Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Gilbreath.
Stefanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Katy, Texas but most people think I’m from Los Angeles since I spent a good amount of time out there in high school. I was a McDonald’s All-American and a Nike All-American. I won a gold medal with the USA U18 team when I was 17 and I went into college as one of the top athletes in the nation. I soon played basketball and graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelors degree in Human Performance. After graduating, I decided to transfer and start grad school in Communications as well as play basketball another year at New Mexico State University. I was then blessed to have the chance to play professionally even after suffering a multitude of injuries including four ACL reconstructions — ugh! I went on to play in Portugal and Germany, but I decided to cut my professional years short and retired early. At that time, I was interning with my parents’ advertising agency, Gilbreath Communications, Inc., two years before retiring, so I immediately started working with them full time. Fast forward a year later: my sister and I decided to start a meal prep company, Power Portions Meal Prep, based on the return we got from our food blog. That took off way faster than we thought it would! We’re currently revamping the company and looking forward to officially launching Power Portions. Needless to say, I was blessed to have a pretty smooth transition from basketball to corporate life and entrepreneurship. I’ve always loved blogging/vlogging! I had two other blogs in college that I enjoyed. I loved that I had a platform to speak on whatever topic I wanted to and put my own touch on it. So, I started another one (yes, I still have a 9-5 and a new company BUT who needs sleep anyway?!), this time not as specific and purely based off my life, how I live my life, and my opinions! So, that brings us to The Spiked Rose a lifestyle, food, travel, and fitness blog. A blog that shines a light on things that I enjoy doing and some of the amazing people I’m blessed to meet!
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve had so many obstacles in my life I don’t even know where to start. As a high profile athlete dealing with multiple injuries, the backlash and negative energy that you receive can really put you in a bad place. I continuously give thanks to my lord and savior Jesus Christ and the support I received from my family and close friends. Without those aspects in my life, I wouldn’t have been able to keep a positive outlook on the direction my life was going in.
Any time I get a chance to speak to young ladies, I try to remind them to stay true to whoever they are and hold tight to the people/family that support them through the highs and lows. This world will throw so many obstacles your way, on top of being a woman, and you will always need some type of support team to catch you when you fall. Continue to keep your head held high and unapologetically walk/jog/run/sprint to ALL your goals in life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Spiked Rose, Power Portions Meal Prep, Gilbreath Communications Inc. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m known for playing professional basketball but I now work for my parent’s advertising agency, Gilbreath Communications Inc., as an Account Manager. I also own my own company, Power Portions Meal Preparation, with my sister Briana Butler and I also own a new blog, The Spiked Rose.
I’m most proud of the fact that my brand is authentic to who I am in the present. I want to portray the person that I truly am for anybody that is willing to dive into my life.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
In my honest opinion, I think we’re well positioned for any job. Right now, I feel like our voice is starting to be heard in the workforce but we need to continue to be consistent and well equipped for the jobs. I obviously notice the shift in sports television with more females on and off the set. Which in my eyes is amazing! Whatever we set our eyes on can be ours!
Contact Info:
- Website: TheSpikedRose.com
- Email: Stefanie@thespikedrose.com
- Instagram: The_Spiked_Rose
- Facebook: Stefanie Gilbreath
- Twitter: Blessed1520
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