Meet Iliana Santiago | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Iliana Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iliana, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
When considering my legacy, I aspire to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of others. Whether through acts of kindness, contributions to knowledge and understanding, or by inspiring positive change, I hope to leave behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and meaningful impact. Ultimately, I aim to be remembered as someone who left the world a better place than I found it.

Please tell us more about your art? What keeps you busy professionally?

As a multi-talented artist with over 20 years of experience in photography, makeup, hair, and fashion, I stay busy by creating compelling visual content that brings beauty, fashion, and art together. My professional endeavors span a wide range of activities, including editorial makeup artistry, conceptual and portrait photography, and sharing my expertise through tutorials and lifestyle content.

My art is a fusion of fashion and beauty, showcased across various media platforms from film to high-end fashion publications such as ELLE Magazine, L’Officiel Magazine, and many others. I have honed my skills in makeup and fashion by working with renowned celebrity makeup artists and building a strong industry network from New York to Los Angeles. My work has even graced the red carpet at the premiere of “Harriet Tubman,” where I provided makeup for Mitch Hoog.

I believe that true beauty comes from the right expression of oneself, and I strive to convey this belief through my work. Whether it’s through makeup techniques, beauty trends, or captivating visual storytelling, I aim to empower and inspire women by bringing my knowledge and experience to the triangle area and beyond.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others.

What sets me apart from others is my diverse and extensive experience across multiple artistic disciplines. With over 20 years of expertise in photography, makeup, hair, and fashion, I bring a unique blend of skills to my art. Having worked with major celebrity makeup artists and contributed to prominent publications and events, I have developed a versatile and well-rounded approach to beauty and fashion.

Additionally, my commitment to empowering individuals through the expression of their true selves sets me apart. I firmly believe that genuine self-expression is the ultimate source of beauty, and I strive to convey this belief through my work. By combining my technical proficiency with a deep understanding of the transformative power of self-expression, I aim to create memorable images and experiences that resonate with audiences on a profound level.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I am most proud of and excited about my recent move back home to Puerto Rico. Since returning, I have begun to connect with my barrio of Santurce and have had the opportunity to attend a program through Nuestro Barrio at Sagrado Corazon University. This program is designed to assist individuals in launching their own brands, and I am thrilled to announce that as a result, Santurce Times will be coming soon. This magazine will focus on celebrating our culture, music, and art, and I am incredibly excited to share this project with the community.

It brings me immense pride to have the opportunity to contribute to the cultural tapestry of Santurce and to create a platform that showcases the vibrancy and richness of our community. Through Santurce Times, I aim to shine a spotlight on the unique stories, talents, and creativity that define our culture, and I look forward to engaging with and uplifting the voices of our community through this exciting new venture. Stay tuned for the launch of Santurce Times as we celebrate the beauty and creativity of our home.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that my brand and story are deeply rooted in a passion for celebrating beauty, culture, and creativity. Through my work as a multi-talented artist with over 20 years of experience in photography, makeup, hair, and fashion, I have made it my mission to empower individuals to express their true selves authentically. My art is not just about external beauty, but about capturing and celebrating the unique essence of each individual and the communities I engage with.

My recent move back to Puerto Rico and the upcoming launch of Santurce Times, a magazine focusing on our culture, music, and art, is a testament to my dedication to amplifying the voices and stories of my community. I want the world to know that my brand stands for inclusivity, empowerment, and the celebration of diverse cultures.

Through Santurce Times and all my creative endeavors, I hope to inspire others to embrace their heritage, express themselves boldly, and find beauty in their uniqueness. I am committed to fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the community, and I am incredibly excited to share this journey with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

We would visit Old San Juan’s historic sites, and dine at a local restaurant.

– Relax at Isla Verde Beach, then have dinner and enjoy nightlife in Condado.

– Explore El Yunque National Forest, hike, see waterfalls, and visit

• Day trip to Culebra Island for pristine beaches.
• Eat at El Boricua best spot ever!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God, My husband and all wonderful people I met thru The Makeup Show!!

Website: www.lillysantiago.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypuertoricanlife?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Twitter: @lilliesandlions

Facebook: Iliana Santiago

Image Credits
Photography September