Stephanie Jones on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Stephanie Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Stephanie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to meet myself where I am, honestly and authentically. Lately, I’ve been feeling a strong internal pull to pause and be with myself, not the idealized version of who I think I should be, but the real, messy, fully human version of who I am right now. And honestly, that version is someone who’s balancing a lot. Between school, practicum, working full-time, and trying (emphasis on trying) to carve out space for self-care, it often feels like I’m performing a high-stakes balancing act.
But this “call” I’m feeling isn’t asking me to do more—it’s asking me to notice more. To notice how hard I’m trying. To notice the ways I keep showing up. And to meet myself with compassion rather than criticism.
For me, meeting myself authentically means accepting that I don’t have to have it all figured out to be doing well. It means recognizing that balance doesn’t always look like a perfect schedule or a flawless to-do list; it often looks like flexibility, grace, and letting go of the idea that I can be everything to everyone all at once.
I think I’m learning that it’s okay to exist in this in-between space, where I’m still growing, still juggling, and still doing my best. And in that space, there’s something really powerful about saying, “This is where I am, and that’s enough for today.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, hey! I’m Stephanie Jones, a dancer, model, mental health advocate, and MSW student at the University of Hawaiʻi. I’m currently completing my practicum with the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma, where I’m exploring both suicide prevention and macro-level program evaluation, two areas that truly resonate with my passion and systems-thinking mindset.
During the day, I work full-time as a domestic violence counselor at a nonprofit, supporting individuals through some of the most difficult periods in their lives. It is profoundly meaningful and truly special work. What makes my story special is that I’m not only grounded in advocacy and social work; I’m also a creative. I’ve always found healing through dance, modeling, and exploring other creative outlets to stay grounded and connected to myself.
I genuinely believe we aren’t supposed to be confined to a single box, and I thrive when I can explore all aspects of who I am. Whether I’m in a clinical space, behind the scenes of program design, or expressing myself through movement, I’m always working toward the same goal: to show up with authenticity, purpose, and a little bit of grace (even on the messy days).

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A part of me that I am learning to let go of is the version that thought I had to hold everything together all the time. That part of me helped me survive, pushed me through exhaustion, and still showed up for others even when I was drained. It was based on strength, but also fueled by fear—the fear that slowing down or asking for help might make me seem like I was letting others down.
I’m grateful for what that part of me carried; it got me through seasons I didn’t fully understand at the time. But now, I’m learning that I don’t have to hold it all in the same way anymore. Letting go of the need to always be “on” opens up space for rest, softness, and more sustainable ways of caring, for others and for myself.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One fear that often lingers beneath the surface is the fear of not going for it, whatever “it” may be. The calling, the dream, the leap into something unknown. There’s a certain safety in hesitation, in waiting for the “right” time or more certainty. But underneath that waiting is often the quiet fear that trying and failing might feel heavier than never trying at all.
But I’ve realized over time that not going for it is its own kind of heartbreak. Playing it safe doesn’t protect you from failure; it just keeps you stuck in the “what ifs.” I’m learning that the discomfort of trying and stumbling is so much more alive, more honest, than never starting. And honestly? Life feels a lot fuller when you give yourself permission to go for it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire people who lead with integrity, especially when no one’s watching, those who stay kind in unkind spaces, who choose honesty over ego, and who show up for others without needing credit. It’s never been about power or titles for me, but about the quiet strength of someone who lives in alignment with their values, even when it’s hard or inconvenient.
I think of the everyday helpers, social workers, counselors, caregivers, teachers, community organizers, the people whose names you might not know, but whose presence makes others feel seen and supported. Their character speaks louder than any position ever could. They remind me that actual impact often happens in the moments that go unnoticed. That’s the kind of presence I hope to embody, the type that doesn’t chase power but builds trust, connection, and healing in the spaces that need it most.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I’ve come to understand mostly through experience and listening is that healing rarely follows a straightforward path. It’s often messy, full of setbacks and unexpected detours, and that complexity is a natural part of the process. I think many people expect growth to be smooth, but the reality is much more nuanced, and learning to accept that has made a big difference in how I approach both my own journey and the journeys of others.
I’ve also come to see that vulnerability is actually a wellspring of strength. It takes courage to be open and honest about our struggles, and when we allow ourselves that openness, it can foster deeper connection and genuine understanding. This understanding shapes the way I try to show up not just for others, but for myself as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_itsstephjones/?hl=en

Image Credits
Kris Bamba & Star Bamba
Jessica Lim
David Coy
Ellie Nichols
Ian Gonzaga
Riko Blake