Tori Green: Who are you? What do you do?
Kristina Santa: I am Kristina Santa, I have been an entrepreneur since I was a kid if lemonade stands & flipping yard sale items counts. But most recently, I’ve gotten into the social media & crypto space. I feel like it’s such a cringe/cliché word but I guess I’d call myself an influencer now.
Tori: What was your first business (including running your own business)? How long did this last or are you still involved in the same business?
Kristina: A personal trainer, I was lucky enough to have started at age 17 because the owner of the gym never asked my age. I had my personal training business throughout college, till I moved to LA in 2011.
Tori: Biggest challenge? How did you get through it?
Kristina: My biggest challenge in that business was balancing time with school and personal training. I was doing NPC bikini shows as a form of advertising, so I was also training myself at the same time.
Tori: What is something that you wish you could go back and tell yourself before starting this journey?
Kristina: I would tell myself about the power of social media, that I need to use it as a business tool.
Tori: What did you do before owning your own/running your business?
Kristina: Before I started my business, I was working in the daycare at the gym. Shortly before that, I was just living off my parents (I was 16).
Tori: What/who made you take the first leap?
Kristina: The owner of the gym encouraging me to get my certification, definitely was the first big push. I never would have thought I could do it at my age but he believed in me.
Tori: Who was the first to believe in you and give you real support (financial/sweat equity)?
Kristina: I was fully self funded, and I had a full ride in college so luckily, I didn’t have too many bills at the time.
Tori: Was this your dream job? If not, what was?
Kristina: At the time it was my dream job.
Tori: Why did you get into this field?
Kristina: Health and fitness has always been a Passion of mine. With personal training, I was able to help other people better their lives and reach goals, it was so fulfilling. I remember I had several clients lose over 100 lbs, it felt like I was reaching my goals when they reached theirs.
Tori: What is your biggest failure that you turned into a success?
Kristina: The biggest failure I had that turned into success was actually the next business I was part of. At the time, it was called Shockcase, and we manufactured iPhone cases. This should have been a success story but I didn’t have a solid contract with my business partner and lost every bit of time and money I invested in the company.
Tori: If you could change one thing about your life today for the better, what would it be?
Kristina: To balance getting content and living in the moment. Sometimes I’m too in The moment and miss great content and sometimes I miss a life moment worried about having my camera out.
Tori: How is your life/work balance? Body, mind, and soul weekly routine?
Kristina: I am huge on health and nutrition, I work out at least once every day and eat a full vegan diet, mostly raw at that. Meditation and time alone is also crucial. I feel like it’s my way to recharge and gain clarity.
Tori: Do you say/write out affirmations?
Kristina: Yes I do! I do breathing meditation and once I hit that zen state, I start speaking my affirmations out loud.
Tori: When was the last time you tried something new/ Stepped out of routine?
Kristina: I just tried my first ice bath last month in Aspen Colorado. Starting out I didn't like the cold, in fact I’d say it was a low key fear, so it was a pretty big step just getting in at first. After 2 weeks of daily ice baths I have no fear towards the cold and have a deeper level of understanding what I can mentally and physically endure. The last day of the trip I stayed in (the ice bath) for 6 minutes. I'm pretty proud of that!
Tori: Favorite book that changed your life?
Kristina: “breaking the habit of being yourself” Joe Dispenza
Tori: Do you think your gender gives you an advantage or disadvantage in today’s world?
Kristina: I’m sure my gender could be a disadvantage in some ways, but I’ve decided to only focus on the advantages. In social media there are definitely some big advantages I’m very grateful for.
Tori: Have you experienced different treatment from your peers of the opposite sex?
Kristina: For sure I’ve definitely been treated differently as a woman. But it’s not all been bad, again I would say there are actually some real advantages being a woman. We are powerful!
Tori: Thoughts on the glass ceiling?
Kristina: I used to see more of a glass ceiling, but I have honestly removed myself from that type of mentality and decided to just go after what I want as if it doesn’t exist.
Tori: What advice would you give your children/ future children about succeeding in a patriarchal society?
Kristina: I would tell them not to worry about society. To just focus on achieving their goals despite the current climate. Perspective is everything. If I believe I’m at a disadvantage, I’m going to act accordingly, however, if I choose to believe I’m an unstoppable force I’m going to move with power.
Tori: If you could talk to a young boy/girl from your hometown neighborhood who aspires to have your career/job/focus what would tell them? Advice.
Kristina: I would say the number one thing is to “do”. Whatever you want to just be shamelessly proactive towards reaching your goal. For social media specifically, get on several platforms and post like it’s your job. We all started with 0 followers. Figure out what your niche would be and how you can bring something different to the table to stand out.
Tori: Fun fact about you?
Kristina: I am a huge adrenaline junkie, I am currently working on my skydiving certification!
Tori: Number one piece of advice you remember?
Kristina: Know that you can control your thoughts to keep a positive outlook. Sometimes you can’t control situations but how you choose to perceive them is always your choice.
Tori: Anything else to add?
Kristina: If you haven’t gotten into meditation yet, definitely consider making it part of your routine. My whole perspective changed when I started incorporating Wim Hof breath work.
Tori: Anything coming up for you that you want to talk about?
Kristina: Get ready for music, I’ve been slowly putting together a project!
Tori: Where can we find you online?
Kristina: IG @kristinasanta
Tiktok @kristina.santa