Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Santamaria.
Hi Tia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Tia Santamaria, and I’m a proud triplet born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up as number five in a family of seven siblings, plus three step-siblings, meant there was never a dull moment in our household. After graduating from Reynoldsburg High at 17, I naively sought freedom and independence but quickly found myself partying away my freshman year. That all changed shortly before my 19th birthday when I found out I was pregnant with my son, Noah.
The news was a shock, but when I looked into my son’s eyes after he was born, I made a promise to myself: I wanted more. I enrolled at Columbus State just three weeks after giving birth and worked tirelessly to balance school, work, and motherhood. It wasn’t easy—I was exhausted, drained, and often felt like I was just surviving. But I used those challenges as fuel to push forward.
After earning my associate degree, I transferred to OSU, where I graduated with a bachelor’s in economics. From there, I entered the field of supply chain management, steadily advancing through roles, earning promotions, and achieving milestones like my CSCP certification. But even after a decade of professional success, something inside me kept calling for more—specifically, a return to my creative side.
Last year, I took a leap of faith and dove into acting. I began an alcohol free lifestyle, enrolled in the Houde School of Acting, began studying the Meisner technique, got professional headshots, built my resume, and secured representation with two top agencies. In just a few months, I’ve booked over six projects with new ones on the books for spring of 2025 and feel like I’m just getting started!
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: no matter how daunting the challenge or how late it feels to start, taking that first step is what matters most. You never know where it might lead
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes there have been struggles. Having Noah at 19 trying to navigate school, work and being a full time mom. Not sure how I did it all. Looking back is such a blur sometimes just because sleep just wasn’t an option.
The passing of my grandmother, she was my heart. She pretty much raised me. Although my mom was there she battled her own struggles with substance abuse and mental health and caused our relationship a huge strain. So I was extreme close and connect to my grandmother. I called her mom. So losing her set me back into a deep dark place that was hard to get out of.
Shortly after I would lose my dad in 2021 and that about shattered me. And the whole family. My heart aches for my mom. He was her everything. And he was my rock. He was an amazing father and provider. Adopted me and my six siblings as his own when I was 8yrs old and gave us his name Santamaria. His loss was and still is very hard to navigate. I was and forever will be his mini gato.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My passions for acting and comedy stem from a deep love for storytelling and making people feel something—whether it’s laughter, connection, or inspiration. While I’ve been acting here and there since college, last year I made a pivotal decision to fully commit to my craft. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in studying the Meisner technique, secured representation with two top agencies in Ohio, and had the opportunity to perform in feature films, comedy showcases, commercials, and other exciting projects.
One of my biggest accomplishments has been building this momentum in such a short time—pivoting into a serious acting career while juggling comedy and securing meaningful roles. What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly combine drama and comedy, bringing warmth, authenticity, and layers to every role. I thrive on collaboration and storytelling that feels real yet entertaining, which I believe makes my work stand out.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is spending time with the people I love—especially my son, Noah, who’s my greatest joy and inspiration. He 14 now and is a huge fisher, and I love going out on fishing adventures with him. And no I don’t touch the fish; when I catch them I make Noah release lol. Crazy to think he will be in high school next year as a Hartley Hawk! I am so grateful and cherish moments with family and friends, whether it’s sharing a laugh or just being present together.
I also find happiness in being creative and challenging myself. Whether it’s through acting, writing, or trying something new, I love stretching my limits and uncovering parts of myself I didn’t know existed. That sense of growth and discovery fuels me and keeps life exciting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tia_santamaria_/profilecard/?igsh=MWJnMXVqYWE2ODBpaA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ZRB42vDF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianna-santamaria-cscp-90aa41a9?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
created by photogrid
created by photogrid
