Joy Despite the Obstacles, Road Trip Dreams and the Single Best Thing That Ever Happened

Who are you, sister? Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Stephanie Shar and I’m a small business owner and entrepreneur. People are my passion. I believe that my purpose in life is to encourage and empower other women to follow their dreams.

My mission is to make the world a more positive place by helping women serve boldly, live loudly, and love themselves.

I recently moved back to the tiny Michigan farm town I was raised in after living in the Los Angeles area for seven years. I’m happy to be home with a rambunctious toddler in tow (today is his second birthday!).

Becoming a single mom is the single best thing that ever happened to me.

Besides baby and business — I love reading, drinking copious amounts of good coffee and cheap wine, exploring new-to-me restaurants, taking a million photos, connecting with old friends, and playing with makeup. I make sure I get cute every single day, even though I work from home. It helps keep me confident!

Let’s do some one word answers. Ready, set, go!

Morning Drink? Strong black coffee
Indulgence? Dark chocolate
Lusting after? The above
Spirit Animal? Amy Schumer
Bloom of Choice? Those ones made of fruit that you can eat 🙂
Turn-on? A man who is respectful of my time & body
Go-to Gemstone? Diamonds
Celebrity Icon? Kerry Washington
Favorite compliment? “Your positive attitude is so refreshing!”

What does practicing joy mean to you? It means deciding to remain joyful no matter what obstacles we may face. Happiness is like a muscle that needs to be exercised so that we know how to use it in a time of need.

Biggest life lesson you’ve learned lately? That I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for… and so are you.

What’s your definition of success? Knowing that I was able to make a positive impact in someone’s life.

Name 3 things from your Life List that light you up.

Finding a unicorn man who wants to cook, clean, and do all that housewifey crap because I am extremely, sadly non-domestic.
Taking a cross-country road trip and visiting all of my online friends.
Publishing a funny, poignant memoir.

What do you do when life gets messy? Cuddle with my son, take a walk outside, write (a lot), read, drink alcohol (being honest here), and throw my anxiety into my work.

3 Songs, 3 Books, 3 Instagram Accounts You’re Loving?

SONGS

“No Role Modelz” by J. Cole
“Scars To Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara
“Toothbrush” by DNCE

BOOKS

Warrior Magnificent by Jamie Vrinios
Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash
Overcoming Rejection Will Make You Rich by Larry DiAngi

INSTAGRAM

@ashley.beaudin
@rmdrk
@thefrenchelf

What do you love about yourself? My boobs, my thighs, my ability to see the good in everyone, my resiliency and determination, my work ethic, my hunger for love and life.

What are you doing in an alternate universe? Being a badass secret agent. Or a cop.

Word of the Year: Patience

Book That Made a Difference: Besides the 3 already mentioned, Cold Tangerines. It began my love affair with Shauna Niequist back in college and made me realize that there are other writers out there like me — that simply want to write about their lives and the stories and lessons within.

Currently Obsessed: Making paleo versions of EVERYTHING because I’m doing Whole30 again and trying to curb my cravings.

Can’t Live Without: My faith in Jesus Christ. He is my #1 priority.

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You can connect with Stephanie in lots of other places online! Find her at Own Your Bold, at her Mary Kay site, or on social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!