Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefania Ianno.

Hi Stefania, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

As with many entrepreneurs and change-makers in the world, my story starts with personal experience – in 2011 and 2012 I was stalked by a “friend” and my life was turned upside down. Your worldview changes after discovering a GPS tracker on your car and being forced to leave your entire life behind and sit in the shadows for an indeterminate amount of time. However, from darkness and victimization comes light, growth, and a sense of responsibility. After I was stalked, I began sharing my story with friends, colleagues, and the greater community. There were a few instances in 2013 where I had the opportunity to speak to large groups of college students and at a national conference. Over time I realized that stalking is incredibly widespread, yet we are not taught how to recognize and respond to it. For almost ten years I sat on the idea of expanding community advocacy and education around the topic of stalking. I didn’t know where to start or what format this would take, but coming from a family of entrepreneurs (though mostly physical laborers), I always knew I wanted to be self-employed. One day in 2023 I finally decided it was time, and alongside some life circumstances lining up well, I quit my ‘day job’ and decided to focus my efforts on building Breaking Stalking.

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?

Being a solopreneur is always a tough road, especially when you’re navigating such a niche and underserved field like stalking awareness and prevention. I think when a business such as the one I’ve grown is born of previous victimization there are additional ups and downs. Almost every re-telling of the stalking raises the feeling of reliving it – sometimes when preparing presentations, I drift in thinking about how this experience affected me – the vast array of emotions, the impact on my life, or simply the actions done to me. Now add that to the usual small business start-up tasks and struggles of marketing, branding, outreach, product development, finances et cetera! I think the biggest struggle is often the discipline and motivation to keep going when operating as a one-woman show and trying to balance all aspects of life. Due to this, I’ve learned that I need an entrepreneurial community for support in keeping up morale and forward-moving action; a business counselor (and similar mentors) for guidance; and most of all, that I need to let go of hesitations and fears and take action YESTERDAY! I say, just do the darn thing – and if you get a NO in your business (and let’s be honest, in life!) it’s a way to learn, and it might open up another opportunity that just hasn’t been revealed to you yet.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Breaking Stalking?

I created Breaking Stalking as a platform to lead communities nationwide to combat stalking crimes by raising awareness; providing education, support, and resources; and empowering action-taking and a proactive mindset. I envision a world where stalking is always taken seriously; all people know how to identify and respond to stalking; and victim resources and support are widespread and easily accessible. I aim to reduce the impact of stalking by turning fear into strength; uncertainty into decisiveness; and victims and survivors into victors and thrivers!

I present at high schools, colleges, service agencies, businesses, and any community organization wanting to learn more about this topic. I offer a 1-hour Breaking Stalking Basics presentation which includes a comprehensive overview of stalking, and audiences gain practical skills in recognizing and addressing stalking behaviors, responding to disclosures, and basic safety planning. I also offer a more in-depth 2-3 hour workshop for audiences already familiar with the topic and looking to delve further. The workshop dives deeper into the nuances of stalking, stalking laws, building a coordinated community response, and extra safety planning strategies. It can be customized based on the organization’s needs. Additionally, It’s important to me that people know that while I have established Breaking Stalking as a business with associated speaking fees, I will work with all communities to ensure this education is accessible! In addition to educating, I speak at events, conferences, and in the media sharing my own survivor-to-thriver story, and how that led to being the entrepreneur I am today.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?

There are a few nuggets I feel compelled to pass along for use in one’s personal life, but ESPECIALLY in one’s entrepreneurial life (and as I always say, feel free to take or leave this advice!) First and foremost take care of your body and spirit EVERY DAY; drink more water, get movement, get your mind right through meditation, breathing, or visualization, and limit screen time. If you don’t know how to do these things, recruit or hire someone in your life who does (or read up on it!). Get a planner, organize your day, schedule your tasks, and stick to it as best as you can – don’t forget to schedule relaxation and free time! Stick to your goals and stay focused by learning the art of saying ‘no’ and enacting appropriate boundaries with others. You can’t accomplish things or take care of yourself if you are spread thin, doing for everyone else, and/or saying yes to opportunities that don’t move your mission forward. Don’t hesitate to get help (or acknowledge!) if feeling lost, low, or simply don’t have the necessary answers. Therapists, life coaches, business counselors, and community organizations all exist to help you! And most importantly, there’s no time to be something you’re not – be your unique and authentic self in all you do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.breakingstalking.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingstalking/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakingstalking
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefania-i-306a00207/

Image Credits

Images courtesy of Breaking Stalking and Colgate University.