Meet Estevão Mendes | Creative Director & Founder of Stevo Creators

We had the good fortune of connecting with Estevão Mendes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Estevão, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was initially driven by a strong personal impulse — a desire to express what I believe is my highest value to others. I’ve always felt a need to improve things around me: not for the sake of change, but to make something clearer, stronger, and more meaningful. That mindset became the foundation of Stevo Creators.

At first, it wasn’t about building a business. It was just me, applying my creative skills with dedication, focused on delivering high-quality work. But as I kept going, I noticed that what I offered wasn’t just “nice to have” — it was genuinely needed. People connected with my vision, and they started to rely on it to elevate their own ideas.

That realization changed everything. I saw an opportunity to merge talent with impact — to create something that not only allowed me to grow, but also helped others achieve their goals through creative clarity, design thinking, and strategy. That’s when Stevo Creators truly became a business: a way to turn vision into value, both for myself and the people I serve.

What should our readers know about your business?
Stevo Creators is a community — a space where content creators find opportunity and brands find creators. Our mission is to connect vision with execution and turn it into something real, unique, and meaningful. The company was born in Brazil after the pandemic, when I, Estêvão Mendes, realized that we — content creators — have a voice and something powerful to offer the professional market.

We’re not just people playing with our phones — we are people working through them. We’re not just scrolling through social media — we’re building with it. After the influencer era came a new type of creative: the multifaceted content creator. Someone who wasn’t just an influencer, nor just a videographer or photographer, but a blend of all those skills. Someone who didn’t fully “fit in” anywhere — and that’s when I realized I was that person.

So I knew I had to create a space where others like me could feel seen and valued. A place where they could realize they belong. Because content creators move the digital economy — especially in countries like Brazil and the U.S., where social media marketing plays a massive role.

Once I had that vision, I knew there was real potential in elevating this creative class. Today, Stevo Creators doesn’t just bring creators together and build a collaborative space — we also support brands in understanding and navigating this new era of digital connection. We help them reach Gen Z, and soon Gen Alpha, who are the next generation of adults and future customers.

We provide brands, businesses, and individuals with digital content production, photography, video, branding strategy, and social media performance strategies. Our goal is to help brands speak to this new generation and thrive within the digital landscape.

At Stevo Creators, we don’t just produce content — we build identity, connection, and positioning. We are a creative agency specializing in visual direction, content strategy, and storytelling through video, photography, and branding. We’re not here to chase trends — we’re here to deliver emotional impact and authenticity. Our mission is to connect creativity with strategy, helping brands and people stand out in a saturated digital world.

What makes us most proud is our ability to turn stories into movements — whether we’re working with stylists, restaurants, influencers, or purpose-driven brands. Our perspective is always human. We listen. We feel. And we create from that place, so what we build resonates on a deeper level with the audience.

Getting to this point was anything but easy. Like any bold idea, Stevo Creators was born from courage, reinvention, and vision. I started from zero — no investors, no financial security. Just a deep belief that authenticity and connection are the most powerful tools in modern marketing. We faced many challenges: navigating the digital space, growing while staying true to our essence, and scaling a business without losing our creative soul. But each challenge taught me to lead through vision — not just execution.

One of the most important lessons? Consistency beats perfection. And when energy aligns with purpose, it becomes unstoppable.

Stevo Creators isn’t just a team. It’s a portal. It’s a movement. It’s a creative home for those who know they were born to build their own place in the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend came to visit me in Miami for a week, I’d want them to experience it the way I did — with calm mornings, meaningful stops, and that perfect blend of culture, sun, and comfort.

We’d start the day with a dip in the ocean at the beach right in front of the Marseilles Hotel — a quiet, beautiful stretch of sand with crystal-clear water. It’s peaceful and the energy there is just right. After that, we’d grab breakfast at Maxine’s Bistro & Bar, one of my go-to spots with great vibes and a nice outdoor atmosphere.

We’d take a walk down Washington Avenue, just to feel the rhythm of the city — the movement, the people, the sounds. In the afternoon, we’d head to Miami Beach City Center for some light shopping and maybe a cocktail at Rosinella, a spot I really enjoyed for its laid-back but stylish feel.

For a taste of different flavors, we’d explore the restaurants around Miami Beach Flamingo Lummus — especially the many Latin-inspired options in the area. But one highlight would absolutely be Casadonna — an upscale, aesthetically striking restaurant with incredible food, luxurious decor, and a refined yet relaxed ambiance. It’s the kind of place where every detail is thoughtfully curated — from the classical music playing softly in the background to the lighting and visual experience. Perfect for both a memorable night out and stunning content for your socials.

These are places I’ve actually been to and truly loved — not just because they’re trendy, but because they felt meaningful, easy, and full of local charm.

If we had extra time, I’d also take them to a few iconic Miami spots like:
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for art and architecture
• Little Havana to experience authentic Cuban culture
• Wynwood Walls for street art and photography
• And maybe even a short boat tour around Biscayne Bay to see the city from the water.

Miami is full of hidden gems and energy — but for me, it’s all about the slow moments, the beautiful textures of the city, and the mix of cultures you can feel in every corner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are three people I want to recognize who played key roles in my journey — each one brought something unique, and without them, Stevo Creators might not have become what it is today.

First, Filipe Lisboa. When I moved from Brazil to the U.S. in February 2024, Filipe was the person who stood by me from day one. He supported me with more than just a place to stay — he gave me emotional, financial, and motivational support when I needed it most. He believed in my vision and never once doubted my potential. His encouragement lit the spark that kept me going. He truly was a guiding light during a very uncertain time.

Then came Chloe May, an extraordinary woman constantly seeking growth. We connected through a shared mindset of ambition and purpose. We partnered in business for a period throughout 2024 and early 2025, where she acted as a representative and manager for Stevo Creators. At a time when I couldn’t yet communicate fluently in English, Chloe stepped in as the voice of the company — especially in Seattle, Washington, where her network was strongest. Her role as a spokesperson allowed Stevo Creators to gain visibility and traction. Although our professional paths later diverged, our friendship remains strong and full of respect.

Lastly, I want to recognize Tawfiq Abdulaziz, founder of Original Studios. Chloe introduced me to him, and from the moment we met, he gave me opportunities that helped shape me as a creative director and entrepreneur. Through his company, I found the structure and financial support I needed to keep building. Original Studios became a powerful foundation — not only professionally, but philosophically. It’s a creative community that mirrors the heart of Stevo Creators: a space for visionaries to collaborate, evolve, and build something meaningful. Even though our focuses differ, our missions are deeply aligned.

And beyond business — on a deeply personal level — I want to honor my mother, Rosanea Batista Mendes. She has always been and will always be the light of my life. Her guidance, her unwavering belief in me, and her daily encouragement are what keep me grounded and inspired. She’s the one who constantly reminds me to believe in my vision and never give up. She is, without a doubt, my greatest source of motivation.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevotake?igsh=MTYyN2Z2bXdmeHhxaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stevotake?si=ZHB6pCOTr1HlTUgU

Other: https://www.instagram.com/stevocreators_productions?igsh=MWN4N2FhZXh1MXB0Nw==

Image Credits
Megan The Stallion
Jay Arelle
Felix Yongbok Lee
Jihoon Kim
Mya Wilhelmena
Kristen Kearley
Jana Craig
Grace Rosa Jackson
Halle Bailey
Rachel Zegler
Lexi Wood
Cupshe ( Brand )
Justin Rafael ( photographer )
Estevão Mendes ( photographer/videographer)