Meet Stephanie Olivo

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

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-Taking: The Backbone of My Journey

Risk-taking has never been a reckless act for me—it’s been a conscious choice to trust myself before I had all the answers. From stepping into the world of real estate, launching a podcast that speaks to healing and growth, and building a business with long-term impact, I’ve learned that waiting for the “perfect moment” is another way fear disguises itself.

With a background in sales, leadership, and marketing, I’ve seen firsthand that the biggest breakthroughs come from leaning into the unknown. Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but it doesn’t build legacies. Every major step in my career—whether shifting industries, building a brand from the ground up, or creating content that requires vulnerability—has come with risk. But it’s also come with a reward: clarity, confidence, and connection.

I’m not building something temporary. I’m creating something lasting. Something that reflects my values, my voice, and the kind of impact I want to have. And I know this: if we wait until we’re “ready,” we’ll be waiting forever. Growth lives on the other side of the risk we’re most afraid to take.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is storytelling—through words, through connection, and through the spaces I create for healing, reflection, and transformation. Whether it’s through my podcast, my work in real estate, or the business I’m building with intention and longevity, everything I do is centered around the idea that our stories have power. And when we’re brave enough to share them, they become a source of strength, not just for us, but for others, too.

What sets me apart is my willingness to be raw and real. I don’t shy away from the hard conversations—grief, loss, reinvention, or starting over. I know what it’s like to feel like everything has fallen apart. I also know what it’s like to rebuild, not by pretending to be okay, but by honoring every part of the journey, especially the parts that hurt. That honesty, that heart, is what people connect with. That’s my art.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve faced profound personal losses, moments of feeling completely directionless, and the internal battle of wondering if I was “enough” to keep going. But I overcame those challenges by showing up anyway. I leaned into my support system. I took risks before I felt ready. And I stopped waiting for permission to chase what felt meaningful.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned are:

Don’t wait until you’re “ready”—you’ll miss your moment.

Your story matters, even if it’s still unfolding.

Vulnerability is your superpower, not your weakness.

Building something lasting takes patience, clarity, and courage.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m here for the long haul. I’m not just building a business—I’m building a legacy rooted in truth, connection, and empowerment. I believe in creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep moving forward, no matter what they’ve been through. This is more than work for me—it’s a calling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting me here in Decatur for a week, I’d make sure they left feeling inspired, full, and connected—because that’s the magic of this place.

Day 1: Welcome & Wind Down
We’d start with a cozy welcome dinner at The Deer and the Dove, one of my favorite spots in Downtown Decatur for elevated, soulful food. Afterward, we’d take a stroll around the square, grab some handcrafted gelato from Butter & Cream, and just soak in the small-town charm with big city energy.

Day 2: Art, Coffee & Community Vibes
We’d kick off the day with lattes and conversation at Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, then check out Decatur Arts Alliance or the local galleries. I’d make sure we stopped into Little Shop of Stories—it’s technically a bookstore for kids, but the magic there is for everyone. In the evening, we’d catch live music or a poetry reading at Eddie’s Attic, where big names often get their start.

Day 3: Atlanta Day Trip
We’d head into Atlanta to explore the BeltLine, maybe rent bikes and ride through the city, stopping at Ponce City Market for rooftop views, vintage shopping, and killer food options. Dinner would be at Two Urban Licks or Gunshow—bold, unforgettable dining experiences.

Day 4: Nature + Nostalgia
We’d spend the day outdoors—either hiking Arabia Mountain or walking trails at Lullwater Preserve near Emory. It’s peaceful, grounding, and a perfect place for deep conversations. Then we’d have a relaxed evening with pizza and craft beer at Brick Store Pub, a local favorite.

Day 5: Spa + Self-Care
Time to recharge! We’d book a treatment or two at Wellspring SkinCare or a nearby holistic spa, then head to Revival for a Southern meal that feels like a hug. It’s self-care meets soul food.

Day 6: Creative & Cultural Immersion
We’d spend time exploring Black-owned businesses and creative spaces in nearby East Atlanta or Kirkwood. Dinner at Twisted Soul Cookhouse or cocktails at 9 Mile Station—a rooftop gem—would wrap the day perfectly.

Day 7: Full Circle Farewell
On our last day, I’d take them to Bread & Butterfly for brunch, then relax at Decatur Square with one last coffee, reflecting on the week. Maybe we’d pop into a local artisan market if there’s one happening, because I love supporting small, creative makers.

In My View:
Decatur is full of heart. The people here care—about their community, their craft, and their connections. Whether it’s the barista who remembers your name or the artist showcasing their soul on canvas, Decatur has this way of reminding you that home is where people show up for one another. That’s what I’d want my best friend to experience most of all.

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 owe a great deal of my success to my family and my tribe, the incredible people who have stood by me through every chapter of my life. Their unwavering belief in me, especially during times when I struggled to believe in myself, has made all the difference.

After losing several important people in my life, I felt unanchored. Grief has a way of making the world feel unfamiliar. But it was the love, support, and encouragement from those still walking beside me that reminded me of who I am—and who I still have the power to become. They helped me find the strength to keep moving forward, to keep telling stories, and to share my own.

This journey—whether it’s through real estate, podcasting, or building a lifelong business rooted in purpose—has never been a solo mission. It’s been carried on the shoulders of those who remind me that I’m not alone and that my voice matters. So this shoutout is for them—my circle of light, my grounding force, and my greatest cheerleaders.

Website: https://www.dcnw.info

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dcnw_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sososteph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscontinuedNowWhat/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscontinuedNowWhat

Image Credits
Images created by Stephanie Olivo