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

Hi Stefán, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a teenager and when I first entered college, I was very reluctant to take a risk. I like to think that I have come a long way since then. A major part of what has gotten me to my current position in life is not being afraid to make a major change and step out of my comfort zone. Whether I succeeded or failed, I always managed to be in a new position from when I started. Risk Taking can be difficult and uncomfortable. I have found that I am my own biggest obstacle when it comes to risk. My insecurity sometimes take over and I find myself saying negative things like, “What am I doing?”, “Is this really for me?”, “ I can’t do this…”, “Success is not there”, and ”I am afraid”. While it is necessary to acknowledge fear, you must not allow it to define you and keep you stagnant. A place of comfort is nice, but nothing ever grows there. The key is confronting that fear head on saying, ” I recognize that this is a risky step and I am afraid. However, I am not going to listen to you fear and will do this very thing I am most afraid of.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer, videographer, model, fashion stylist, chef – all gifts and talents. I enjoy challenging myself and living out my passions to the fullest. What sets me a part is my drive. I might not be the most talented, but I will always give a 110% in all my endeavors. I love nothing more than hearing someone tell me I cannot, only for me to prove them wrong and show them I can. The road is anything but easy however it is very much worth it. I have prayed and been blessed with the opportunities to work in and learn from mentors in these fields. Some have challenged me to test how dedicated I was. The time they have spent with me has given me valuable insight and knowledge that I know will help me wherever I go.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I have a budding interest in all things related to fashion, photography, culinary and events. There are no shortage of areas and opportunities related to these things within Atlanta area. Anyone hanging with my crew and I will be thoroughly entertained. We might start out visiting the local scene checking places along the BeltLine or places downtown like The Fox theatre. Another day can be filled with an impromptu photo session at The High Museum of Art or The GOAT Farm. To round things out we might dress ourselves appropriately and have a fancy night out at The Sun Dial restaurant or smoke a stick at a lounge like Fellaship ATL.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am a firm believer that no one gets anywhere in life by themselves. Each of us has someone or some group of people who contributes to our development. I am extremely grateful for those who have shown love, mentored, shaped and given me the opportunities that have led me to where I am today. These people whom I want to Shoutout include: Rosalyn Hedgepeth, Joshua Swinney, Rachel Hedgepeth and my Project We Care family @roshedgepeth @josh.swinney @ms_hedgies @projectwecare Zeke Lipscomb @sinister_6th Tevin Acklin @moreink_please My fraternity brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. including: Ken Love, Gary Brooks, Drew Stephenson, and Dylan Gray @blue_judge @djgeniusatl @iamdrewstephenson @thegrayleo

Instagram: @i.am.stefan
Twitter: @stefan_model

Image Credits
Derek Hightower Eyephocusnow

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