Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Shanks

Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My story began as a 16-year-old girl who found herself unexpectedly pregnant with twins. Overnight, my world changed, and I had to grow up faster than I ever imagined. The journey of navigating motherhood as a teenager was one of resilience and survival, but it also planted the seeds of self-doubt and self-judgment that I would carry for years. I spent much of my life trying to fit into roles and expectations that felt safe and stable, sacrificing parts of myself in the process.

Through heartbreak, divorces, and moments of profound self-reflection, I realized I had been living for others’ definitions of success and happiness, not my own. I began a journey of self-discovery—redefining my worth, reclaiming my voice, and stepping into my own power. Today, I am a photographer, author, speaker, and podcaster, mother, daughter, and sister.

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?

Ha! No this road has been anything but smooth. For much of my life, I saw myself through a cracked mirror—a distorted, fragmented reflection shaped by the stories I’d been told, the roles I thought I had to play, and the sacrifices I believed were necessary to be “worthy.”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My work is rooted in my deep love for others and my belief that every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. As a photographer, I specialize in helping women rediscover their true selves by capturing their beauty, strength, and authenticity. My sessions go beyond taking photos—they’re a space where women can feel safe, empowered, and truly seen. It’s my greatest joy to reflect their inner light back to them through my lens.

Beyond photography, I’m an author. My upcoming book is a memoir paired with journaling prompts, created to guide readers on a journey of rediscovering their self-worth. For much of my life, I saw myself through a cracked mirror—a fragmented reflection shaped by external expectations and roles I thought I had to fulfill to feel worthy. Writing this book was a healing process, but more importantly, it’s become a way for me to help others reclaim their sense of self and rewrite their own stories with love and intention.

I’m currently developing a keynote and retreat that are all about helping women step out of the distorted stories they’ve been living and into a more authentic, empowered version of themselves.

In addition, I host a podcast called Unwritten, where I create space for people to share their journeys of truth, resilience, and rediscovering themselves. Each episode reminds us that we’re all unfinished and that our lives are ours to write.

What sets me apart is that everything I do is driven by my love for connecting with others and seeing them thrive. I know what it’s like to feel unseen, to measure yourself against others, and to feel lost. I’m most proud of creating spaces—whether through photography, writing, or speaking—where women can feel seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

I am a huge fan of Mel Robbins, Brene Brown, Oprah, Dr. Joe Dispenza and Lewis Howes. I listen to the Mel Robbins podcast and the School of Greatness Podcast (Lewis Howes). I am a big fan of youtube because a lot of times their algorhims bring me a message that fits me exactly. I love Jay Shetty’s podcast “Life on Purpose.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephshanks.com
• Instagram: /stephshanksphotography
• Facebook: /stephshanksphotography
• Youtube: /stephanieshanks3803
• Other: spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unwritten1

Image Credits

Photographer is Matt Uptagraw