We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Tatum recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe success is subjective, deeply personal, and it varies for each individual. For some, it might be measured by wealth, health, academic achievements, building a family, or following their dreams. While for others, success may be defined by completing one small task, managing their mental health, making it through another day without the loved one they recently lost, or just getting out of bed. For me, external accomplishments do not solely measure it; I measure success by how fulfilled I feel in my life, considering big and small accomplishments, and how I can positively impact others along the way. As Maya Angelou beautifully said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” This resonates with me because it reflects the importance of self-fulfillment and authenticity in one’s definition of success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Still I Rise Counseling Services is dedicated to creating a safe environment for individuals facing challenges with relationships, depression, trauma, racial trauma, grief, substance use, and more. We specialize in fostering a culturally congruent space where clients can navigate societal pressures, internalized oppression, intergenerational trauma, and ancestral wounds. At the heart of our work is a commitment to individual and collective healing as a pathway to educate, empower, and advocate for social justice and equity.

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise,” Still I Rise Counseling Services embodies the resilience of our clients—persevering through their healing journey, holding onto hope, surviving trauma, and rising above inequality and oppression.

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

One of the most valuable lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that striving for perfection was necessary to obtain success. I eventually realized that my pursuit of perfection was a trauma response and a way to shield myself from the fear of failure or criticism. For a long time, I believed any mistake would define me. However, I have come to understand that failure does not reflect who I am—it’s a natural part of growth. I had to learn that it’s okay to stumble, recalibrate, and try again. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to show up more authentically and recognize that progress, not perfection, is what truly matters. What’s the backstory? Many life experiences (ha-ha).

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been the ongoing evaluation of both client needs and the needs of Still I Rise Counseling Services. It’s crucial to balance what my clients are seeking and how Still I Rise Counseling Services can continue to serve them meaningfully. I consistently reassess whether our services, approaches, and mission align with our clients and community’s evolving challenges. At the same time, I assess the business side—ensuring we are growing in a sustainable way that supports our goals and values.

In addition, the core of my approach is staying authentic—remaining true to myself. When you lead authentically, you naturally build trust and create deeper connections, fostering growth. Clients and team members are drawn to genuine interactions, and I believe I am on the right track as long as I continue to show up as me, Stephanie Tatum.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stillirise-counseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillirisecounseling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillirisecounseling
• Other: Steph’s Podcast Features (Mental Health and Benefits of Therapy & Understanding Grief and Loss): https://stillirise-counseling.com/podcast

Image Credits

Zsa’nee Gaines