Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamesa Santiago
Hi jamesa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am 2 years in living in the Houston area. I am originally from the east coast. I was born in the nations capital and raised in Virginia. Ive always been a creative since I was young child. I was always into art music cooking etc So after high school I decided to go to college for Audio engineering, Around 2007 which then after had me move across country to Cali in 2014. I also produce and write music so my inspiration for relocating was to be in a place with heavy influence in the music industry. There I I had some really great opportunities to work with recording studios, and work on movie and tv shows as production, and as a background extra. During that time I also discovered a new love for Live streaming which I got started on during covid in 2019. Prior to that I was also doing YouTube videos but not consistent I still do them to this day and trying to get those back in motion. That brings me into a few years back when I started my graphic design business as well. Since I was already a content creator I was being asked to do graphics for other people and/or videography (all via iPhone btw) So thats hen I took it a little more serious and branded myself with a llc for graphic design called Grandeur Lyfe Media Arts. I also established Grandeur Lyfe Digital which focuses on the content creator aspect and the Live streaming business. A few years after that I started Grandeur Herbary. Grandeur Herbary started because I really thought it was important for people to no only focus on mental/ spiritual health but also their physical. I was taking a Herbalist class at the time and wanted to be able to share that knowledge through products so I started by making herbal teas. I tied the self care into it by making hand made candles which have changed looks 3 times since starting. Al though I have all these businesses I am pushing over the years I have also been a micro influencer and brand ambassador for several brands. So ideally I am just focused on creating more content that not only enhances others visibility but mine as well.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have a number of things that have happened over time. Starting from being hit with student loan debt. My school ended up shutting down and undergoing a class action lawsuit I can say as of 2024 those loans were dismissed. Which I am grateful for. In California while I did experience some really nice times I also had struggles. I interned with a record company which I thought would be promising for a year and ended up being a dead end. I met people who promised me things to help me advance that never did. I had struggles in both residency and finances. which ultimately led to moving to Vegas during covid. Vegas is where I was motivated to start content creating for other people. The first person to believe in me enough to ask for me to help them was with my family and her brand Oh So Bella. That project at the time was a podcast/ cooking show. While there was some hiccups with the production with that we had an amazing time and it showed me what was possible. I still have some struggles today as a solo entrepreneur because its hard to wear all the hats and market own your own successfully especially with limited income. Even simple things like vending and getting no customers can make you feel like giving up. But you have to keep trying.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a serial entrepreneur. I make music . I am an artist I Paint. I am a graphic designer. I create content for YouTube, and social media sites like instagram, TikTok etc. I stream on apps like tagged and TikTok. I do work as a brand ambassador and influencer. I am a proud owner of a small business which specializes in minimalist and luxury based wellness products. I am proud for finding what I’m passionate about and just going for it. Im different because I do so many things and everything I do is really who I am. It’s all an extension of my mind and spirit.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Just reach out to me via social media Im always checking and absolutely open to new opportunities and networking with like minded creators. You can find my brand page @thegrandeurlyfe my graphic design page @grandeurlyfemedia my herbary business @grandeurherbary Additionally you can find out more about my brands and what I offer on my businesses at grandeurlyfe.com and grandeurherbary.shop to reach me directly you can email info@grandeulyfe.com or jamesa.kelly.santiago@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grandeurlyfe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrandeurlyfe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrandeurLyfe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrandeurLyfeDigital/