Sylvia Stephens shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sylvia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Hello, my name is Sylvia Stephens and it is a pleasure to be here. Outside of my busy work life schedule I truly enjoy spending quality time with my children, rather its game nights, spear of the moment ice cream dates or just talks about life and transparency. Those moments are everything to me because family is important and time is something we can’t get back so cherishing every moment with the gifts god blessed me with is a lifetime joy I will forever be grateful for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As stated previously my name is Sylvia Stephens I’m born and raised right here in our beautiful sunshine state Tampa, Florida. I am a mother of 2 boys and we are currently expecting our princess of the camp. Outside of me being a mother I am an Author, prophetic dancer, motivational speaker, business owner and momanger. I am the owner of Zhane’ Cosmetics a black owned beauty line curated for my brown skin girls as a reminder that when they step out into the world they should do so Bold, Confident and Beautiful. Aside running my own business I am the proud momanger of my son business that he started this year, B3. B3 is a shout to the world that with God all things are possible! My son wanted to start this clothing brand as a reminder to every buyer that the trinity(God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) is with you no matter where you go, what life throws at you or what you may endure. Stay tuned for all things B3.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
This question always makes me emotional, yet thankful. I remember being in the most confused, wilderness place of my life when this woman entered. I remember walking earth, smiling, indulging and just being the best me that I could during that time. Then one day I went to what was very big back then, a Vision Board party and I walked in laughing as always being the life of the party, talking, mingling and then we were given our boards, which at this time were blank. The instructions went fourth and I remember the instructor asking everyone in the room a simple yet powerful question, WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE? My laughter immediately stopped as I pondered on this question, I even told my mom and aunt who were both grabbing materials that spoke to their purpose that I had no idea what mine was. They simply brushed off that statement saying “yes you do” and started naming things that they witnessed me do that I was good at. But how many of you know you can be good at something, and that’s a gift God blessed you with, but PURPOSE is what God uses you for to make an impact. I remember starring at the blank board for about 20mins and it seemed as though I was in an empty room much like my board. I then heard a woman’s voice ask me another simple question, 3 words “Who Are You?” I bursted out into tears and it was at that moment I realized I was walking DEAD! And truthfully that’s many of us, if you are not walking in purpose you are simply just existing. From that day forward, that very same woman pushed me to my purpose and saw in me what I couldn’t see In myself. That woman is my Godmother April Cobb and I want to publicly thank her for seeing me that day and helping me find my purpose and walking in it!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Ahhh Lol I laugh because the hand of life gave me so many reasons to want to give up But God! Everytime I would attempt to give up, I would through in the towel God threw that thing right back and said Nope you got this, Nope I anointed you for this! And for that alone is why I have never and will never Give Up because Ye though I walk through the valley of the shawdows of death(life obstacles) I will fear no evil(nor give up) for God is with me!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
This is gonna be deep but real. I don’t really allow too many people to consider themselves “Close” to me because I suffered from abandonment and neglect which caused me to be guarded with myself. But for those that are close to me, I mean truly sees the real Sylvia with the walls knocked down would say: Being the Best mom I could be to my children, being successful for my children. I always feared failing at motherhood because I witnessed it, I was a child to it and although I don’t blame her for it, it wasn’t her fault. I have always feared being like her. So what matters to me is being a Better Mother by learning from my mother mistakes with me and my brother.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
Peace, I love this word because not many people have it nor do they know how to truly obtain it. But it’s simple, letting go of things, people or places that serves you no purpose. When I did that is when I truly felt at Peace in my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: IamZhane_
- Facebook: Sylvia Stephens
