Meet Donna Stephens | Dance Studio Director and Girls’ Empowerment Educator

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

Hi Donna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always desired to have a place for young girls to be inspired, build self confidence and learn skills that will empower them in life. Being a mother of four, with three daughters, I understand how important it is to encourage our young girls and instill into them positivity that will illuminate through them as they grow. I teach my own children that you are never too young to inspire and no dream is ever too big to chase. My oldest daughter has a passion for dance and her dream is to own a dance studio. I decided this is the time to chase both of our dreams. We put our ideas together and through dance and girl empowerment, we created Shining Inspirations. Shining Inspirations is a place where girls, ages 4-12, can develop a love for dance through ballet and hip hop classes as they build self confidence. They also benefit from our monthly empowerment classes that cover different life topics that will help them understand their self worth, develop leadership skills and remind them they have a purpose in life and that the world is better because they are in it. Starting this business allows me to inspire and empower girls, while reminding them how valuable they are.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I worked in the Healthcare field for 12 years. I’m a mom of four and after having my last child, I decided to become a stay at home mom. I am a huge people person and love being around people, something I was missing out on being at home. Trying to navigate my new path, I started a mommy blog, called Rise And Shine Mommy. The blog’s focus is to encourage moms to continue to follow their own dreams as they journey through motherhood and learn how to make lasting memories with their kids. This helped me to make the personal connections that I was missing. As I began to enter into the entrepreneurial world, I knew I wanted to build a business where I worked alongside my children and showed them first hand it’s okay to change careers and never be afraid to make your own path, even if you are unsure of the route. Having a lot more free time on my hands allowed me to be more present with my children. This led to me being active with my daughter at her dance studio. I was able to connect with moms and girls that led to inspiring both of them and reignited my love for girl empowerment. It’s amazing how God will direct your path in such a strategic way for the big blessing that He has in store for you. Due to my career change, that I was unsure of, allowed me to be involved and connect with the one thing my heart always desired, inspiring and empowering young girls. And from that, Shining Inspirations was born. Not only do I get to help girls, but I’m blessed to help moms as well, because my business has a mom support network, never realizing the blog was the foundation for that. With my daughter having a passion for dance and the desire to teach, I’m instilling in her, you are never too young to follow your dreams and if God gives you the gift, use it! It’s inspiring for me to watch her work with our young girls. I am so excited for this new journey that incorporates everything that I have a passion for. My desire was to build something for girls that would inspire them and do it alongside my children, and I have been blessed to do just that. I’m teaching girls, while reminding myself, to follow your dreams, because you never know how your journey will inspire someone else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m truly a home body. I am perfectly fine sitting in my house, laughing and talking while we have a few glasses of wine. But, if my best friend was visiting the area and wanted to go out, I would take her to the Battery. I love the atmosphere there. The shops, the restaurants and the music are always a true vibe. Ponce City Market is also a great place to hang out. If we wanted to do a little gaming, we would probably visit Your 3rd Spot. The music is great and the decor is adorable. When it’s time to eat, I love Copeland’s brunch menu and the live music they play. Marietta Fish Market is good and you can’t go wrong with Juicy Crab or Mary Mac’s Tea Room.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves the biggest shoutout for my success. I have an amazing support system that always encourages me to keep pushing and doing what God has called me to do. My family is my go to when I need someone to run ideas by, get insight from or simply vent and express my thoughts for the business. They have helped so much by providing encouragement, reminding me of the value of the business and at times, telling me to step back and take a breath. They have always believed in me, even when my vision of the business became a little blurry. Family, this is my shoutout to you!! Thank you for always believing in me and my dreams and reminding me how important my role is because each girl I inspire will benefit from the genuine love that I have for them. I appreciate and love you all dearly.

Website: https://ShiningInspirations.com

Instagram: @Shining.Inspirations

Other: Email:
Donna@ShiningInspirations.com