Today we’d like to introduce you to Walnette Marie Santiago.
Walnette Marie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Sippin’ Success started as a business idea almost two years ago in Atlanta, Georgia. I knew that I wanted to use my voice to empower others to unapologetically be the best version of themselves and I intended to do so by putting together an event similar to a Sip N’ Paint; hence our clever business name.
Although the vision was there, I lacked the clarity that I needed to pursue the organization of the event. A few months later, I turned what felt like a failed business, into a passion blog, WalnetteMarie.com where I candidly shared my mental, spiritual and emotional journey as an actress. Although that was never a business, it was certainly a fulfilling hobby. I began receiving emails from people across the country expressing their gratitude for my transparency in my posts. Ultimately, the blog became a resource as well as confirmation for my audience reminding them that they were not alone on their journey to becoming great artists.
A year later, I started a new chapter in my life by moving to Hollywood, California. The transition called for many changes, both good and bad, that allowed me to learn and adapt habits that warranted success in my career in less than six months; a story that is typically unheard of for “fresh meat” in Hollywood. Specifically, I managed to secure representation and book a lead role on an anthology series. Despite my success as an actress, I felt as though I was failing as a person. I had lost myself in attempt to find my way in Hollywood. I had stopped posting blogs and felt as though I no longer had purpose. That became my epiphany moment. It was then that I understood the dire need for actors to have a safe community in which they are reminded that they are more than just actors and that success on camera is in fact, less vital than your success off camera; that facing your feelings was much more important than portraying feelings. Sippin’ Success was then rebranded and cultivated for that purpose.
Our slogan is ‘Under the influence of success” a juxtaposition that influences you to be specific and intentional with all that you ingest on your journey towards success. I now use my journey and knowledge to remind artists that they are successful ‘Humans who share their heARTs. We are human first.
The original business idea involved the consumption of alcohol. Therefore, the logo included a glass and bottle of wine. Today, I’d encourage you to #SipSuccess, in other words consume knowledge, before I’d encourage you to sip on any alcoholic beverage. I mindlessly opted to keep the logo when I rebranded the business two months ago and I believe that decision hindered the expansion of Sippin’ Success. Where there is confusion, there is hesitation and businesses simply cannot afford either. The logo, being a direct reflection of the brand, insinuated a different purpose. It was perceived as if I was trying to sell wine as opposed to knowledge. While misleading to my audience, it did lead me to focus on intent and specificity; understanding that everything must have a purpose, just as we do.
Due to my career as an actress, I must always remain conscience of what I expose. I face daily challenges whenever I post content. Although Sippin’ Success is a separate brand, it is still a representation of me, my thoughts and opinions. As authentic, transparent and raw as I’d love to be and have been, I always wonder if my transparency is worth the potential loss of a relationship or role. I know my purpose is pouring in to and empowering others but I also know acting is what pours into me. There is a fine line between the give and take. I always have to remind myself to surrender and walk in my purpose despite any fears of how others will receive how I #SipSuccess.
I believe that what sets Sippin’ Success apart from others is what sets Walnette Marie Santiago apart from the world; it is my voice, my opinion, my authentic self. It is raw. It is real. It’s less business and more life. We have to learn to pour more into ourselves than we do our careers. The better we are as individuals, the more we have to offer to the world and the roles we book.
I am most proud of the growing community. I am filled with gratitude for every individual who is a part of the network that actively shares the content because they’re the ones who are going to help make a difference in someone else’s life. The greater our reach, the more lives we can change for the better.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I spent the majority of my days either writing poetry or dancing Salsa. Although, a quiet introvert by nature and friend of few, I was an adviser for many. I had short-lived dreams of becoming a singer, followed by a dream of becoming a psychologist. In hindsight, it all aligns with the path that I am on as both actress and founder of Sippin’ Success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sippinsuccess.com
- Email: SippinSuccess@gmail.com
- Instagram: @SippinSuccess
Image Credit:
@BKHeadshots, @LaPhotoSpot
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