Influential Woman · Beauty
Amie Santiago
Co-Founder, HOUSE OF ARTISTRY
Norfolk, VA 23508
Her Story
About Amie
Amie Santiago is a dynamic businesswoman, creative force, and influential leader known for building meaningful brands that extend beyond surface-level success. As co-founder of House of Artistry, she has developed a space designed to cultivate opportunity, sharpen talent, and encourage professional growth for aspiring and established beauty professionals alike. Her reach extends across beauty, wellness, and business, reflecting her commitment to evolving in every space she enters.
Grounded in perseverance, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to service, Amie’s journey reflects the power of bold decision-making and intentional growth. She is passionate about creating platforms that encourage self-sufficiency, inspire transformation, and remind others that success is most powerful when it creates room for others to thrive. Through every endeavor, Amie continues to leave a lasting imprint by leading with substance, vision, and undeniable purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, discipline, knowing exactly what I want and being ambitious enough to go after it. I'm a firm believer that anything truly WORTH having isn't anything simply handed to you. I don’t wait around for opportunities—I create them. Even through difficult seasons, I’ve stayed focused, consistent, and trusted that everything is working in my favor. At the same time, I know I would not be where I am without the incredible village in my corner—those who continuously support me, believe in me, and push me forward. Success is never built alone, and I’m deeply grateful for the people who have rooted for me, poured into me, and reminded me of my strength along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team.’ As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that true success isn’t built in isolation. While ambition and determination are essential, sustainable growth comes from collaboration, community, and the strength of the people you choose to build with. Surrounding yourself with the right team not only creates support during challenges, but also fosters innovation, accountability, and shared purpose. I’ve come to understand that longevity in business is rooted in meaningful relationships, strong leadership, and the willingness to grow alongside others. Success becomes far more impactful when it’s not just achieved alone, but built collectively in a way that creates opportunities and inspires those around you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest piece of advice is to believe in your vision, even before the world fully recognizes it. Entering any industry—especially as a woman—requires confidence, resilience, and the willingness to continuously invest in yourself. Master your craft, remain adaptable, and never stop learning, because knowledge and consistency will always set you apart.
It’s also important to understand that success doesn’t come from shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. Lead boldly, advocate for your worth, and create opportunities where they may not yet exist. Collaboration over competition is powerful, and building genuine relationships with other women in business can create lasting impact.
Most importantly, remember that your authenticity is one of your greatest strengths. There is room for you to succeed without compromising who you are, and often, the qualities that make you different are the very things that will make you unforgettable. Life is too short to be anyone else; shine in your own light!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is standing out in an increasingly saturated and rapidly evolving industry. With the rise of social media, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, there are more opportunities than ever before—but there is also greater pressure to remain innovative, adaptable, and authentic. Many professionals face the challenge of balancing quality, personal branding, and business growth while navigating constant industry shifts.
At the same time, this evolution presents incredible opportunities. The accessibility of digital platforms has created new ways for women to build brands, expand their reach, and create spaces of their own without relying on traditional gatekeepers. Collaboration, education, and community-driven business models are opening doors for long-term success in ways we haven’t seen before.
I believe the greatest opportunity lies in embracing innovation while maintaining authenticity—using modern tools and platforms not just to grow financially, but to create meaningful impact, empower others, and redefine leadership within the industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, ambition, integrity, and impact. I believe in showing up fully as myself—unapologetically, intentionally, and with purpose. In a world that often pressures women to shrink themselves, I value staying true to who I am while continuing to evolve into who I’m meant to be.
Integrity is non-negotiable for me. How you carry yourself, how you treat people, and how you build matters just as much as the success itself. I’m deeply driven by ambition, but not just for personal gain—I’m passionate about creating opportunities, building community, and leaving spaces better than I found them.
Resilience is another cornerstone of my journey. Life and entrepreneurship both require grit, adaptability, and the confidence to keep pushing, even when the path isn’t easy. One of my favorite mottos is "Pivot, and Adjust". Above all, I value meaningful impact. Success, to me, isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about what you inspire, what you build, and how many people you empower along the way.
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