We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Fleary. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Stephanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

As an educator for 20 years and a parenting coach for 8 years, I think the educational system needs to focus on the development of the whole child and shift the focus away from statistics and scores. Every child is so unique in how they learn and retain information and every city is different in terms of the learning environment that is created and available to students. Because the system is bias and structured in a way that does not support all types of learners, we are faced with an ongoing decline in the educational system’s success. In order for the world to thrive, it is of utmost importance that we intentionally invest in the youth and create a unified system where resources and parenting tools are given to children first at home then in daycare; consistent support for educators then on to school age learners and beyond. Creating well rounded curriculums that support children learn ELA and Math but also life skills like critical thinking, problem solving and wealth building. Incorporating hands on learning that allows tracking of student progress without the social emotional stresses that are often created as a result of testing pressures. To prepare for a fulfilling future we must allow room for the element of nurturing to be incorporated into staff development and create policies and programs in collaboration with parents and educators who are the ones supporting the children every day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Stephanie Fleary, parenting coach, author, and school prinicpal, is a force to be reckoned with in the personal development industry. As an educator for over 20 years, she counsels distressed parents, helpless children, and dwindling families; aiding in their repair and need for growth. Stephanie is the founder of Empowered Stilettos, LLC, which is a company that produces events that help parents find balance, and design their parenting style to parent with purpose and intention. She is the author of Dear Black Man-Letters From Your Strong Black Woman, which has given a voice to many whose stories have gone untold. Chocolatey Brown is her second self published project which is not only a children’s book teaching young girls to love their chocolate skin no matter the shade but a movement to inspire all women of color to love who they are and believe in who they are destined to become. Her e-book Parenting Through A Pandemic has supported many families through these uncertain times. Stephanie has supported and produced many events including Daddies Do Hair, The Big ASK Conference and Curlfest NYC. Ms. Fleary’s life’s goal is to heal the hearts of many so they too can heal the hearts of many more.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2012 when I founded Empowered Stilettos my focus was to empower women and support them in living their purpose. It wasn’t until I ended my relationship with my son’s father that I realized I had a greater purpose for my life. I had to quickly pivot not only my business but my life because everything had changed. I had a system, I was focused on my womanhood and “girl power”. I had a plan and I knew where my life was headed but God saw my plan and laughed. In that moment of realization, I knew that it was time to use my situation to support other parents navigate single parenting, co parenting and parallel parenting successfully. I had experience with supporting parents as an educator for many years but never did I really understand some of the lows that can arise on this journey and as a result of my resilience, I became a parenting coach. Now, I can use my experience in overcoming a parallel parenting relationship to a healthy co parenting relationship, to now support rebuild families facing difficult times as I once did.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I strongly believe that authenticity helped build my reputation within my market. Remaining true to who I am as an open minded, fun loving, relatable Caribbean woman has propelled me tremendously. I have always remained consistent in who I am, where I come from and how I show up to my family and the world. Being in integrity knowing that I am not perfect and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. People want to know they can trust you and that its not just about money and business especially in the field of family building. One can mess with someone’s money or time but most people will tell you they will never tolerate someone messing with their family. I believe that remaining authentic has increased my visibility because the majority of my clients are from referrals and building those relationship on authenticity and kindness has given me opportunities to work in various school districts, youth programs and corporate businesses. I do my best to always shine my light wherever I go and never allow anyone to dim it and it’s been working.

Contact Info:

• Website: Empoweredstilettos.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/stephaniefleary
• Facebook: facebook.com/stephaniefleary

Image Credits
Hawk Williamz