Meet Stephanie Johnson-Williams | Creative Designer & Healthcare IT Analyst

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

Hi Stephanie, what do you attribute your success to?
The most vital factor behind the success of Sistah Journal, and my personal journey as its creator, is the unwavering belief in myself, a deep-rooted faith, and an unshakeable trust in God’s divine provision.

First and foremost, believing in myself has been the cornerstone of my achievements. It’s the self-empowerment fuel that propels me forward even when challenges arise. I’ve learned that when I believe in my vision, my capabilities, and my worth, I can conquer any obstacle that comes my way. This belief isn’t just about confidence; it’s about recognizing the power within and having the courage to embrace it fully.

Additionally, faith has played an instrumental role in shaping my path. I’ve always believed that success is not solely about external circumstances, but it’s also about having faith in the journey itself. I have faith in the value of what I create, in the positive impact it has on people’s lives, and in the difference I can make in the world. This unwavering faith has been my guiding light during moments of uncertainty, allowing me to persevere with hope and resilience.

Above all, my trust in God has been the ultimate source of strength. I firmly believe that God provides everything I need to be successful. Whether it’s wisdom, creativity, opportunities, or the strength to overcome challenges, I trust that His divine guidance and provision are always there for me. This trust gives me peace and assurance that, no matter what, I am supported by a higher purpose and a loving presence.

In essence, the combination of believing in myself, nurturing faith in the journey, and trusting God’s abundant blessings has been the driving force behind my success and the success of Sistah Journal. It’s a powerful trio that empowers me to continue reaching for my goals, building lasting relationships, and spreading positivity through my work. With this foundation, there are no limits to what we can be achieved.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career as a Healthcare IT Analyst has been a deeply fulfilling journey, one where my passion for helping others has always been at the forefront. Each day, my goal is to provide exceptional software support for electronic medical records, ensuring that our clients, both internal and external, can carry out their duties effectively and provide the best possible care for patients. What sets me apart is not just my technical expertise but also my unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those I serve.

I take great joy in working with others and offering the assistance they need. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from knowing I’ve played a role in helping someone accomplish their tasks and achieve their goals. This is what drives me and brings me immense joy in my role.

Having spent many years in the healthcare IT field, including leadership positions, what excites me the most is the realization that my service has a meaningful impact, even at a professional level. Understanding that everyone, regardless of their position, requires assistance, I take pride in my ability to provide guidance, effective solutions, and clear communication. It’s not always easy, but I thrive on challenges, and they only make me stronger. This determination is rooted in my belief in myself and my abilities.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been humbled by the feedback from others who have told me how I’ve inspired them, both personally and professionally. I consider this a tremendous honor and responsibility. It’s a reminder that our actions can have a ripple effect, touching the lives of those around us. I’ve always been someone who looks for the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it’s dim. Sistah Journal embodies that light for many. It’s a source of positivity, a wellspring of encouragement, and a catalyst for creativity and inspiration.

In essence, my career has been a testament to the power of determination, service, and the belief that each of us can make a positive impact in our own unique way. What I want the world to know about me and my brand, Sistah Journal, is that we are beacons of hope, sources of empowerment, and catalysts for personal and professional growth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t have favorite spots at all. I just love a great atmosphere, great food, and an enjoyable vibe. We almost never go by agendas as we both are free spirited and wherever our mood leads us is where we go. But with an agenda, it would probably go something like this:

Day 1: Arrival and Home Cooked Dinner

Morning: Warm and exciting welcome at the airport with big smiles and hugs, then head home.
Afternoon: Catch up over a homemade lunch and drinks.
Evening: Prepare a delicious dinner, share stories, and enjoy a few comedies.

Day 2: Memphis Adventure Begins

Morning: We may or may not have breakfast. This depends on the night before.
Afternoon: Head to Memphis for some shopping and lunch as we toss around ideas for dinner.
Evening: Indecisive about dinner, so we order pizza and wings and plan for the next day 😂

Day 3: Exploring Memphis

Morning: Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and pastries.
Afternoon: Early afternoon includes mimosas and good music as we take our time to get out and visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music for a dose of cultural history.
Evening: Head to Beale Street for live music, cocktails, and dancing at BB King’s Blues Club.

Day 4: Relaxing and Local Flavor

Morning: Slow morning at home with a brunch delivered by my husband. He knows the night we had, and we’re not cooking ourselves.
Afternoon: Explore local boutiques for more shopping. We love to shop!
Evening: Order some delicious takeout and enjoy it back at home while we reminisce about the old days, how we met, people we know, and different experiences. Stories that make us laugh every time we share them.

Day 5: Family and Friends

Morning: Visit a few family and friends to catch up and share a few laughs.
Afternoon: We may find a great Hibachi or Sushi spot for some lunch and then drinks.
Evening: Return home for a cozy night in, recapping the day.

Day 6: Movie Marathon and Cooking

Morning: A lazy morning followed by a relaxed breakfast.
Afternoon: Set up a movie marathon at home with our favorite and snacks.
Evening: Enjoy an outing at Beck & Call Rooftop Bar.

Day 7: Farewell with Fun

Morning: Final breakfast together, perhaps at a local cafe or maybe just a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich at home.
Afternoon: Make the most of our remaining time around the house enjoying laughs while recapping the week.
Evening: End the trip on a high note with dinner at a low key but great restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am immensely blessed to have a constellation of inspiring souls who have lit up my path and fueled the fire of my entrepreneurial spirit. These remarkable individuals have been the pillars of my journey with Sistah Journal.

First and foremost, the roots of my entrepreneurial aspirations run deep within my family, especially thanks to my incredible parents. Both entrepreneurs in their own right, they instilled in me the belief that dreams are meant to be chased and that hard work and determination can turn those dreams into reality. Watching them in action as a child planted the seed of entrepreneurship within me, and it has blossomed into the beautiful venture that is Sistah Journal today.

My amazing husband, Keith, deserves a special mention. He’s not just a partner in life but also my unwavering supporter and motivator. His encouragement, his unshakable belief in my potential, and his constant push for excellence have been invaluable. He’s the wind beneath my wings, always propelling me to reach for the stars and beyond. I couldn’t have asked for a better life partner and champion.

And then, there are my incredible children, who are the heartbeat of my persistence and determination. They’ve shown me the true meaning of not accepting failure. They look up to me, and I am determined to be a living example of resilience and success for them. My children remind me daily that giving up is not an option. I want to instill in them the belief that with hard work, faith, and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

I’m very intentional about surrounding myself with people who radiate positivity and inspire me to be better every day. It’s a conscious choice because I know that the energy we absorb from our inner circle shapes our path. With such an amazing support system, I feel unstoppable and truly blessed.

Speaking of support, my family and circle of friends have been my cheerleaders through thick and thin. Their encouragement, their belief in my abilities, and their presence through it all have meant the world to me. They’ve helped mold me into the woman I am today, and their positivity and inspiration are like a constant source of fuel for my journey.

Of course, there have been numerous ventures along the way, but Sistah Journal is where my heart finds its true alignment. It’s the culmination of my passions, values, and creativity, and it’s a testament to the undeniable support of my loved ones.

In the end, Sistah Journal is not just my venture; it’s a collective effort of all those who have believed in me, inspired me, and walked this path with me. It’s a tribute to the power of family, love, and a tight-knit community of positivity.

Website: www.SistahJournal.com

Instagram: @SistahJournal

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/stephanie-johnson-mba-4877842

Facebook: @SistahJournal

Other: https://sistahjournal.etsy.com