CEO Of The Week: Media Personality, Actor, & Author Shod Santiago

Santiago is one of the pioneers of being popular on social media. He shares how he went from working at a pharmacy to hosting his own show “The Shod Santiago Show”.

By: Nosey Nay

Shod Santiago is a man of many talents whose success practically came over night. It all started with a Vine post that reached over 1 million views. But before insta-fame, Shod was already planning ahead for his future. Growing up, Santiago lived between Maryland and Queens, New York. He wrote his first book while in high school and has always shown that he was more mature than your average teen. While working in the medical field, his life changed with a posted video. We were able to talk with Shod and get the details on how his career started.

N.N.: Shod, you’re a Media Personality, Actor, Published Author. How did you get into your career and what actually came first?

S.S.: It started with a Vine video. I don’t like to say it happened over night but it happened over night. So Vine was an app, kind of like instagram, you could post 10 second videos. I made a video saying “if I fall in love with you, you better fall in love back”. It went viral and literally so many opportunities has presented itself to me. I wrote my book “Gucci and Gold” my sophomore year in high school. Once I gained a huge following, I decided to publish my book. It just made sense. I prayed to God one day because I was trying to figure out what was next in my life. Should I pursue hosting and acting or should I go into the medical field, because i was working at a pharmacy at the time. Well not even two weeks later, I was laid off from my job. So I got my answer, I’ve been on Love & Hip Hop, I was in a stage-play, toured for my book , and fortunate to have my own show on SVTV network.

N.N.: Tell me a little more about the stage-play you were in.

S.S.: The stage-play is called “In-laws from Hell”. It was a great experience and so fun. The play was based on a true story. My character was the outspoken hairdresser; who in a way is

 like me personality wise. I didn’t realize I would have to challenge myself as much as I did but it was worth it. This was my first time being in a stage-play and was overwhelming at times but I stuck with it. The part required me to sing, and I can’t sing but I gave my all and it all worked out. I do everything in my power to be the best “Shod” I can be. Which helped me be great in this play.

N.N. What can we expect from Shod in the future?

S.S: I have so much going on. I’m actually working on a game show, which I can’t say too much about just yet, but it’s on the way. I’ve recently landed an acting role that’s really huge and so dope. The project is called “BBW” and I play the best friend of the main character. We just shot the pilot and it will be out soon.

N.N. So, Shod, is there anyone special in your life?

S.S: Uhhh, well you know how that goes. I do but I’m still pretty private about who I’m dating. It’s kind of new but not really and I’m still trying to feel it out. Ive learned in this business you can’t be so open and transparent with your dating life. But there is someone, and you might just see him on screen with me.

 N.N.: Any advice for those who are coming up behind you?

S.S.: When I released my book, I was able to do workshops and tour to different schools to give advice and tell the students how i did it. It was an amazing experience. I would have to say staying humble and keeping yourself busy will equal success. I wrote my book in 10th grade so that lets you know where my mind was and what level I was on. I like to share my story because i know it could touch someone and they’ll see success in their life.

Into the new year, Shod is already booked and busy. He wasn’t able to spill as much as we wanted but he has so much for us to look out for in 2019. Santiago’s show is still going strong and he will being releasing a second book soon.

Keep up with Shod Santiago and click here to see what he has up next.