Rina Santos is a mom, blogger, entrepreneur and fashion icon. I had no idea we were so popular. People started asking me about Rafa. So I changed my IG name because more of my followers are actually following Rafa.

Mom, blogger, entrepreneur and fashion icon. These are some of the words people have used to describe Rina Santos. In the last few years, Santos has become a prolific figure on social media due to her aesthetic style and her adventures with daughter, Rafa. This August, Melissa Shoes recognizes this power mom as a #MeInMelissa Style Maven.

“I had no idea we were even popular,” shares Santos. “It started when she was really small. I would always dress her up in something weird or fun. Then eventually, people started asking me, ‘Oh, how’s Rafa?’. So I changed my IG account’s name because more of my followers are actually following Rafa!”

#MeInMelissa is the new campaign by Brazilian footwear brand Melissa Shoes. The campaign empowers women across the country while highlighting pieces from the brand’s 2018 collection, Open Vibes.

For her #MeInMelissa Style Maven shoot, Rina Santos donned a pair of Melissa Classic Brogues. Santos has found her personal aesthetic by mixing androgynous stylings with vintage, yet feminine touches. “(The pair) exudes manliness, at the same time if you mix it up with different kinds of styles, it brings a different kind of take in fashion.”

Due to the popularity of her Instagram account, @rinaandrafa, Santos launched a supporting video blog, The Rina and Rafa Show, which has become an instant favorite.

Through her social media accounts, viewers have a chance to witness the Santos family’s trips all over the world.

“Travel is important to us. Not just for fashion, but for Rafa,” says Santos. “It opens a lot of ideas for her. She has an open mind and she’s not discriminating. She doesn’t feel scared going to different places. But if we have a super favorite place, that would be Japan or Seoul, South Korea. We like the food and they have a lot of vintage stores there. We love mixing vintage and store-bought clothes!”

For Santos, travel isn’t just a means of exploring new worlds or rediscovering long-forgotten favorites. “Most of our inspiration actually comes from traveling. We see a lot of styles along the way, and eventually that brought us to zeroing into our individualities. We’re different and that’s okay.”

Because of their increased presence on social media, both Rina and Rafa have both become ‘Aesthetic Goals’ for mothers and daughters all across the Philippines. This comes through most prominently through the tandem’s now-famous rotation of complementing outfits.

“It was just me wanting to dress her up and later on, it eventually grew on her and we bonded,” Santos shares. “It’s a conscious decision to coordinate. Not more on twinning, but coordinating through colors and structure of the fabric. We have fun in planning our outfits.”

Because of her constant movements, whether at home or across continents, Rina Santos understands the need for footwear choices that are long-lasting, stylish and comfortable.

“You can go to a lot of places with good and comfortable shoes,” Santos adds. “Comfort is the main priority and then style, of course. If style and comfort mixes together, that’s very good. But at the end of the day, comfort will bring you a different perspective on life.”

Santos’s philosophy towards footwear extended into her choice for her #MeInMelissa shoot, the Melissa Classic Brogues. This new twist on the classic Oxford has become a favorite among men and women alike.

“I like the comfort (of Melissa Shoes),” says Santos. “And actually, it’s really low maintenance. It’s nice. You can bring it to your travel. It doesn’t take a lot of cleaning. I really like the collaborations with different artists nowadays. Melissa opens doors to artists and different collaborations. People can also try it from the different designers.”

Rina Santos is a woman who has found incredible success in both her private and professional life. And yet, despite of all her accomplishments, Santos remains grounded by her dedication towards her family.

“My priority is family,” says Santos. “The second is career. So either way, whatever happens, I can sacrifice whatever it is for family.”