StephanieZhong.com

12/22/2025

Yesterday, I went to my first Winter Solstice celebration.

I was called to reflect on the intense duality 2025 brought:
🖤 Losses in my family that came one after another
💡 An evolving vision and mission for my business (weaving storytelling and Human Design into something I'm still developing language for)
🌱 The sacred tension of letting go and beginning again

50 people walked through the woods as the sun began to set.

There, we each created a Yule log, where you write down what you want to let go of, and intentions for the new year. The note is wrapped around a log tucking pine needles inside to be placed into a bonfire to release.

When the sun set, we placed the logs into a bonfire. Facing the flame, my body felt warm, alive, and safe.

Behind me, the darkness was cold, open, empty. And yet, I felt fully alive.

Our guide Mike shared that bees flutter their wings at 200 beats per second. When they huddle together into winter inside their hive, they generate enough heat to raise the temperature to 100 degrees.

Warmth, through creation of collective energy.

He also told us about the ancient stone henges — created by ancestors across cultures and continents.

They achieved impossible feats without AI, fancy tools and tech, or academic degrees in physics and architecture.

By harnessing deep knowledge about nature, energy, and weaving their wisdom and talents together.

What are the hidden possibilities to discover within you. Me. Us?

❄️ Solstice Sale Last Day ❄️

🕯️ 20% off all Human Design readings & gift cards
(includes advanced coaching sessions)

Bonus Gift: a personalized Leadership Blueprint
💛 5% donated to Parents Circle (supporting Palestinian and Israeli families to heal and bring mutual peace together from darkness)

Purchase now. Schedule anytime.
Sale ends tonight at midnight
Use coupon code: IAMLIGHT at checkout

PS. Do you celebrate Solstice? What do you want to shed? What are you calling forward in 2026?

08/04/2025

Last week, I taught a masterclass that brought together some new ideas about what a brand really means as a leader and heart-centered human in 2025.



The times we’re living in are uncertain and shifting underfoot every day. And while fear may coax us into playing it safe and not standing out too much in our messaging — the opposite is true.

Our stories, and our personal brands, play an even bigger role than ever. 💓

Your story isn’t just backstory. It’s your sovereignty. It’s the mirror that reflects the truth of who you are — and it gives you the roots to rise as the visionary your clients are waiting for right now.

In the last two years, as I've worked with clients to build movement-making brands we've learned something: your brand story doesn’t just position you. It steadies you.

It gives you the inner clarity, conviction, and power you need to lead with grace in uncertain times.

But there’s a pattern I keep seeing, especially in 2025:
🌲 Most leaders minimize their story.
🌲 They scatter their energy trying to “sound professional” and “be all things” instead of sovereign.
🌲 They blend in to play it safe and dim their light, even though deep down they know they’re meant to play bigger.

If this resonates, you haven't failed. I’ve done it too.

It signals that you’ve either outgrown an old container and your brand is ready to evolve with you...

Or it’s time to claim sovereignty over your story and transform it into a foundation that gives you unshakable confidence and a message your clients are longing for.

That’s why I'm excited to unveil an expanded version of Own Your Message. I'm weaving in everything I’ve built behind the scenes with private clients to fortify both your inner leadership and your outer presence.

The upgraded program officially launches at the end of September, but as a beloved part of my community, you’re invited to pre-enroll this week — and step into your next chapter before anyone else.

When you pre-enroll by Friday 8/8, you’ll save $500 and receive 3 private 1:1 bonuses with me to anchor your brilliance and rise with resilience:
✨ Kickoff Call Bonus: we'll set your sovereign intention and success plan
✨ Human Design Reading: we'll unearth your unique magnetism
✨ North Star Polishing Session: we'll refine your brand and make it real-world ready

If you’ve been sensing the gap between who you truly are and how your brand shows up, this is your invitation to close it — and rise as the authority your clients are already looking for.

🚀 Learn more and pre-enroll here: https://programs.stephaniezhong.com/OYMpreenroll

07/29/2025

Thought for the day: "“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

07/26/2025

What do you wish brand experts talked about more honestly?

Not the buzzwords. The real stuff.

Like when you're visible, but not attracting the right-fit people.

Or when "being authentic" feels like a performance.

I'm teaching a free class Tuesday on the 5 elements that go into building a brand that's fully you and can't be copied.

As I'm putting the final touches together I'd love to know from you:

If you had a brand coach on speed dial, what would you ask?

Drop your Q in the chat or DM me. I want to weave your real questions into the class.

What do you wish Brand Coaches would talk about when trying to build an authentic personal brand?

To save your seat, register here: https://bit.ly/brandclasswithsteph

07/24/2025

What is marketing didn't drain you – but actually gave you energy?

So many coaches, consultants, and creatives tell me marketing is the most overwhelming part of their business.
😵‍💫 Too many strategies.
😫 Too much pressure.
😩 And it never quite feels like them.

But here’s the truth:
✨ When your marketing is aligned with your Human Design, everything shifts. ✨

Attraction – the kind that brings you the clients you dream of serving – comes from alignment and energy.

If you're curious about how you can attract your high-fit clients by being more authentic in your marketing, you'll love this conversation I had with podcast host Molly Cahill on the Holistic Marketing Simplified.

Molly is an expert on instagram marketing, and we get real about why some trends work and some don't, and how to discern what strategies are aligned for you.

The conversation stoked fire for my soul, and give you permission to say NO to what doesn't align for you, and say YES to marketing that fires your up.

I can't wait for you to hear it! To listen to the episode, click here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DiA4JvweIDMNl6v2KC9uw

Here's to marketing from your true self so that your ideal clients find you 💞

07/23/2025

✨ NEW BRAND MASTERCLASS ✨

Have you been struggling with your message lately?

Maybe your message sounds like a version of you from three years ago…
Or you don't feel the same fire clarity you once had about your work.

Whether you're in the middle of a career transition, starting a business or pivoting your direction, you need a brand that gives you a foundation and bridge between what you’ve been known for and where you’re going.

Know that there’s nothing wrong with you. It’s just a signal that you’ve evolved. ⚡️

Every purpose-driven leader I know eventually hits this moment. Where the work you’re doing has outgrown the words you’re using to talk about it.

(I’m in the middle of it too and have gleaned a LOT of new insights to share with you).

It's a tender and vulnerable place to be, and while it can feel disempowering to lack clarity, it's also a powerful turning point and stepping stone in disguise.

I invite you to see your past work from a different, more expanded angle that will derive new meaning and value for yourself and your audience.

Next Tuesday, I’m teaching a free 90-minute class to help you reconnect with your brilliance and reshape your brand—especially if you're purpose-led and self-promotion triggers the "ick" factor.

We'll explore how to:
✔ Clarify the parts of your story that build trust and resonance
✔ Show up in a voice that’s true—not performative
✔ Realign your brand with who you are now—so your message feels energizing and magnetic again for you and your dream clients
This isn’t about branding as usual.
It’s a new way of seeing your past work through a more expanded lens—
so you can extract fresh meaning and value for yourself and your audience.

I’ll be sharing new insights you haven’t heard before—
ones that help you build a resilient brand in a world that’s shifting at massive scale.

One that marries together strategy and soul work.
Because when your brand reflects your true self, it's uncopyable. (Even by AI.)

👉 Use the link to join me: https://programs.stephaniezhong.com/free-brand-masterclass-2025

Whether or not you join, use this moment right now to reflect:
💭 What version of you is your message speaking from today? 💭 Do you have a vision that's new and needs words to bring it to life?

I'd love to hear what you're working towards in the comments.

Here's to being the leaders the world is looking for right now. 💖

02/12/2025

I grew up in Philly, which means two things:
I love the Eagles. 🦅
I know what it’s like to hold high hopes up, then self-destruct in the biggest moments.

In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the Eagles had all the talent—Reggie White, Keith Jackson, Clyde Simmons, Randall Cunningham, Jerome Brown. All pro-bowlers. Deep respect for them.

And yet, year after year, the Eagles as a team would crumble under pressure in the playoffs.

I never stopped supporting them, though. Because I knew what it was like to be on a hot streak one moment, then suddenly sabotage yourself the next.

(I wasn't even striving for anything near a Super Bowl)

Still, it wasn’t easy being a proud Eagles fan. I worked at a company full of Giants fans, and I’d spend mornings peeling off Post-it notes from my desk that just said: “LOSERS.”

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn as an entrepreneur—brilliantly modeled by Eagles QB Jalen Hurts this season—is this:

✨ Be your biggest fan, when you're up and when you're down. ✨

✨Be your biggest fan when the critics question your unconventional decisions ✨

✨Be your biggest fan when your industry doubts your ability because you come from an underestimated background ✨

✨Be your biggest fan when you take a creative risk or say no to an opportunity that pays well but compromises your purpose, and wonder when the dream client you're holding space for will appear. ✨

When you reach your goal—or miss it by a mile—celebrate the effort rather than the result.
Every action builds the internal and external resilience your business (and soul) needs.

So before we get too far into 2025, I invite you to check in with yourself.

How connected do you feel to the heart and soul of your brand?

A: I know my magic and am my biggest fan 🦅

B: I shine my magic here and there -- in training to be my full fan self 📣

C: Ooh, never thought about this before. Time to make a jersey with my name on it. 🏈

👉I’d love to hear where you’re at.

PS. Flowers to 's management team!

02/01/2025

💖LAST DAY💖 to participate in the Support LA give back campaign where...

💞 50% of your purchase will go to support LA wildfire recovery efforts
🎁 You can get some exclusive bonuses to support your rising too

Everything in the shop is thoughtfully designed to support you in creating success with more joy and alignment.

If you want to sell your offers with confidence...
⚡️Sell Authentically with Storytelling course
✔️ The 90-minute video training that teaches you how to sell with storytelling
✔️ The plug-and-play Story Builder tool to craft your three must-have sales stories for all your offers
🎁 Support LA Bonus: A live private Q&A coaching session with me in February ($199 value)
💡 All for just $127.


If you want to sell your offers with confidence AND build a standout brand you and clients love:
🚀Own Your Message course
✔️ Comprehensive, step-by-step video program to build your brand message foundation from start to finish
✔️ 12 monthly live Q&A coaching calls to get you unstuck and shining
✔️ Members-only online community for extra accountability and mutual support
🎁 Support LA Bonus #1: Sell Authentically with Storytelling course for FREE ($127 value)
🎁 Support LA Bonus #2: Live coaching call for Sell Authentically students only ($199 value)
🎁 Support LA Bonus #3: (1) Private Power Hour session with me to polish your standout brand ($275 value)
💡 All for just $997 or 6 monthly payments of $199

Everything you buy today from the Shop helps support families displaced by the LA wildfires. 💜

Visit the link in bio to shop, grow and give back today 🫶🏽

📸: Jim and me camping around LA and sitting on my favorite rock in Corral Canyon

02/01/2025

A friendly reminder that tonight is the last night to participate in the Support LA give back campaign where...
💞 50% of your purchase will go to support LA wildfire recovery efforts
🎁 You can get some exclusive bonuses to support your rising too

Everything in the shop is thoughtfully designed to support you in creating success with more joy and alignment.

If you want to sell your offers with confidence...
Get instant access to Sell Authentically with Storytelling
✔️ The 90-minute video training that teaches you how to sell with storytelling
✔️ The plug-and-play Story Builder tool to craft your three must-have sales stories for all your offers
🎁 Support LA Bonus: A live private Q&A coaching session with me in February ($199 value)
💡 All for just $127.

If you want to sell your offers with confidence AND build a standout brand you and clients love:
Get instant access to the Own Your Message course
✔️ Comprehensive, step-by-step video program to build your brand message foundation from start to finish
✔️ 12 monthly live Q&A coaching calls to get you unstuck and shining
✔️ Members-only online community for extra accountability and mutual support
🎁 Support LA Bonus #1: Sell Authentically with Storytelling course for FREE ($127 value)
🎁 Support LA Bonus #2: Live coaching call for Sell Authentically students only ($199 value)
🎁 Support LA Bonus #3: (1) Private Power Hour session with me to polish your standout brand ($275 value)
💡 All for just $997 or 6 monthly payments of $199

Everything you buy today from the Shop helps support families displaced by the LA wildfires. 💜

I can't wait to help you build greater success from your true self.
Browse the shop, choose your own adventure and here's to your, and LA's rising. 💞

SHOP: https://programs.stephaniezhong.com/shop

Photo: Jim and me camping on one of our many weekend excursions in the mountains around LA. How I miss you.

01/31/2025

Ever feel like you have something powerful to offer the world... but selling feels like pulling teeth?

Maybe you:
🌿 Struggle to put into words to the deep shifts you create because they’re internal, personal, and not easily “quantifiable.”
🌿 Navigate a lot of myths or misunderstandings about the work you do.
🌿 Feel like just another option in a sea of coaches and service providers, unsure how to stand out in an aligned way.
🌿 Hate the idea of selling because it feels unnatural, pushy, or just plain off.

I get it.

When I was a kid, I was too nervous to sell Girl Scout cookies (if you can't sell Thin Mints, what can you sell?!).

But here's the truth that changed everything for me:
Selling isn't about convincing—it's about guiding and serving.

Your dream clients already want to say yes. They just need:
🖼 A clear picture of the transformation you're offering
🧹 Support to release myths and limiting beliefs that are holding them back
🧷 Confidence and safety to say "Yes" and take positive action

This is where story changes everything.

Stories help your clients bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

They're like that pink spoon at Yogurtland—a tiny taste that lets them confidently say "YES, this is exactly what I need!"

I created Sell Authentically with Story so you can do just that.

In this 90-minute immersive training, you’ll learn how to craft the three essential stories that create trust, resonance, and YES energy in your clients.

💡 Plus, you’ll get my plug-and-play storybuilder tool so you can use this process again and again, for every offer.

And because this is about more than just selling—it’s about supporting each other—

I’m donating 50% of your purchase from the Shop through Feb 1 to LA wildfire recovery efforts.

AND: If you purchase by Feb. 1 at midnight, you’ll also get a special bonus:

🎁 An exclusive live Q&A coaching session with me

Plus: 50% of your purchase supports LA wildfire recovery efforts.

Because this is about more than just selling—it's about supporting each other.

Ready to make more soul-aligned sales in 2025? Get instant access here:

develop a story that compels instead of sells your signature offer for your dream client.

01/28/2025

💛 A BIG thank you. 💛

Because of your support during the flash sale, we raised nearly $1,200 in just 5 days to help families affected by the devastating wildfires in my adopted hometown of LA.

You all blew me away with your generosity – so much so that I decided to keep going. 💛

Through February 1st, 50% of all proceeds from my store will continue to go directly to wildfire recovery efforts.

This is your chance to:
✨ Invest in yourself and step into your next-level growth
✨ Make a meaningful impact by giving back to those in need

And, because I love spoiling my community, I’ll be revealing two special bonuses you’ll receive when you purchase any course during the Support LA campaign.

Let’s grow together, give back, and make a difference. 🌟

👉 click link in bio to learn, grow and give back

With so much gratitude and love,
Steph (she/her)

PS. Not sure which course is the best fit for you? DM me -- I’d love to help you figure it out!

01/28/2025

💛 Thank You for Helping Us Make an Impact! 💛

I’m so grateful to all of you who purchased Human Design readings and courses during my recent flash sale. Because of your support, we raised nearly $1,200 to help families affected by the LA wildfires. 🙏

But the work isn’t done yet.

I’ve decided to extend the giving through February 1:
➡️ 50% of all proceeds from my store will continue to support wildfire recovery efforts.

This means if you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest in your next-level growth, this is the perfect opportunity to:
✨ Grow into your true self with support and clarity
✨ Give back to families in need at the same time

And because I love adding more value for you, I’ve included some exciting bonuses:
⭐ When you buy Own Your Message, you’ll get my Sell Authentically with Storytelling course for FREE (a $127 value!).
⭐ When you buy Sell Authentically with Storytelling, you’ll get access to a private live Q&A coaching session with me. You can ask me anything or get laser-focused feedback to craft the stories that sell your offers with ease.

Let’s grow and give back together. 💛

Click here to check out the store, invest in yourself and support LA: https://programs.stephaniezhong.com/shop