Conversations with Steff Espinoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steff Espinoza.

Hi Steff, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you so much for the platform, Voyage Phoenix! I guess to give you a better idea of my story I can start with my upbringing. I was raised in a creative household. Musically charged that’s for sure. I feel so lucky to have had such mixed personalities and creative openness in my day to day growing up. My father, a gigging / session musician within the Spanish and Christian music world and my mother, the most supportive, go-getter (I am who I am because of her! Love you, Mom!) and artist at heart with an education in teaching. I never quite know what to say about what I ‘do’ other than I am a seeker of expression and that has landed me in the different worlds of modeling, acting and as of lately, music. Those are my true passions. The things I would play pretend as a kid and to this day fuel me. I wouldn’t be honest if I down-played, like those are the only career paths for myself at the moment. If you’re a creative you know how sometimes, most-times a side job goes hand in hand with your passions. Somehow as of the last 2 years I’ve managed a balance of focusing on modeling / acting / music and a career in the Jewelry Authentication Industry as well. My first taste of acting was in 2011 after being casted as a TV Reporter for a Christmas movie. I was in college at the time for Fashion Merchandising but I always left the door open to any acting / modeling opportunities. The teamwork effort and ability to make these stories come to life on set always fascinated me. I was hooked! Soon after that, my love for fashion was organically calling out to me. I dedicated most of my time to wardrobe styling and creative direction for photoshoots with Photographer & Videographer, Noemi Gonzalez. We became sort of like a package deal because of how much we collaborated and connected. An immensely training and significant time I will cherish forever! There was a point in my life where I took a pause from my passions and had to deal with personal and life changing events. I was living in Maryland for a handful of years but when I returned to Phoenix, I became the most confident version of myself. I like to imagine the flower blooming on the Saguaro Cactus moment. Nothing was holding me back and I knew the chance to make the best life possible for myself was all in my hands. I worked hard, healed my heart, had lots of fun again and trusted life to guide me to the creative souls in the desert city I was once so connected to in my college years. Through my roommate at the time, I met the insanely talented Filmmakers, Talha Hussaini and Jacob Heimlich. The rest really is history! Working on a couple short-films and commercials since 2022 and leading to connecting with the incredible people behind Save The Airwaves Production, who have so kindly been a big support group through my modeling and acting career. As of recent, I found a wonderful agency to be represented by: Priority Talent Agency; And I’m in a music-trio called Myr with my long time friends, Luis Soto and Francisco Rojas. A project we have recently introduced last fall. So grateful to say we will be recording music at Oracle Recording Studio this Autumn.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
You don’t meet the smooth road until after the heartbreak and struggles; Yet when you get to a smooth road you have to carry a rake, ha ha! 😉 In my experience, it hasn’t been a smooth one from when I started to now but I’ve been able to find moments of peace through the hardships. Whether it be mentally or financially. One of the reasons I talked myself out of a career in entertainment when I was much younger was because I felt like I didn’t fit the standard to be a model or actress. I cared too much what other’s thought. Getting over that was a struggle for me. It’s a beautiful thing when you finally break out of what holds you back for so long. Again, never easy. When you notice an interest or talent constantly resurfacing I believe it’s a sign that it’s part of your life’s destiny. Stay confident in knowing that it’s your gift to give. So whatever the hurdle is, you can get through it. Believe in yourself, things improve in time. I have yet to meet any creative that has had an easy journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was recently told I was a Renaissance Woman. I thought that was funny but pretty on point. I feel like I’m all over the place with my career. Most days, a Jewelry Specialist for a fashion company. I authenticate, learn the history and provide correct details about the jewelry for our website. A trait I hold close to heart now and proud to say plays a positive impact on re-purposing luxury goods. When it comes to my Modeling and Acting career I still consider myself very new in the industry. So far, booking commercial (lifestyle / brands) work in the valley and a recent feature in a super cool short film called ‘Superstar’ – I played ‘Trish’ the dead girl. Please watch it! It was a blast and has so much Arizona talent. My goal is to continue my modeling and acting career. Phoenix is a city where talent and kindness truly intertwine. I would love to represent the vibrant community I have experienced for myself. My entrepreneur plans are forever cooking up in my brain. I’m testing the waters. My band and I have also been more consistent with working on our music. Since last November we’ve booked a few gigs here and there around Phoenix, which I never expected. It has been another level of inspiration to finally share our sound outside of our living rooms. I am definitely most proud of that project coming into fruition. I hope that my heart is reflected in everything I do.

What makes you happy?
Connection and looking up at the palm tree’s when a sunset is about to start. Yea, those things come to mind right away when I think of what makes me happy. Life isn’t meant to be navigated alone; The human and overall LIFE connection is the heartbeat of our existence. No matter where we come from or the different life experiences we have faced we all need to be heard and valued. Celebrate each other’s wins and be of support.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.steffespinoza.weebly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steffesp
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-elle-espinoza-873164201
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Steffesp
• Other: https://prioritytalentagency.com/divisions/models/portfolios/steff-espinoza

Image Credits
Samuel Rene Gomez, Zhara Negrete, Boyant Esperanza-Cadorna, Save The Airwaves, Nicole Factor