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

Hi Stephanie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Started from the bottom and now I’m here is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about my life. I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY and I know the true definition of “struggle”.

I spent about half of my childhood in Virginia with my father and the other half with my mother in NY.

Because of this, I was brought up in 2 very different environments that shaped who I am today.

I learned stability and hard work ethic from my father and speaking my mind from my mother.

On the flip side, I also saw my father work tirelessly and never see any real fruit from his labor, and my mother’s instability created financial worries and bad habits within me.

I also dealt with verbal and physical abuse from my stepmother which took a toll on my self esteem and self worth.

All of these experiences caused me to go through seasons of burnout from overworking and inconsistency in my stability and financial management. I also have been plagued with depression and a negative self image.

I’ve experienced homelessness, evictions, business failures, and just about every financial struggle you can come up with.

As I broke free of the mindset and beliefs that I took on from my upbringing I shifted from being financially and spiritually broke, to building some incredible businesses and impacting women with the work I am so blessed to do on this Earth.

I am so incredibly grateful that I don’t look like what I’ve been through.

My life is a testament to the fact that God can heal anyone from anything and that how you start doesn’t determine how you will finish.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My background is in the beauty industry and after 14 years as a hairstylist, I have fully retired. I’ve dedicated this next chapter to coaching beauty professionals and helping them build purpose filled and profitable brands from the inside-out.

My husband and I own multiple salon suite locations. The mission behind Girl Who Glows Salon & Suites is to change the beauty industry one beauty pro at a time.

We want to shift the direction of the beauty industry, especially for black beauty professionals.

The industry is taking a turn for the worst for black beauty pros and is losing sight of the service and commitment to the clients. There is also a lack of real business building knowledge and because of this, women are throwing their businesses in the trash and struggling to make ends meet.

We want to do the 1 thing most salon owners aren’t doing…

We want to uplift, educate, and mentor the beauty pros in our salon suites so they can find success in their endeavors and return back to providing quality services combined with amazing experiences for their clients.

The journey to get here was not the easiest for us and after almost closing down in 2023, we found ourselves having to make some tough decisions.

We have sacrificed personally to make this business a reality.

With keeping God first, ALOT of prayer, even more faith, and cultivating new business practices, we were able to bounce back better than ever and create something wonderful.

If we can leave you with anything, we want to leave you with this, you have purpose.

Find it, create something that serves others, and allow God to shine through you and whatever you have been called to do.

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.
One of my favorite places to find peace of mind is at Buckroe Beach.

I would take them there first and then for breakfast at Tommy’s Restaurant in Hampton, Va.

We would definitely have to have dinner at Tulu in Virginia Beach and walk the boardwalk.

Dessert would be at The Sweet Spot, a pink and pretty place to enjoy unique milkshakes.

Before they head home, for some fun and excitement, I would take them to Busch Gardens Amusement Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout-out my husband Micheal Mckenzie who without a shadow of a doubt is one of the primary reasons my life has shifted in such incredible ways. Through his love, wisdom, and unwavering support, I’ve been able to grow and heal. I would truly not be the woman I am today without his dedication to our marriage and my evolution. Micheal, also know as Coach Mck, is a motivational speaker, Coach, and amazing husband and father.

Website: www.theglowcoach.info/links

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mckenzie-836105247?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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

Image Credits
Paris – Photographer

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