Steffi Santana is the co-founder and COO of Lola Nena’s, a dynamic food and beverage brand that reimagines the classic Filipino bakery for today’s modern palate.
Under her visionary leadership, Lola Nena’s has expanded to more than 30 locations across the Philippines, seamlessly combining nostalgia, affordability, and a strong sense of community.
Known for their viral triple cheese donuts, the brand has quickly become a beloved name both locally and globally, offering comforting, flavorful treats that are as shareable as they are Instagram-worthy.
In addition to her work at Lola Nena’s, Steffi is the founder of S Studio, a branding agency where she collaborates with a diverse range of clients to craft compelling brand narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether in food, beverage, or other industries, Steffi’s ability to elevate brands comes from her genuine passion for creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging.
Driven by a deep commitment to empowering her teams, Steffi places an emphasis on nurturing personal and professional growth. Her focus on sustainable growth and innovation is reflected in her leadership style, where purpose is at the core of every decision. She believes that success is not merely about business outcomes but about fostering meaningful connections and building businesses that reflect community, connection, and shared purpose.
When asked about her definition of success, Steffi explains, “Success is about creating an impact that outlives transactions, fostering connections that matter, and leaving a lasting positive imprint on those we serve.”
For her, the most meaningful moments are not the ones recorded on spreadsheets but the times when a team member shares how Lola Nena’s has changed their life. “Helping them grow and watching them take pride in their work — that’s real success,” Steffi adds.
Empathy, transparency, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are the core values that guide Steffi in both her personal and professional life. These principles shape her leadership style, pushing her to continuously learn, lead with purpose, and connect with others on a deeper level. Through these values, Steffi does more than just build businesses — she creates moments of profound impact and weaves meaning into everything she touches.
Steffi’s journey is a powerful example of purpose-driven leadership. By staying true to her values and embracing a vision that goes beyond profit, she has cultivated not just a brand but a legacy of empowerment and lasting impact. For her, success isn’t measured by the size of the business but by the lives she touches, the communities she nurtures, and the positive future she helps create.
Ultimately, Steffi believes that true leadership lies in inspiring others to see their own potential, grow, and make a difference.
With every step she takes, Steffi proves that when we lead with heart, passion, and integrity, we don’t just change the world — we make it a better place for everyone.
Read more about Steffi Santana’s inspiring journey in the upcoming Alike50 Coffee Table Book, Volume 4: Renaissance. Set to showcase 50 notable personalities from diverse fields of business, governance, and the arts, each story in the book is a testament to vision, perseverance, and excellence—offering readers inspiration to dream and do.
Don’t miss your chance to own a copy and be inspired by the new generation of trailblazers shaping our country.
The book is now available for pre-order at a special intro rate of Php 2,500. Message us at 0947 664 8942 or DM our Instagram (@alikeofficial) to reserve a copy.
Photos by Metrophoto for Brands
Special thanks to The Penthouse 8747
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