Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Elise.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my entrepreneurial journey by helping my stepmother with her tax business, which sparked my interest in business and led me to start my own tax office. Over time, I ventured into different industries to create multiple sources of income.
I noticed a rising trend in shapewear and launched Pretty Girls Waisted, offering high-quality products. I also provided body contouring services to help people achieve their desired body aesthetics. Recognizing the demand for health and wellness products, I expanded Pretty Girls Waisted to offer weight loss and health improvement products.
In the real estate industry, I became a successful investor by identifying undervalued properties, making improvements, and selling them for profit. Drawing on my experience from managing my late father’s landscaping business, I started my own landscaping company, overseeing projects and ensuring high-quality work.
To empower others, I developed Prestige Income Tax in a Box, a franchise model for my tax business. This was a significant achievement as one of the first female African American home-based income tax franchises in the United States. The franchise offers comprehensive support to individuals starting their tax businesses.
I ventured into short-term rentals, providing unique spaces for guests and generating additional income. Additionally, I obtained a general contractor’s license, offering construction and renovation services. Seeking another stream of income, I started a cleaning business with my best friend. To share my knowledge and skills, I launched the Serial Entrepreneur Academy, an online platform that teaches people how to start and grow their businesses.
As I continue to explore new opportunities and embrace challenges, my commitment to excellence remains steadfast. I value customer relationships, adapt to changing markets, and prioritize the growth and development of my ventures and the people involved. The journey so far has been filled with remarkable achievements, and with excitement for what lies ahead, I’ll keep sharing my knowledge and skills through the Serial Entrepreneur Academy, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and create their path to success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My entrepreneurial journey has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been without challenges. Early on, I had to navigate through a difficult and emotionally draining bad relationship, which impacted my well-being and focus. Overcoming that experience required significant resilience and self-care to regain my confidence and stay committed to my entrepreneurial goals.
Additionally, I faced the challenge of having an expressive language disorder, which at times made it difficult to effectively communicate my ideas and intentions. However, I turned this challenge into an opportunity for growth by finding alternative ways to express myself and seeking support from friends and colleagues. It taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of obstacles.
In addition to these personal struggles, I encountered typical entrepreneurial hurdles, such as financial constraints, adapting to market fluctuations, managing multiple businesses’ demands, navigating regulatory compliance, scaling operations, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Each of these challenges required determination, resourcefulness, and a continuous learning mindset to find creative solutions and keep moving forward.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that overcoming adversity has made me stronger and more resilient as an entrepreneur. It has allowed me to empathize with others facing challenges and instilled a deeper sense of purpose in empowering and supporting those around me. I firmly believe that embracing difficulties and learning from them has been an essential part of my growth and success in building diverse ventures across various industries.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m proud to have accomplished several significant milestones throughout my entrepreneurial journey. One of my most notable achievements was being one of the pioneering shape-wear companies in the market. When I started Pretty Girls Waisted, we recognized an emerging trend in shapewear and leaped to offer high-quality products that empower women and promote body confidence. Being among the first to venture into this industry was both challenging and rewarding, and it has established our brand as a trailblazer in the shape-wear market.
Another milestone I’m extremely proud of is becoming the first female African American in the home-based franchise industry. Through Prestige Income Tax in a Box, I created a franchise model that not only provides comprehensive support to individuals starting their tax businesses but also opened doors for other underrepresented entrepreneurs to explore the world of franchising. This achievement holds a special place in my heart, as it represents breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others like me.
Additionally, I took a bold step by entering the field of general contracting, an industry where women are traditionally underrepresented. Becoming a general contractor allowed me to leverage my expertise in construction and renovation projects. This move was a testament to my belief in challenging stereotypes and proving that women can excel in any industry they choose.
Overall, these achievements have shaped my entrepreneurial journey, solidifying my commitment to innovation, empowerment, and making a positive impact on the lives of others. I believe that with determination, passion, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, anything is possible, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for my ventures and the opportunities that lie ahead.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality or characteristic I believe is most important to my success as an entrepreneur is resilience. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous challenges, faced obstacles, and navigated through uncertainties. Resilience has been the key factor that has enabled me to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changing circumstances, and stay committed to my goals even in the face of adversity.
Resilience empowers me to view failures as opportunities for growth, learning, and improvement. It allows me to remain steadfast in the pursuit of my vision, even when the path may be uncertain or challenging. As an entrepreneur, I have learned that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, but it is the ability to bounce back, learn from experiences, and keep moving forward that defines long-term success.
Moreover, resilience helps me maintain a positive and proactive mindset, which is essential when making tough decisions or taking risks. It fuels my determination to keep pushing forward, even when circumstances may seem daunting. This quality also enables me to inspire and support my team and those around me, fostering a culture of perseverance and continuous improvement within my ventures.
In the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship, resilience has been the foundation upon which I build my ventures, embrace challenges, and turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success. It is a quality that has proven to be indispensable in achieving my goals and making a lasting impact in various industries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamstephanieelise.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamstephanieelise
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamstephanieelise
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@IAmStephanieElise
- Other: http://prosperitypropertyservices.com
Image Credits
rlylesvision.com
