Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephani Britt.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2017, the idea of StepITUp was birthed, but through pain. From a failed marriage struggling with an emotional eating disorder, low self-esteem, and being mentally, physically, and emotionally drained, while taking care of two beautiful girls. However, I was determined to be the best version of myself not only for me, but for my girls. I finally gave myself permission to heal. I used both outlets of therapy and my love of DANCE to take me down a path of healing, acceptance, and forgiveness.
I used social media as an accountability mechanism. From fitness, clean eating, mediation, and a host of other self-care tactics to keep myself moving. The saying goes, “You never know WHO is watching”. Well, I begin challenges for myself and people began to join me. As world events (Pandemic, Racism, Suicide) enlarged everyone’s minds, my personal blog developed into a campaign for self-care to teach awareness and show “HOW TO” self-care. It was a way to show the possibilities of creating a healthy lifestyle without settling.
Self-care with StepITUp soon evolved into a healing component for myself and others. My classes are unique as they are not based on a specific genre of dance, more so based on a topic used to explore vulnerable areas of your life through the vehicle of dance. I started to realize while mentoring others, that people love to dance, but are apprehensive to get therapy. I launched self-care with StepITUp events. It was a way to connect with other individuals, discuss and explore topics such as fitness, empowerment, sensuality, toxicity, love, and the list goes on! My desire will always be to provide a safe space for individuals ready to explore, be vulnerable, be educated, and most importantly, leave better than they came.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely was not a smooth journey for me. I struggled with severe anxiety, emotional eating, self-sabotage, and procrastination. There were times I felt overwhelmed. My personal life started to bleed into my professional career which begin to spiral. I think it’s great that employers are now promoting self-care awareness, but years ago, your only option was to produce quality work and leave personal things away from the office. But, my classes were my outlet. It was a way for me to escape just for a moment to focus on my inner healing. Unfortunately, managing work/home/business was beginning to be impossible.
One day I made the decision that enough was enough. I sat myself down, grabbed my journal, emptied my thoughts, and set attainable goals for my mental, physical and emotional well-being. But, most importantly I did the WORK. After two years of releasing myself from toxic environments (work, relationships, negative thoughts, etc), I’ve now created that ultimate work/life balance creating boundaries needed for me to stay at the top of my game.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best advice I can give is to start with a therapist or someone you trust that will hold you accountable. Someone that will challenge you to be the greatest version of yourself. I also find social media to be a huge mentorship/networking component in everyone’s life now. We are ALL watching, observing, taking notes, and applying what we see to our own lives.
Attend local events and conferences that will help you continue to learn and GROW. Most importantly, don’t stop until you have found what works for YOU and no one else. It’s Go Time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stepitup.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: @iamstephani.j
- Other: linktr.ee/stepitup84
Image Credits
Tanya Shivers Photography
Eboni Hall (MakeUp)
