We had the good fortune of connecting with Stella Leo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stella, what are you inspired by?
I think it’s so important to stay inspired and invigorated. So much inspires me. And I’m a very visual person so beautiful store displays, HGTV, fashion and style bloggers, Pinterest, and popups all offer the creative inspiration that I crave.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After a decade of working as a marketing/PR and events executive for international corporate brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Moroccanoil and Samsung, I had achieved all of my career goals of getting the corner office, having the 6-figure salary, and working within the fashion and beauty industries. After having my child, I knew I could not maintain my workaholic lifestyle which involved so much traveling. And I wanted to prioritize motherhood which is when I started using my blog as my creative outlet at first. I started producing events for stylish moms and kids who loved a good themed event and wanted a reason to still dress up and I created a series of Instagram-able playdates and open-to-the-public, ticketed events. That led to my brand, Stylishly Stella which is all about celebrating the everyday in a stylish way. The blog stylishlystella.com and Instagram @stylishlystella have allowed my family and me to travel, work on national campaigns, partner with major fashion and home brands and experience so many exciting opportunities. The best part of this new career path is that I can flexibly work from home and have lots of (sponsored) fun with my daughter in the process.

I’ve learned that it pays off to follow my passions and to be fearless in my pursuit of happiness through all of these career changes (did you know I started out studying for my Ph.D thinking I’d be a psychology professor?) And I’m proud of how I’ve taught myself everything I needed to know about: starting a blog, photography, videography, editing and social media. If you set your mind to it, you can figure out a way to pursue your passions and create the life you dreamed of.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to LA and can’t wait to start entertaining out of town friends in our new home! Here in Palos Verdes, I’d love to catch up over one of the many many scenic, flowery trails we have around here where we’re surrounded by palm trees, the ocean, and gorgeous homes. I’d also tour them throughout LA hitting my favorite spots like Beverly Hills, Abbott Kinney, and Santa Monica. I’d also stop by restaurants like Raffi’s and the Americana mall in Glendale, and make sure to take a beachside bike ride.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I didn’t have any mentors or friends in the industry who showed me the way. But I did have a “work wife”, someone who started up her own brand and business (totally in a different category than mine) during the same time. She was someone who worked beside me, shared similar dreams and fully supported and encouraged me each step of the way. She is a dear friend of mine named Hope McGrath. We’ve assisted one another on events each of us has produced, we’ve shared co-working spaces and have been there for one another in both personal and business worlds.

Website: StylishlyStella.com

Instagram: @stylishlystella

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaoh/

Twitter: @stylishlystella

Facebook: @stylishlystella

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