Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie D. McKenzie.
Stephanie D., let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
People often ask me how I became, “Coach Steph.” So…here goes… As the “go to” girl for relationship advice, I prided myself on being able to help people see what they couldn’t see was effecting their situation–romantic, platonic, family or as we now say, “complicated.” However, life took me through some changes, and no one was there to do that for me (I need a clone).
I was a misfit in junior high and high school, made popular through expensive clothes, and the fact that I had a computer when having a computer was a luxury. (I loved–and still have–my Apple IIe.) I hid a very powerful bout with low self-esteem in these things, and it took years for me to “love me with no clothes on.” But, I am here to tell you it can be done…no matter what you look like, or what size you wear.
Anyway, until dating kicked in, my relationship problems were mostly familial. I didn’t fit in…for numerous reasons. I took ballet, they didn’t, I had gone to private school, and they didn’t. I spoke proper English, they didn’t…and here come the lovely monikers reflecting that I was merely black on the outside…you get the idea.
Fast forward…
So…What college did I go to?
College was an interesting time, and a great time until I met, “him.” He would take me through changes that I never thought I would experience. He was not a bad person, just a little misguided. While I spent 10 years in that relationship, it never really worked, and I would spend a fair amount of time wondering why I stayed in it. Of course, I figured it out, which is why I can help you avoid giving your time, energy and emotions away on someone who isn’t bad, but just may not be good for you. Additionally, he and I have conversations to this very day…no bitterness, no resentfulness, all is well between us. Now, how many people who spent a decade in a dysfunctional relationship can say that? Not too many.
Yep! This is truly my story.
Now, call me crazy, but in all of this, I have evolved to love my life. I love the misfit that can now flip from proper English to Ebonics as the mood suits me. I love that I have a wonderful “family” of adopted brothers and sisters who support me, and who I can support as well. I love that I am able to spend my days helping people–young and young at-heart navigate one of the most important areas of their lives…their relationships.
The high points:
My father was my very best friend until he died in 2010.
My mother has grown to accept that I don’t like Christmas sweaters. (This is major!)
My spiritual relationship has evolved and I have no clue how I lived my life before I had it.
My romantic life is just where it needs to be. I take my own advice…now.
I am about to meet YOU!
So what does all this “story” mean to you?
It means that I know what it feels like to want something or someone so badly that you can’t see if it’s right or wrong.
It means that I know, firsthand, the hurt that comes from losing someone you love–by break-up or by death.
It means that I am not someone who just decided to become a relationship coach. I am someone who fought becoming this because I realize that it is a true privilege to be a part of someone’s journey.
It means that I can be your cheerleader and your confidant, while asking questions that help you stop settling for an average life (or love) because someone told you your standards were too high to begin with.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course not! The biggest challenge for me was not wanting to become “Coach Steph.” I wanted to stay in my award-winning marketer world, not this emotional world. In fact, I only became a coach to offer a marketing client (a dating site) a USP (Unique Selling Proposition).
The other challenge was the name change. As a joke, the company’s original name What The Love. I created it during my certification program because I had to. And, since it would never see the light of day, it didn’t matter what I called it, right?
Think again.
What The Love was public for about a year or so, and then I got this inspired idea to change it to The Relationship Firm…and I didn’t want to do that either.
But like life, crafting this adventure has required me to get out of my own way…and I am happy to say that I have!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Relationship Firm – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in coaching singles, couples and teams to their best relationships. We are best known for our work with Premarital Couples through our affiliation with the Twogether in Texas program. I am most proud of our evolution as a company, and our ability to service a wide variety of clients and help them reach their goals. What sets us apart? We love to take risks! We don’t just sit in an office and talk to clients. We will craft a unique backdrop to help them meet their goals–from trampoline parks to glass fusing, we’re all about the adventure…and the journey!
It doesn’t take a genius to know that relationships are an important part of our lives. However, many of these relationships just aren’t working. Sometimes this means that a break-up is in order–this applies to both personal and professional relationships–however sometimes it means that you need a little relationship help. At The Relationship Firm, we’re ready, prepared and willing to give you the help that you’re looking for.
Help communicating with each other better;
Help understanding each other;
Help creating your next steps;
Help navigating those next steps…especially if they include a ring and an “I do;”
Help understanding you better.
So, if you are:
Tired of being single (but don’t want to do anything stupid);
Breaking down over a break up;
Always dating the same type…of loser;
Tired of being smothered by your mother, or other family members;
Friends on the verge of being frenemies;
Searching for your purpose;
In need of a real team, or the skills to lead one.
Or you just need some “relationship help!”
Or, you just like the name, “The Relationship Firm” and want to know what we can do for you…
…then you have come to the right place
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Expanding by bringing in more coaches. The Relationship Firm was always built to be a platform for other talented coaches to bring their gift to help people.
So I am excited about further embarking on that journey.
Of course, we look forward to serving even more of Houston’s singles, couples and teams and helping the “GET FIRM!”
Pricing:
- Free 30-minute Introductory Session via Phone
Contact Info:
- Address: 9545 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77024 - Website: www.therelationshipfirm.com
- Phone: 713-678-0052
- Email: info@therelationshipfirm.com
- Instagram: therelationshipfirm
- Facebook: therelationshipfirm
- Twitter: relationshipfrm
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-relationship-firm-houston
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/the-relationship-firm-houston-tx-996355
Image Credit:
Wedding Photo (Caucasian couple): Photo credit to: Dennis Kam from The Castle at Rockwall
Engagement Photo: Cindy Marchado Photography
Wedding Photo (African-American Couple): Mascorro Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
