Meet Innovative Woman Stephanie Jo Johnson, founder of The Powerful Divorce and author of Heal My Soul.
1. How/why did you begin your business?
After being in the corporate world for 22 plus years I knew there had to be more to life than punching a time card for someone else’s dream. My divorce in 2007 completely shattered my world and started me on a path of personal healing and soul searching. During that time I discovered a lot about myself and a lot about what it really means to be a woman in today’s world.
I felt like I had found a buried treasure and had such a strong desire to share it with others. I knew I could use my experience through my divorce to help other women live a life that was more in line with their truth. So… I became a Certified Christian Life Coach. Discovering my inner power was just the beginning, knowing how to actually use it was like putting icing on a cake. When you stand strong in your values, your confidence, and your “knowing” you can achieve things beyond what you could have ever imagined. Your life takes on a whole new meaning filled with abundance and joy.
2. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Wow…this is a great question. There have been so many that it’s hard for me to choose. I would say one of the most recent challenges, that is both personal and related to my business, was when I finally made the decision to write my book, Heal My Soul and offer it as an eBook with a Digital Retreat Online. It’s so personal and comes from such a deep part of my soul that I’ve always been afraid to share it with the world. Those fear of being rejected, judged and letting others see my personal pain held me back. Once I made the decision to just do it, I poured my heart into every page. I found the most amazing graphic designer that was able to create exactly what I had envisioned for the pages. I didn’t just want the reader experience to be reading black words on white page. I wanted them to see the pages and immediately feel the emotions stirring inside of them. I decided that if my book touched the life of just one person then stepping out on the ledge and leaping was worth it.
3. How do you define SUCCESS?
Success to me is being happy and “happy” is different for everyone. One of the best pieces of advice that I have ever heard is that if there is any area in your life where you’re not experiencing joy and smiling while you do it, then you should do something different. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Make a change today no matter how small. I have a sign in my office that I see every day as I write and create, “Each day is another opportunity to change your life.” Part of my daily routine is to evaluate what is on my schedule and how it makes me feel. Often there are times I make a few little changes so that what I’m working on is more in line with my happiness. Sometimes you have to take baby steps, but if you keep moving and stay focused you will eventually get to the end result. Just make sure you’re HAPPY when you get there!
4. If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
Yes…better computer skills! I’m one of the most technically challenged people there could ever be. However, there are so many great resources online and I’ve met some of the most amazingly creative people within some of the entrepreneurial groups that be-long to. The hardest part for me was giving up control and learning to let go. Allowing and trusting that an expert could help me accomplish exactly what it was I needed was a struggle. Just as with everything else in life, sometimes you just have to surrender to a situation and you’ll find that life gets a little easier.
5. What makes you an innovative woman?
The fact that I can stand in my power no matter what my circumstance are and use previous experiences in my life to move forward. I truly enjoy working with women to help them discover the power within themselves. I also like to refer to it as their “feminine essence”. Feminine power is always ex-pressed with love and grace. Once they tap into it they can use that power in their daily life to feel more confident, sexy and powerful. I believe every woman is powerful beyond their imagination!
To find out more about Stephanie, visit www.stephaniejojohnson.com or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.