Fashion and technology has always been an interesting intersection to me. At first thought, they don’t seem to go together at all. Fashion is an art form, full of creativity, while technology is a science built on numbers and hard data. Much like me, Rafael Santana, the founder and creator of Rafalogie.com and Rafalogie Studio, finds himself somewhere in the middle of the space between the right and left brain fields.
Maybe that’s why I find him such an inspiring person. Or, it might be his urban sense of style and genuine personality. Either way, he’s definitely someone you should know better, especially if you’re fascinated by the worlds of art and science.
CitS: Who is Rafael Santana?
RS: I am a 26-year-old with a passion for traveling, entrepreneurship, fashion and technology. I’m originally from Southern Arizona but spent most of my childhood in Northern Mexico. Growing up, I was exposed to two different cultures and languages at a young age. This allowed me to become the person I am today, creative and open-minded.
After earning a B.S. in Computer Science at Arizona State University I started my own blog called Rafalogie with another site for web consulting called Rafalogie Studio. Rafalogie is essentially who I am, what I like and what inspires me.
CitS: Who were some major influences in your life and how did they help you get where you are today?
RS: The two major influences in my life are my mother and grandmother. Growing up with two strong female role models in my life motivates me to pursue my dreams and be perseverant every step of the way, just as they have been. My grandmother struggled as a single mother working multiple jobs in order to sustain her three daughters. It is not only her perseverance that has inspired me, but her knowledge about the value networking has on life. She always told me “it is not about what you do, but who you know and what you do with those connections.”
My mother, also a single mother raised both my sister and I up just like her mother raised her. Her dedication for us finally paid off this year as both my sister and I hold a college degree. She is most definitely the major influence in my life; she loves me unconditionally and has been with me through countless ups and downs.
CitS: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
RS: “Never let the fear of striking out, Keep you from playing the game” from my best friend in Mexico. My friend knew how badly I wanted to start my own blog and do something to explore my passion for fashion and technology. I was afraid of getting into an artistic field, in my programming career, code either works or it doesn’t and in fashion like in any other artistic form everything is open to interpretation. Every time I am unsure of taking the next step or exploring something new I always remember that moment and say… what the hell I bet I still have 3 or 2 more strikes!
CitS: What’s one of your favorite things about Phoenix?
RS: Location. Phoenix is so close to different cities like Las Vegas, San Diego, Flagstaff, etc. You can pretty much experience all four seasons by travelling only a few hours out of town. Plus the Phoenix area has great weather most of the year, except for those boiling hot parts of June and July of course.
CitS: What is your favorite downtown spot to hang out at on the weekends?
RS: Definitely Roosevelt Row. It is full of great bars and amazing murals. If you ever just want to feel inspired and have a great time with friends I recommend going to that area to see all the murals. The first Friday of every month the streets are closed and you can really appreciate the culture downtown.
CitS: How would you classify your personal style?
RS: I love the grunge style from the 90’s.
CitS: What’s next for you? Any great trips planned or new projects coming up?
RS: I have two trips I am looking forward too! My two next big trips are to visit and explore Denver, CO for the first time in late August. I’m excited to finally be able to explore the local shops downtown since I’ve always had flight connections at the Denver Airport. The second trip I’m excited about is NYC in September for part of Fashion Week where I will also be celebrating my birthday. This will be the 2nd year I am able to go and recharge with the crazy energy of NYC, especially during fashion week.
My next project is really focusing on bringing more material to my blog Rafalogie and also bringing new and exciting freelance projects to Rafalogie Studio.
CitS: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
RS: I love to workout. I am always looking for new workouts and apps to improve my fitness.
CitS: What else should people know about you?
RS: I love being able to inspire and help others when possible. If any one want to start a blog but is not sure about the technical side of it, you can contact me at rafael@rafalogie.com and I will be happy to give you an initial consultation. Don’t let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game!
Don’t miss one second of Rafael Santana’s adventures. Follow him on Instagram @Rafalogie.
Receive FREE SHIPPING on your favorite Couture in the Suburbs’ product when you sign up for our newsletter below.
