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

Stephanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

They gave us a foundation built on faith, focus, and family. Our home was full of love, structure, and purpose. They didn’t just talk about values — they lived them. Hard work, respect, and doing what’s right weren’t suggestions — they were standards.

They taught us to pursue excellence, not perfection. To do our best, take pride in our name, and leave every place better than we found it. But at the same time, they taught us balance — to not sweat the small stuff, to laugh, to let go, and to choose peace over pettiness.

And then there was adventure — in how they lived, how they loved, and how they let us try, explore, and even fail. They encouraged us to be curious, to go after what lit us up, and to find joy in the journey.

They showed us that strength isn’t always loud, but it’s always steady. That’s what shaped who I am today.

So what did my parents do right? They gave us roots, a love for adventure, a heart for excellence — and the wisdom to not sweat the small stuff.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Meet Stephanie Stancil – Putting an Address to Your Dreams

My name is Stephanie Stancil, and I wear a few hats — all rooted in faith, service, and empowerment. I’m a Southern California-based real estate agent, trainer, coach, and visionary who helps women and families navigate not just homeownership, but life transitions with grace and intention. I specialize in working with senior women, first-time buyers, divorced individuals, and the faith-based community, especially the Black church.

How I Got Started
My journey into real estate began after years in corporate sales and leadership, where I developed a strong foundation in communication, business strategy, and people development. I made the leap to real estate because I saw an opportunity to do more than just help people buy or sell homes — I wanted to be a trusted guide through some of life’s biggest changes.

Over time, I earned designations like SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) and began creating systems and strategies for educating, empowering, and uplifting those often overlooked by traditional real estate marketing.

What I Do
I’m not just an agent — I’m a trainer, coach, and visionary entrepreneur. My work includes:

Real Estate Services: Residential sales, with a niche in seniors, women over 55, and life transitions (divorce, probate, downsizing, etc.)

Workshops + Seminars: Homeownership education, estate planning partnerships, and live buyer/seller events

Vision Board Parties through my brand Success Studio, helping people align their goals with action

Coaching + Training: For new and seasoned agents, especially women, through my “Real Quick” coaching and content series

Weekly Shows + Social Media Content: “Real Quick with Stephanie,” “Thursday Night Live,” and “Living in Long Beach,” where I blend real estate, encouragement, and education

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on transactions — I focus on transformation. I meet people where they are, especially during emotional or uncertain times, and I walk with them — whether they’re navigating a reverse mortgage, going through a divorce, downsizing after loss, or buying their first home with joy and fear wrapped together.

I bring a faith-filled, compassionate, and intentional approach, and I’m proud to say my clients don’t just feel like clients — they feel like family.

What I’m Most Proud Of
Building a business that reflects my faith, values, and purpose

Helping Black families and senior women protect and grow wealth through real estate

Being a voice of encouragement and education in a noisy industry

Surviving and healing from domestic violence, and using my platform to uplift other women

Balancing leadership roles as President of Beach City Realtist and Women’s Council of REALTORS® South Bay

What I Want You to Know
I believe you are never too late or too stuck to change your life.

I’m here to serve — not just to sell.

My brand is about elegance, excellence, encouragement, and execution.

Whether we connect through a vision board party, a live training, or a real estate transaction, my goal is the same:
To help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

“There’s a version of me that almost didn’t make it here.”

A few years ago, I found myself standing in the middle of what looked like the end of everything — emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I was navigating a toxic relationship, rebuilding my finances from the ground up, and trying to figure out how to keep my business from falling apart while everything else felt like it was crumbling.

But something inside of me — faith, grit, and a vision bigger than my fear — refused to let me stay there.

I remember one day in particular: I had just led a powerful real estate workshop, pouring into others, answering questions, giving hope… but the moment I got into my car, I broke down in tears. The pain, the stress, the weight of trying to be everything to everyone — it was overwhelming. But in that moment, I heard a whisper in my spirit:
“You’re not finished yet.”

So, I wiped my tears, went home, and got back to work — not just on my business, but on myself.

That moment, and many like it, taught me that resilience isn’t loud. It’s not always bold or public. Sometimes it looks like showing up broken but still showing up. It looks like rebuilding quietly, praying boldly, and trusting deeply when no one else sees the fight.

Today, I lead organizations, coach other agents, and empower women — not because I had a perfect path, but because I was willing to keep going through the imperfect ones.

Resilience is my superpower. And every time I get to help another woman rise, I know the struggle wasn’t wasted — it was part of my assignment.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Lesson I Had to Unlearn: “You have to do it all, by yourself, and perfectly.”
For a long time, I believed that if I didn’t carry it all — every burden, every expectation, every responsibility — then everything would fall apart. I thought strength meant silence, hustle meant value, and needing help meant weakness.

But that mindset nearly destroyed me.

I had just walked away from a toxic marriage, my peace shattered. I was laid off after more than 20 years in corporate sales — a place where I had built not only my career, but my identity. Suddenly, the stability I had worked so hard for was gone. And to top it off, I was stepping into real estate and entrepreneurship full-time, trying to find my footing in a new world while everything in my old one was crumbling.

I kept telling myself: “Keep it together. Don’t let anyone see you struggle.”

But behind the scenes, I was exhausted. I was grieving. I was lost.
And then, something shifted. I realized that perfection was a lie and isolation was a trap. I didn’t need to do it all alone — and I certainly didn’t need to do it all at once.

I began to lean into my faith, allow others to support me, and build from a place of honesty instead of pressure. I surrounded myself with sisters, mentors, prayer warriors, and professionals. I stopped hiding the tears and started honoring the truth: that I am worthy even in the rebuilding.

Unlearning the idea that I had to be everything for everyone — all the time — freed me to become who I truly am:
A woman of resilience. A builder. A guide. A safe space.
And now, every time I coach a new agent, support a senior client, or lead a vision board party, I lead from wholeness — not just hustle.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://living-in-longbeach.com/
• Instagram: livinginlongbeachwith_steph
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieLStancil
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-stancil-67594b2bb/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephanieStancil