An Inspired Chat with Stephanie Santana of Phoenix

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stephanie Santana. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Showing the sides of weakness that I hid from the public. I’ve faced many health battles while in the spotlight that I kept hidden because I was afraid that it would make me look like a liability, weak or incapable but today I use it as moments of inspiration. I overcame battles that seemed impossible at the time while maintaining my career and shining in the spotlight.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephanie Santana also known as Hot Cop. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but currently live in Phoenix, AZ. I’m a veteran, mom, model, actress, influencer and gained popularity online due to skits of me playing a cop. It began as a joke on set with me and another actor fooling around. I posted a clip of BTS and it went viral because everyone thought it was real. I kept the persona going because people loved it. Aside from that, I recently put together my first production called Hunted. Right now it’s making its rounds in festivals to gain visibility and awards but I’m still processing if I would make it into a series or feature.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As I child, I was shy. I was very quiet, tom boyish and hated being in front of anyone. I felt like I had no purpose, useless and that I would not be worth anyone’s time or energy. I come from a background of abuse, abandonment from my dad and the lack of safety. I had to find ways to shield myself and I did that by being silent, staying to myself and avoiding. Now I believe that I’m unstoppable. I’m worth everything that has been thrown my way. My past has made me strong. Basic training made me even stronger. The trolls on the internet became my armor. I’m a force to be reckon with because no one knows the pain that I’ve carried, the knives that stabbed me repeatedly and how I’ve been rebuilt to stand in this world.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’m not proud to say that there has been multiple times I almost gave up. There were things that were so overwhelming in life that it tore me apart. I felt myself rip into pieces and I just couldn’t see a way out. By the grace of god I reached out for help to a complete stranger and this lady talked me through what to do and how to gather myself. Our minds are so powerful that sometimes we just need someone to take us out of it. I don’t know where I would be without her.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I don’t change who I am whether in the spotlight or at home. I’ve learned to be comfortable with who I am and I’ll gladly show up on a red carpet in crocs. I’ve told my fans millions of times… I’ll never pretend to be someone I’m not. There is already enough fake crap out there. I don’t want to be “ONE of THEM.”

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’ll stop looking for excuses. Let’s face it… we all get busy and look for excuses as to why we can’t do something. I’ll take the vacation I keep putting off and possibly jump off the plane that I’ve been told I can’t do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official_stephanie_santana?igsh=a3puYW55d3J5bGZt&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesantanaofficial?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17Hm8JVj36/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: Threads: https://www.threads.com/@official_stephanie_santana?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==