Meet Stephanie Syphus | Founder and Owner of Brazos Creative

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

Hi Stephanie, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by community and wellness. When others go out of their way to lift their neighbors and help them thrive, that inspires me. That’s why I founded Brazos Creative, so I can be someone who lifts others, just like so many have done for me. (brazoscreativetx.com)

One of the ways I’m able to lift others is through the power of music. I’ve experienced this power and know firsthand how impactful it can be. Music was a lifeline for me in a childhood filled with abuse. It saved me from some of my darkest times, including a suicide attempt at 11 years old. Shortly after, I began composing music to help me cope with the trauma and abuse I was enduring. Music kept me alive.

I know my experiences with abuse are not unique, and that there are many others out there still trying to cope. I hope to give everyone I meet the opportunity to feel the power of music in their lives. It’s cliche, but I feel like my calling is to play music in coffee shops and maybe change the world by teaching others how music can be a tool in their life.

This year marks 16 years since I started teaching music. That’s half my life spent doing what I love! Creating and teaching music isn’t just a job—it’s my calling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I want the world to know that music is an essential component of our lives. It’s not about mastering the instrument, it’s about mastering yourself. I think the mindset of enrolling ourselves or our children in piano lessons to become ultimate masters is a mistake. It’s about enriching our lives, the journey of learning, and what we discover about ourselves along the way. Learning an instrument is an effective way to add a skill to your self-care routine. It’s not a coincidence that the most successful people I know actively pursue keeping their minds sharp through music or other creative outlets.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite part about Coppell is the people who care about this city and each other. I strive to build people up around me the way my community does for me every day.

Coppell is a gem. In the flight path of DFW airport, our city maintains a strict height maximum for buildings in the area, ensuring safe flight paths for the airport, while creating a “bubble” of large warehouses around our suburbia. Housing Coppell-ISD, one of the top 5 school districts in Texas, to thriving businesses, to miles of trails and parks woven through the 14.71 sq mile city limits, Coppell’s location within DFW has uniquely created a small town feel unlike any other.

I am pretty simple, and love to stay close to home, so my best friend visiting would have to do the same. When I am not playing music, I love to play outside, and I love to eat. I love jogging through the Andy Brown paths with my kids to throw around a football. Some of my favorite local restaurants include JC’s Burger Bar, J-Macklins, Local Diner, and Andy’s Frozen Custard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many dear friends, mentors, and community members near and far who have supported me. Some of the many include:

My husband Parker, for supporting all of my dreams, and especially for joining Brazos Creative full-time as a Music Teacher and Studio Director this year. Parker’s work in helping others find hope in his previous roles in the nonprofit sector has been a huge inspiration and invaluable contribution to our mission to increase personal development and build leaders through creative outlets. His epic music talent, organizational skills, and work ethic have been an invaluable addition to our organization. Parker’s leadership and unwavering kindness inspire both me and our students to embrace confidence.

Brazos Creative couldn’t do anything we do without our incredible teachers, students, and their families. Between private lessons, group lessons, camps, and workshops, Brazos Creative has served almost 200 people. They are the reason we can claim any sort of “success”, and I am so grateful for their support.

Casey and Daryl Conley changed our lives for the better by asking us to move to Coppell from the West. Because of their kindness and mentorship, we found this incredible community to plant the roots of Brazos Creative.

To Kevin and Amanda Nevels, who were far outside of our circle when they originally reached out to find out more about what we do. As stated in a recent Star Local Media article, Amanda says it best, “Ultimately, our goal is to have a long-lasting legacy and positive impact on the Coppell community. We strive to create leaders and push people to take risks to constantly better themselves. I truly believe this starts from the top by demonstrating and modeling leadership and service in every aspect of your life and in every relationship you have – personal and professional.” The Nevels impact Coppell through their 14+ year martial arts business, Championship Martial Arts (Coppell, Lantana, Las Colinas https://coppelltkd.com), and have encouraged me to be the expert in my field and a leader by believing I am. Their small push of encouragement inspired me to work hard to make my vision a reality. From the first day I met them in November 2023, I have been 100% committed to building Brazos Creative. I strive to follow Kevin and Amanda’s example of leadership and serving the Coppell community, and have received tenfold the amount of kindness and service I have given.

Website: https://www.brazoscreativetx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brazoscreative/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brazoscreative

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgoFCckNxsh0ev1pHnZS5jQ