Tastemaker: Steven Branco, also known as @Mr.StevenBranco

Steven Branco has gone from being an editor-in-chief, to social media influencer, lifestyle expert and media executive/creative director and is showing no signs of slowing down. An all-around creative digital native, Steven Branco is a quadruple threat with extensive experience as a creative director, producer, photographer and storyteller. This Toronto-born entrepreneur is the founder and creative director of Stamina Group, social media guru and men’s lifestyle influencer.

We caught up with Steven Branco to find out more…

What are a few things everyone should know about you?

I am a Toronto-based digital native with a passion for print publishing. I love to travel, and have lived in many different cities all over the world. I am constantly looking for the next adventure and love to challenge myself creatively. 

What are the best rewards and biggest challenges when working in the digital world?

The best reward for me is to see the reactions to the content we create at Stamina Group. I have so much respect for our creative team, and genuinely love collaborating with them on a daily basis. And of course, I love making the clients happy! They are the inspiration behind everything we create, and I have built some really great relationships along the way.

The biggest challenge when working in the digital world for me is ….the misconceptions and what many associate as “value” to digital or creative work. It’s an art, a skill and in Social Media’s case, you’re a photographer, stylist, director, producer, model, customer service, brand rep, and so much more. More often than not, that’s not recognized, but it’s a conversation I am willing to drive forward to ensure we change that.

Is there a campaign or piece of work that stands out as your favourite?

I always love working with Paul Mason, aka Fashion Santa. We always create really cool content together. My overall favourite would have to be….

Where do you want to see yourself in the next 5 years?

My goal for the next 5 years is to solidify Stamina Group’s place as one of the top content creation agencies in North America. On the editorial side, my first passion was print media and I’d love to find a way to incorporate that into the success of the publications. Personally, I am determined to continue to grow the Mr. SB brand both online and in mainstream media. I love doing the television spots on CHCH where I discuss men’s fashion and I definitely see myself doing more of that. 

Speaking of men’s fashion, who are your favourite designer brands?

I am a huge fan of TOM FORD, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci. My favourite Canadian designers are Kollar and Mayer, who are both Toronto-based designers. 

How do you keep a healthy balance between work and play?

I mean, most of the time my work is genuinely fun for me, but there are definitely times when I need to remind myself to turn off the notifications for a weekend. Through last year I became quite the plant-lover, which is very relaxing for me. I love propagating them and watching the plants grow, I mean just take a look at my Instagram you’ll see. 

Lastly, where can we follow you?

Instagram is the best @mr.stevenbranco, but you can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn at the same name.