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Story & Lesson Highlights with Golden Santos of Raleigh/ RDU

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Golden Santos . Check out our conversation below.

Golden, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is usually the most important, because without it, intelligence and energy can actually be dangerous. A brilliant, hardworking person without integrity can cause harm. Intelligence is valuable because it helps with problem-solving and growth, but if it’s not paired with integrity, it can be manipulative. Energy matters too, because without drive or consistency, neither intelligence nor integrity really gets put into action. If I had to choose one, I’d say integrity, because it’s the foundation that makes intelligence and energy trustworthy and meaningful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Golden, and I’m a creator who’s passionate about bringing beauty and art to life. My first baby, Golden M8de, is my heart and passion, my beauty brand where I specialize in makeup and nails. It’s the space where I get to pour into people, boost their confidence, and showcase creativity through artistry.

My second baby, Poetic Mirrors, is my photography brand. With it, I capture raw, authentic, and timeless moments, turning everyday stories into art.

What makes my journey unique is that both of my passions are rooted in transformation, whether I’m enhancing beauty through makeup and nails or freezing memories through a lens, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was insecure. I didn’t love myself and I thought I was ugly. Now, I see my own beauty, and I’m fully into me and how I feel.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power the moment I realized it was just me and God. That’s when I understood everything I went through wasn’t meant to break me; it was meant to build me.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say what really matters to me is becoming a better version of myself every day. Growth, loyalty, and my brand mean everything to me; because they all reflect the legacy I’m building

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I deeply understand that healing and growth are an inside job. No one can give you peace, self-love, or purpose. You have to choose it, nurture it, and protect it for yourself.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: @glittamegolden
  • Twitter: @glittamegolden
  • Facebook: Golden Santos
  • Other: Tik Tok: @glittamegolden

Image Credits
NaJay Harrison: my favorite photographer

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