Meet Santi Murillo | Influencer & Model

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

Hi Santi, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised all throughout Wyoming!

Growing up queer in Wyoming was anything but easy. I remember being bullied and belittled from a young age and not finding other people to connect with. I have always viewed myself as someone who didn’t belong, but I turned that into my greatest superpower. I loved not conforming with the crowd and standing out, and eventually, once I found own sense of style, I turned that into my own influential power.

Still to this day I love standing out from the crowd and being an individual. I love being the only girl dressed up in a room full of people who all look the same.

I’ve always said that if I could transition in Wyoming that I could do anything. I think through the years of bullying and not feeling like a part of the majority has transformed me into a strong, independent and confident woman.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I really always loved being in the spotlight and having people look at me. I was a cheerleader for 10 years, so I was always ready to be on TV and in front of thousands of people. From there, I found my love of modeling. Modeling for me did not come easy because there wasn’t a lot of opportunities for work here in Wyoming. My first modeling job was for a local salon and they wanted me because of my hair. From there, opportunities have sprung forward so fast.

I think what sets me apart from others is my authenticity. I love expressing myself through all aspects of my life and never pretend to be someone I’m not. I am very open about who I am and have no time to explain myself to anyone who does not understand me or agree with me.

One thing I am most proud of in my life has been the persistence I have shown while everyone else tried to break me down. I have had countless people tell me that what I am doing on my social media is “cringey” and that promoting myself would never work. I haven’t listened to those people and keep doing what I am doing and I have landed brand deals with multiple different hair and skincare companies.

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?
Not gonna lie, Wyoming is BORING. I try to escape down to Denver any chance I can get.

My favorite place to eat is a local place called The Metropolitan. It has such a city feel, great food and amazing cocktails. Downtown Cheyenne also has a lot of cute little boutiques and murals that offer great Instagram opportunities. My house is definitely my favorite place to hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really could not be in the position I am in right now if it wasn’t for the endless support that I have always received from my mom. She taught me that it was okay to be different and always embraced me for who I genuinely am. She has always been my biggest cheerleader.

Instagram: @santixmurillo

Twitter: @santixmurillo

Facebook: Santi Murillo

Image Credits
Blush Photography – Casey Nath