We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanee Beggs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanee, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business emerged organically, without prior planning or strategic intent. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was preparing for the NCLEX exam when the world abruptly transitioned into lockdown. The shift to remote learning meant I no longer had access to traditional classroom instruction, study groups, or in-person support. Like many others, I was forced to adapt quickly to an entirely new way of learning.

Naturally, I began creating my own study materials (visual guides and concise review sheets) and recorded myself teaching the content aloud. What started as a personal method of adapting to a difficult situation soon resonated with a much larger audience. As I shared my study content online, I quickly realized that many nursing students were struggling with the same transition to online education. They were searching for accessible, relatable explanations that bridged the gap between traditional classroom instruction and the reality of remote learning. I unintentionally addressed an unmet need—supporting learners who were not naturally equipped to thrive in digital learning environments.

I recognized early on that education—especially in the healthcare field—is always a worthy investment, and that online learning, when done well, could have a significant impact. I believe part of the reason this endeavor gained traction is because it brought clarity, relatability, and human connection to a space that had suddenly become impersonal. By presenting nursing concepts in a format that was both engaging and digestible, I provided learners with a level of support and understanding they were no longer receiving elsewhere. That’s what made this work both meaningful and sustainable.

Stephanee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Stephanee, and I’m a registered nurse, educator, and founder of RNExplained, a nursing education brand designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world clinical practice. I hold a Master’s degree in Nursing Education and a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing, a combination that has uniquely equipped me to blend clinical expertise with creative, learner-centered teaching strategies.

With five years of experience in emergency medicine, I’ve spent my career at the intersection of fast-paced clinical care and innovative education. I launched RNExplained to solve a growing problem I witnessed both as a student and later as faculty: the overwhelming, outdated, and often overly complicated way nursing content is delivered. My mission is to cut the fluff and make nursing education accessible, straightforward, and—most importantly—relatable!

RNExplained offers a range of products grounded in real clinical experience and backed by evidence-based practice. These include The Nursing School Comprehensive Bundle—a 300+ page spiral-bound guide covering eight core nursing classes—pharmacology flashcards, badge reference cards, branded merchandise, and a fully accredited IV Skills Certification Course that offers 2 continuing education credits for licensed nurses.

What sets me apart is my dual perspective: I’ve been at the bedside in high-stress environments, and I’ve stood at the front of the classroom guiding future nurses. That firsthand knowledge allows me to deliver content that isn’t just accurate, but practical. I focus on the “need-to-know” information—translating complex topics into digestible lessons that stick. I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed by pharmacology or confused by pathophysiology, and I teach from that place of empathy.

One of the proudest moments in my journey was being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Education, as the first registered nurse ever recognized in the category. This honor validated the impact of my work, celebrating my use of digital platforms to reach learners around the world and disrupt traditional nursing education with a more human-centered, engaging approach.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that education should feel empowering, not discouraging. Whether you’re a student, a new grad, or a practicing nurse, I want you to feel supported, understood, and equipped with the tools you need to succeed. RNExplained is more than a brand—it’s a movement to reimagine nursing education in a way that honors both the science and the heart of our profession.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what truly helped me build my reputation in the market was leading with authenticity. From the very beginning, I built my brand not just around products, but around myself as a whole person—my journey, my struggles, my growth, and my wins. I actively engaged with my audience, asking what they wanted to learn, what topics they needed help with, and even seeking clarification on subjects I didn’t fully understand myself. I never pretended to have all the answers. Instead, I let my community see that I’m learning right alongside them.

That openness created a sense of connection and community. People didn’t just feel like followers; they felt like part of something. I never approached RNExplained as just a business; I approached it as a platform where learners could see someone who had been in their shoes and was walking the journey with them.

By being transparent about the challenges I faced—whether it was struggling through nursing school, figuring out how to study effectively, or navigating the transition to bedside nursing—I gave others permission to be honest about their own struggles. That relatability and vulnerability built real trust. People didn’t just see a product; they saw a person who understood what they were going through. And as a result, they trusted the tools I created to help them through their own paths.

I’ve always believed that nursing students deserve more than just high-quality educational content—they deserve to know and trust the person behind it. When students see that I’ve lived what I teach, that I care deeply about their success, and that I’m committed to making nursing education more approachable and human, it resonates. That authenticity, combined with consistency, is what I believe laid the foundation for a loyal, engaged community and a strong, lasting reputation built on trust—not just marketing.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

When I first launched RNExplained, I began selling on Etsy. At the time, I was new to the entrepreneurial space, and Etsy offered an accessible, beginner-friendly platform to get my products in front of a wide audience. It’s easy to navigate for both sellers and consumers, and one of the biggest advantages is that Etsy handles a significant portion of the marketing for you. That exposure was invaluable in helping me grow early on—I was able to reach people I never would have found on my own.
That said, there are trade-offs. Etsy takes about 10% of every sale, which can add up quickly. Additionally, their seller support is extremely difficult to access when you really need help, which was a challenge as I scaled. On multiple occasions, listings of mine were removed without explanation, and I had no way to speak to a real person or get clear answers.

As RNExplained grew, so did the need for more control over the customer experience and brand presentation. I now sell across three platforms: my own website, Amazon, and Etsy. Having my own website allows me full autonomy over how my brand looks and feels, and it’s much easier to manage customer support directly.I’m also able to integrate various plug-ins that allow me to expand my offerings and streamline fulfillment. However, the main trade-off is that I now handle all of my own marketing—there’s no built-in traffic like there is on Etsy or Amazon.

Each platform serves a different purpose in my business. Etsy was the launchpad. Amazon adds reach and trust with customers who prefer to shop my books there. And my website is now the hub for a more personalized and seamless brand experience. Together, they allow me to meet my audience where they are, while maintaining control and consistency as my business continues to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rnexplained.com
• Instagram: @stephaneebeggs
• Facebook: RNExplained
• Youtube: RNExplained
• Other: TikTok: @stephbegg
  Etsy: RNExplained

Image Credits

Kaelin Davis (Kaelin Davis Photography)