot to overcome any self-doubt I have, and I try to be stoic about situations out of my control. I want the world to know that I am proud of who I am and that I am the representation people need to see. I have the energy to achieve everything I deserve, and I will inspire the next generations of young people who want to follow a similar path.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It will be mandatory to eat at Tacos Los Poblanos Estilo Tijuana which is my parents’ taco spot. Delicious tacos de Asada with hand-made tortillas….I’m hungry now haha. I love going to the Alameda Swapmeet for my everyday essentials and to hang out as well, I always get an LA-style hotdog or fresh cut-up fruit from the vendors there, so I think that’s definitely mandatory to take my friends. For a night out, I will take my friends out to LA’s favorite dance party Scam & Jam hosted at the Regent in Downtown LA. It’s always a great time there, and if my friends are in town for that weekend, you’ll more than likely catch us there on stage!

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?
First and foremost, I would love to give a massive shoutout to Color a la Mexicana (CALAM) who were the first to reach out to me for my first-ever modeling gig. To Genai Nakama who forwarded my information to Anissa Salazar for my first professional shoot, and the founders of Bella Doña – LaLa Romero & Natalia Durazo – who have brought more opportunities in my life. I will always be eternally grateful to Omar Martin, who scouted me for my first professional beauty shoot. Last, but certainly not least, my family, friends, and ancestors who have been with me since day one, you know who you are. Much love to everyone.

Instagram: @s.te.phanie

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Brittany Bravo 1st, 2nd, 3rd Photos in Additional: Irvin Arellano Gomez 4th, 5th: Myself