Finding Deeper Meaning of Entrepreneurship with Stephenie Pittman from SkindulgebySteph
Finding Deeper Meaning of Entrepreneurship with Stephenie Pittman
“– Once I became an entrepreneur I learned so much more about myself and it gave me a deeper meaning to my life.”
Happy Wednesday! This entrepreneur series is bittersweet. Learning more about these individuals on a deeper level has me feeling all types of emotions. While a few stories inspire and move me to the point of wiping tears {in the middle of Starbucks}, while the others teach me. Nonetheless this seems like it’ll be a forever series on my blog: educational in various ways.
This next individual; Stephenie Pittman, is the true definition of courageous, strong and awe-inspiring. Let’s step back a bit to when we first met.
Sometime in November of 2021, I had the pleasure of e-meeting Stephenie. A social media post that I created went viral. It was specific to motivating entrepreneurs during the chaos of holiday season. Because we all know that it can become very hectic wearing multiple hats but during the holiday season? It’s like it becomes triple the amount on a daily.
Lucky enough the post came across Stephenie and what she did set the tone for our connection. The very first time she had shared my post, she expressed how meaningful that message was for her at that moment. I could relate to a lot of her words and the feelings her words brought… I’m not sure there’s a word for it.
It was that post that connected our paths and taught me that I was not alone in similar struggles in life and entrepreneurship.
I love the internet and social media platforms as well as entrepreneurship for this reason alone. We are able to connect with many individuals that we may never get the chance to meet without this resource of social media or the internet.
Anyway, we are not here to talk about the segment, our friendship or the perks of social media platforms (that’ll be another post in itself). We are here to meet Stephenie Pittman, owner of SkindulgebySteph and her journey this far.
To start off the interview, I asked Stephenie to describe herself in three words, her response was: Three words to describe myself would be empathetic, strong, and optimistic. I would like to add in here that these are in fact the most fitting words for this independent woman. I’ll keep the sappy stuff for the end– Let’s continue on with the interview!!
Tell us about your business, and overall entrepreneurship journey up to now.
So my business/overall entrepreneurship journey officially started on paper in 2020 but I’ve had a dream of creating a business in relation to my testimony of dealing with eczema since I was a young girl. The journey has been rough, but rewarding and yet so needed. I feel like once I became an entrepreneur I learned so much more about myself and it gave me a deeper meaning to my life.
Being an entrepreneur is one thing but being an entrepreneur, while active duty military: struggling with grief, losing a parent, battling PTSD, having nightmares 4-5 nights a week, having insomnia – sometimes not going to sleep for 36 hours, and all of my other diagnoses, while also now transitioning out of the military has been quite a journey.
However as I’m learning, I have to appreciate the journey and not compare it to others. Why? Comparison is the thief of joy. Also because I was given my journey for a reason. My journey has consisted of a lot of yes’s and a lot of no’s, but one thing that’s never stopped are opportunities.
All in all, the road hasn’t been obstacle free. It’s been sleepless nights. Repeated days of feeling like I’m not meant or built to be a business owner, constantly questioning myself, the constant visit of imposter syndrome and even days of just wanting to end it all. Yet, I’m still here. On my lowest days I always get a message from either a friend or a customer telling me “OMG your product(s) helped me so much!” So it’s like that gives me another boost or energy pack to continue and press on.
How did you come up with a name for it?
My business name is Skindulgebysteph. When coming up with this name I kept thinking of my reasoning for why I was even starting a business to begin with. Yes there’s many who’ve created skincare products. Yet, I wanted the name and my purpose behind it to be deeper than just another person doing that. Meaning
Skindulge comes from me wanting to encourage and inspire people to indulge in their skin, no matter at what stage your skin is. I didn’t necessarily indulge in my own skin. I used the word indulge because it means to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of. Meaning
Growing up I hated my skin. At every doctor’s appointment I’d get criticized about how it’d look. Being told that my skin looked like an alligator’s skin by several medical professionals to include dermatologists was disgusting. It’s something that I still struggle with today. So I knew that I wanted people to know that, Hey off top this business is where you will learn to indulge in your skin at the stage that you’re at. Not when you’re healed, but right now.
Meaning
How did the idea come about for your biz; what inspired it?
What inspired my business is the horrors, trauma, and amount of no’s that I received from dermatologists and doctors since being diagnosed with severe eczema at the age of six months. Seeing what my parents endured with having a child that used to scratch and dig into her skin so deep that I’d leave scars and dig to my white meat and drew blood.
The long nights and early mornings, going from the emergency room to being transported to another hospital. Being bullied in school, looking so much different than my classmates. I endured a lot with eczema.
I am the first inspiration for my business. I knew that there were still people that were suffering from eczema – young and old. I knew that I didn’t want them or their parents to experience what I did or my parents did.
I wanted to be that change. I wanted to create products that didn’t include steroids or long names of chemicals that people don’t know much less can’t pronounce. I wanted to become that buffer of a dermatologist that will look at a child’s skin that has eczema in disgust and criticize their skin. I wanted people to feel safe and reassured knowing that someone else has not only experienced these same struggles – but has also gotten through it.
Are any of your family members entrepreneurs?
Yes, a multitude of my family members are entrepreneurs.
The first person who I viewed as an entrepreneur was my dad. He passed away in December of 2020 due to Covid-19. My dad was a painter, a cook of everything, he created macrame art, a mobile detailer, an artist in short. He was also an Airborne Veteran.
When I cross examine myself as an entrepreneur I also remember some of the things I used to look at him doing. He always introduced himself to everyone and had a business card. I swear he had to be the person who created the word of mouth business tactic. It’s a lot of things that I gained from him, I only wish that he was here in the present and physical aspect to see it.
My mom was an entrepreneur for a short period of time. She was the “candy lady” in one of our neighborhoods growing up. She sold hot sausages, candy, pickled eggs, sherbies, even sodas. I remember helping her sell and make some of the items. I gained a lot from my mother and I still do. I’m not sure where I’d be without her. Two of my oldest brothers are also entrepreneurs.
How do you define success and have you reached success?
I define success as being better off than what you first started with. Being not only happy, but having joy in your life while doing what you love. I do believe that I’ve reached success, but I know there’s still a long way to go.
Is there a specific entrepreneur that you helped motivate you to get where you are?
My dad would be that entrepreneur that motivated me.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be successful ?
Some of the sacrifices that I’ve made to be successful are first being uncomfortable. I don’t believe you can be successful without first doing that. Being uncomfortable for me is showing where I’ve been, what my skin once looked like, unveiling a lot of the trauma that I endured when I still hadn’t fully allowed myself to heal.
When I first started my business I was active duty military, so I was immediately crafting after work and waking up hours before work to get the job done. Also I sacrificed a lot of time with family and friends by putting my business first; something I do regret.
Are there any missed opportunities you have wished you had leveraged?
Yes, so many actually. Earlier this year I was invited to this really big convention in Las Vegas which would’ve exposed me to thousands of people. I unfortunately couldn’t attend due to the financial aspect of it.
What are you working on in your business right now?
I’m currently working on effective and natural body washes for eczema and sensitive skin.
What do you have planned for 4 to 5 years from now?
Four to five years from now I hope to have two to three of my own storefront establishments. I hope to have featured and partnered with the National Eczema Society as well as become a spokesperson for them.
What would your advice be to a complete beginner?
Meaning
The advice that I’d give to a complete beginner is to not doubt yourself, no one and I mean no one understands your dream like you do. It’s your job to continue to believe in your vision and to push it out there.
Get uncomfortable and don’t be afraid.
Meaning
If something scares you, do that.
Be sure that you’re practicing self care, do not pour from an empty cup.
Meaning
And last but not least, don’t compare yourself. Comparison is a joy killer.
Well, there you have it! Meaning
Another interview by yours truly Brianna Anjelique with another magnificent, ambitious and amazing entrepreneur woman. This is the second interview of the series and I am just truly amazed by these stories thus far.
Steph and I are close to knowing one another for a year; getting to speak to her and seeing what she shares on a daily through social media, it’s a beautiful journey to be a part of. I can relate to her on a number of things in life. Being LGBT+ woman with mental illnesses, a skin condition known as psoriasis but also as an entrepreneur myself.
Thank you again Steph for doing this interview with me. I had the best time getting to know more about your journey this far, although I know there is always more to learn about and from you. I truly hope that you know how remarkable of a human being (and entrepreneur) you are and continue to shine light and love within yourself.
You’ve impacted tremendous amount of people’s lives, this is just the beginning. Meaning
You can follow Stephenie and her journey here:
Missed the first interview post of the series? Click here to meet Biana Speed and read about her meaningful journey. Meaning
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