Meet Santos De Cortez | Influencer, Stylist, & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Santos De Cortez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Santos, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe a lot of my motivation to keep going comes from a place of not wanting to get comfortable and be stuck. Growing up, learning to thug things out because all storms pass has been a big lesson. The sun rises and a new day begins. I could never give up because i know my potential is yet to be seen by the world.

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 art varies in different forms…..
The art of embracing myself is the most beautiful art I’ve created & grown into. Embracing my femininity as a boy has been a journey that I find essential to being able to create art. Photoshoots have been a way of expressing my creative freedom along with runway walking. I just walked for a luxury reselling store called “The Diva Den” where i made my debut. I’ve always wanted to walk a runway but I’ve been to several castings. I knew whatever is meant for me would find me and everyone’s pace is different in life. Lessons i’ve learned are to constantly be considerate of everyone you’re around, finding peace in individuality is key, & consistency is essential. I would want people to know that I am constantly gonna be slaying even when I am at my lowest. I have came from nothing so having so many hobbies/ hustles has to do with wanting to win the game of life.

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.
Tucson has some of the best food ever, I would recommend eating local because I recently tried Amelias Mexican Kitchen, the food and drinks were amazing. In tucson there also is Scented Leaf, where I enjoy the fresh brewed tea (specifically the honey vanilla chai with soft top and extra sweet). Downtown tucson is fun and nostalgic to take photos around.

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?
Nothing would be possible without my parents. Nothing would be possible without God. My parents would give me their last dollar if it’s all they had. My parents although being separated, continue to help me reach my goals. Along with my grandparents, they’ve always wanted to see me win & I’ve always appreciated that because i know a lot of young queer individuals don’t always receive the love. My friends just understand & trust me and i’ll forever love my baddies for that.

Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamsantcortez?_t=ZP-8yHyky95Wc3&_r=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santcortezz?igsh=OXZzMzdrNDBzYXhr&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Veronica B