Influential Women Recognition Interview
Influential Women Recognition
Stephanie is a publicist, event curator, and storyteller with more than 25 years of experience in brand and celebrity public relations across New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Over the course of her career, she has led multi-million-dollar campaigns and worked alongside some of the most recognized names in entertainment and media, including Martha Stewart, John Legend, Giada De Laurentiis, and Kevin Hart.
Her work has spanned large-scale brand activations, launch events, and nationally recognized cultural moments: from the Country Music Association Awards to the People’s Choice Awards and the Daytime Emmys. At the core of it all is what she does best: helping people and brands tell stories that genuinely connect.
Through her boutique event planning company, Très Chic Events, Stephanie continues her work as a freelance PR and event consultant, creating thoughtful, one-of-a-kind experiences for the brands and clients she partners with.
But her work didn’t stop there. After navigating a major life transition, Stephanie stepped into what she now calls her second act. What once felt like an ending became the beginning of something deeper. Through healing, self-reflection, and a renewed relationship with God, she began creating a life that felt more honest and more aligned with who she truly is.
Today, she is the host of Second Act Sessions, where she shares real conversations about midlife, faith, healing, and what it looks like to rebuild your life with intention. She is also expanding her work as a writer and emerging speaker, using her voice and lived experience to offer perspective, encouragement, and a sense of possibility for women navigating their own next chapter.
Her work now lives at the intersection of midlife, faith, and reinvention, grounded in the belief that it’s never too late to begin again.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01 What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new beginnings. After rebuilding my life following an emotionally abusive marriage and starting over later in life, I found purpose in helping other women navigate their own journeys. My greatest accomplishment is never giving up and having the determination to learn an entirely new industry—from podcast production and audio editing to home studio technology and podcast marketing. My experience has shown me that success comes from continually learning, adapting, and having the courage to keep moving forward.
02 What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep showing up and trust the value of my experience. That mindset has given me the confidence to reinvent myself, build my podcast, and embrace this new chapter with purpose. Every opportunity to share my story helps expand my reach, strengthen my credibility, create meaningful connections, and open new doors as a podcast host, author, and speaker.
03 What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to follow your passion and choose work that brings you purpose and fulfillment. Life is too short to stay in a career—or any situation—that makes you unhappy. Don’t be afraid to move forward, embrace change, and create a life that aligns with your values. When you love what you do, your passion and authenticity will naturally set you apart.
04 What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the growing demand for authentic, purpose-driven storytelling. People are looking for real conversations that inspire, educate, and create meaningful connections. At the same time, the challenge is standing out in an increasingly crowded media landscape while consistently delivering valuable content. Success today requires authenticity, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to serving your audience.
05 What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are faith, family, service, and lifelong learning. I believe in giving back through my church and using my experience to help others whenever I can. I also value meaningful relationships, spending time with my family, and finding joy in life’s simple moments—whether that’s gardening, traveling, or supporting my nieces. Above all, I strive to live with gratitude, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
