We recently connected with Stephen C. Stephens and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Ironically my mom asked me recently, what did she do that was right and what did she do wrong as a parent. I told her that I would have to get back to her on the “wrong” part because at that moment I could not think of anything. As far as the “right” things, I expressed that it was her actions that proved beneficial for me; in observing how she handled life in general. She was an only child growing up and had to grow up fast. She was pretty much independent by age thirteen so she did the best she could based on how she was raised and “not” raised if you will. Watching her approach life with logic, patience, objectivity, kindness, and discipline was a key observation in my childhood and into adult life. These attributes were impactful, in shaping the human being I am today and I sometimes find myself saying W.W.M.D. (what would mom do) when faced with obstacles and critical decision-making. Her love for all things nature is up there for me and without that intuitive thread that she weaved through me, I don’t know that I would have the nurturing embodiment I have today. All this funnels into how I deal with friends, my work, and my creativity. Mom helped me lay down a foundation for myself that allows me to reshape at will and to look at life through more than just one lens.

Now my dad was on a different spectrum when it came to parenting. He was a provider. Or at least what he thought that encompassed. There was food, shelter, you know the basics. It wasn’t until I was an adult and he found out that I was gay that he became not just a Dad but a cool friend with whom I felt I could have meaningful conversations and discover who he was as a person let alone a father. I regret that wasn’t the case growing up. But what I learned from him was that I don’t always have to always take things so seriously. I’m more of an analytical so sometimes it’s hard to switch gears. I hope that he left this planet knowing he did have an impact on me and I’ll always be grateful for his candor, humor, and points of view. He equipped me with tools that I would later understand, were streetwise methods of observing the world and its various intricacies.

Stephen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I consider myself a down-to-earth gentleman. I conduct my life with dignity, and respect for myself & others and most importantly aim to balance head & heart with intent and purpose. These attributes carry over into my vocation, my craft, and how I get along with friends, family & coworkers. I began my work career like most young people who don’t take a higher education route. Had humble beginnings in food service (bus boy, dishwasher, shift manager, etc.) and at the same time took modeling and acting courses at what amounted to a finishing school. Once I realized I enjoyed teaching others I quickly became an instructor in that same school and was able to keep my foot in the door of that aspect of entertainment. Dancing was also a passion that gave me purpose and an outlet to express myself. This went on for 30 years, though the restaurant gig lasted eleven. I soon found myself in banking; a career my mom had for ten years. I worked in several bank institutions over the years and an opportunity to move up into management came along. That begat another opportunity to be a part of private banking which is where I am now. Still attending to public needs and exercising that client servicing muscle.

Going back to those attributes mentioned earlier I think those have served me well when dealing with the public and problem resolution. Tunning into the four agreements with myself, that I learned from a wonderful author Don Miguel Ruiz, that I keep my word, I don’t take things personally, I don’t make assumptions and above all, I do my personal best. I wrote a poem in November of 2016, after visiting a friend in Florida. It was about someone very special in my life and still is to this day. Then it seemed like overnight, it started flowing without effort. It was like some kind of Pandora’s box opened. I never knew this was in me; this untapped talent. It took me, my friends, and my family, by surprise. I’ve never taken a class or read much poetry in my lifetime, but my mom suggested that I was replacing the creativity that once was dancing & modeling and channeling it in the power of words. I think she was right. I think my intuitive nature comes from her.

I did take a descriptive essay course in high school and my paper landed a place in our school newsletter. And was about my then-girlfriend. Needless to say, I aced it and was humbled when it appeared. I included it in my first book of poetry called “My Better Half “. I’ve developed somewhat of a lyrical/songwriter’s style I guess and I hope it comes across that way. I hope to develop and tap into different styles as I plunge into this creative rabbit hole. For the most part, I want my readers to relate & understand what I’m expressing without having to scratch their heads afterward. I want my pieces to spark conversation about the human condition & its relationship to ourselves, to each other, and to our environment and such. For me, it’s been about expressing my mind, heart & spirit in a way that resonates with others. I have written many poems that explore my perspective on my dreams, hopes, realities, experiences, and the like. I intend to move people emotionally, peak interest and find common ground with my readers. As long as I have inspiration, challenge myself, and lead with honesty, heart, and good intentions, then I believe I can go on for a very long time.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s simple for me. Seeing the expressions on the faces of my readers and listeners when I recite my poetry. At that moment you witness their acknowledgment and understanding of what you’re trying to get across in spoken word and rhyme. It creates a shift in your heart when you connect that way. An indescribable euphoria. Of course, looking down on your or someone else’s coffee table and seeing your first book is always exciting and fulfilling knowing that sense of accomplishment

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Perhaps not be so concerned about the exterior appearances of those who create and focus on the content of their craft. Your gender, race, sexual orientation, political position, etc. can be a roadblock when trying to open your mind & heart to the many amazing ideas and gifts that are offered in creative spaces.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: that_zen_guy66
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefon66/
• Other: follow this link to Amazon for my book My Better Half https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C51XDJ57?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_NVR36AN5XK32MNV44GD2_1&fbclid=IwAR121Ged30t_Yv0N8Nij1c7oRLI_mRwRaLo7uwLZe52LDPxFFH9otfhJhF0_aem_AUwyPATK-bnWy3M6CXWZgHPfl8woY3uw_Qs65HagHYs5IKVm6tdhSXvJsGNbNvSakAcLwP2ItIBenM3XPmccLw0t