We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Walters and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stephanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I factor a lot of things to my success, and every year, I feel like the answer to this question changes because in every season, you need something different to push you forward. The one thing that never changes though–and what I’d attribute to my success–is my authenticity + transparency. I’ve never pretended that this was easy or that I haven’t been upset at times when I feel like I should be “further along.” I’ve always been very transparent about my journey because I want other people–especially women–to feel like they can do this too! My brand is built on women: the empowerment of them, the betterment of them, the conversations surrounding them, and the willingness for each of us to open doors for one another, judgement free. Because I’m not afraid to give people the cheat codes (aka lessons I’ve learned), I feel like it has made me successful thus far.
What should our readers know about your business?
I joke and say I moonlight as a few different things, but honestly, I am invested in everything I own and a part of. Full-time, I’m the Director of Engagement + Communications for YELLOW, which is an education non-profit founded by Pharrell Williams. I oversee local and national partnerships, create and host community events (including our Bright Sparks Live panels), and oversee all of our social media, press, communications, etc. YELLOW is run by 5 women of color, and it’s a blessing to be a part of such a powerhouse team: I’m grateful for sure as I’ve been with Pharrell’s non-profit(s) for 7 years.
I’m the CEO of Dream Pusher which is a company designed help women reclaim and accomplish their dreams. Life really is lifing, so it’s easy to get off track and forget yourself. I want to help women get that dream life back through masterclasses, workshops, production, and media training. We’re all a brand–whether we own a business or not–and I want every woman to feel like they OWN their life.
Along with those things, I’m also a TV Host + Producer. I host lifestyle segments on various lifestyle shows around the country; I host events and moderate + curate panels; and I also produce TV shows/segments (which I’m super passionate about creating positive narratives in media). I created my own TV show, Before Brunch, and I just finished filming my 4th season: this show is all about transparent conversations amongst women (and sometimes men) and is a place of comfort, camaraderie and…champagne!
I’m passionate about all things media, and I have learned that if I can see it, I legit can DO IT. It has been such a journey –and lots of no’s, tears, disappointments, etc– but man, has that built character and a level of humbleness that I pray to never lose.
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?
The first shoutout is always G-O-D because the way he was carried me through some of these seasons….that alone deserves the praise! I also attribute my success to the great group of women around me. The power of a good, solid group of girlfriends will have you on cloud 9 when you’re feeling like you’re underground. My friends and I support one another, encourage one another, and remind one another that you, in fact, are THAT GIRL. It’s also important to be around people who are smarter and more successful than you, people you can mentor, and then others who are your peers. I also have to shoutout my family and extended family for the support, coverage, and just presence in helping to build and constant prayer.
Website: www.stephwalterstv.com, www.beforebrunchtv.com, and www.dreampushercompany.com
Instagram: @stephwalterstv
Linkedin: Stephanie S. Walters
Twitter: @stephwalterstv
Facebook: Facebook.com/stephwalterstv
Youtube: www.youtube.com/stephwalterstv
Image Credits
Dexter D. Cohen (on ALL photos EXCEPT for me in the light pink dress with the tv monitor; the photo of me with the products on the table in the floral shirt; and the photo of me with the white sequin dress with the products)