Stephanie Paige shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Stephanie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are about connection and intention. I start by waking up early, taking a few deep breaths to center myself. I step outside near my studio, where I can be surrounded by nature, feeding the koi, filling the bird feeders, and listening to the sounds of birds and trees. As I sit quietly, I focus on being present, in observing how the light filters through the leaves, how the water reflects the morning sun, and how the gentle breeze touches my skin. I practice gratitude for simply being alive and for the gift of another day. This quiet time helps me feel grounded and ready to create, fueling my energy for the day ahead. I also take a moment to breathe, set my intentions, and acknowledge what I need physically and emotionally to be whole. This ritual reminds me that my energy flows best when I start from a place of calm, gratitude, and presence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Stephanie Paige. I am a contemporary artist, author podcaster, passionate about creating art inspired by nature, mindfulness, and gratitude. My brand is built around sharing the healing power of art—both through my paintings and my words. I’m known for my nature-inspired, textured artworks and my deep connection to the natural world, which I see as a sacred source of inspiration. I also wrote the books “The Grateful Artist” to help others live and create with love and purpose and to overcome perfectionism. After the book was published, I started The Grateful Artist Podcast where artist help artist and we connect and inspire each other.
What makes my work special is this focus on authenticity, healing, and the beauty that flows when we connect deeply with ourselves and nature. I’m currently working on new collections that celebrate presence, connection, and transformation, and I love helping fellow artists find their own unique voice.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really changed how I see the world was when I almost lost my life to a choking incident. I was in deep crisis, full of guilt and exhaustion, and I felt like I was slipping away. Luckily, my husband came upstairs just in time and saved me. That experience made me realize how fragile life is and how important it is to cherish every moment. It reminded me that I shouldn’t take anything for granted, and I should live with gratitude and love every day. That moment shifted my perspective and inspired me to focus on what truly matters. I wrote by book the Grateful Artist to help other Artist including my son. I hope to inspire him to live life deeply and with great intentions.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I realized that my fear and struggle could be transformed into something positive. Instead of running away or pretending I was okay, I chose to face my feelings honestly. I understood that my pain was part of my journey and could help me grow stronger. By changing my energy—letting go of fear and guilt—I began to impact the world around me in a better way. It was a shift from hiding inside to using my experience to inspire hope and change.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I believe the public version of me is now the real me. I’ve done a lot of work to be authentic and true to myself. When I let go of fears and worries, I feel much happier and more at peace. Being honest about who I am and showing that to others is what makes me feel truly free. I know now that when I’m authentic, I can connect more deeply with others and live more fully. That’s the person I want to be every day.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply, and that many people don’t, is that true happiness and peace come from loving and accepting ourselves fully. When we stop trying to be perfect or to impress others, we can really connect with who we are. I believe that real strength comes from vulnerability—being honest about your feelings and struggles. Once we accept ourselves, everything else flows easier—love, creativity, and joy. Most people are searching for happiness outside themselves, but I’ve learned that it’s already inside us, waiting to be embraced.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniepaigestudio.com/index.html
- Instagram: @paigestudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-paige-b14722371
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniepaigeart
- Youtube: @StephaniePaige-q7m
- Other: Applecast – The Grateful Artist Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-artist/id1833113891?i=1000731513951
Image Credits
Stephanie Paige- Golden La Jolla 60″ x 60″ Mixed Media on Canvas
