Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Vigil.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
For the past 25 years, I have been a TV news anchor in Spokane, WA. The demands of a high-pressured job with long and atypical hours made it hard to balance family and work life. Very rarely did I get to attend any of my sons’ after- school activities, or events. As you can imagine this left me with a lot of regret once they left the nest for college.
Fast forward to today and they are both living in Southern California. My youngest graduated from SDSU and is now working for a local company, specializing in medical device sales. My oldest is living in Newport Beach in the same line of work as his brother.
While we remained close through phone calls and text messages nothing compared to physically having them in my life, sharing experiences, and creating new memories. That is why I’m here in San Diego. What started out as a 3-month sabbatical is turning into so much more than I could have ever imagined!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Taking time away from work has been, by far, the best decision of my life. It has brought so much clarity that family is the most important gift I could have ever been given. Work is important, but family is the foundation that keeps me grounded.
I came to San Diego with only one expectation- to be available when my sons, Nick and Johnathan had time. The rest of my days would be spent exploring all this beautiful city has to offer. I was amazed at how quickly San Diego felt like home. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. It’s as if all of those negative ions rolling off the ocean has created the happiest people on Earth. No one is too busy to stop and give directions, suggestions, offer a smile, or even share a glass of wine.
I had heard about the pickleball craze sweeping the nation, but never found time to play, until now. Now I consider myself addicted. Maybe that’s because the players at Balboa Park Activity Center were kind enough to offer tips to help me improve my game, invite me to their happy hour for wine, or give me surf lessons because they knew that surfing in the ocean doesn’t exist in the Inland Northwest.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The majority of my professional career has been in front a TV camera delivering the evening news, but I also dabble in other businesses.
I’m curious by nature and consider myself to have an entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve owned a couple of small businesses throughout the years, but never had time to focus on them long enough to allow them to grow,
After receiving my master’s degree from Gonzaga University in 2013 I began creating and developing a course for the university called Image and Reputation management. A class that gives students practical advice on building a good reputation that will serve them for years to come. This led to me co-authoring a book called Reputation by Design. Essentially, you be in charge of your great reputation by your actions; on and offline.
Today, I am working on a project with someone I met while in San Diego. While I can’t divulge exactly what it is, at this point, I can tell you, it involves the pickleball world… and we are super excited to bring the idea to market by next summer…
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the imprint I leave after I’m long gone. What have I given to this world, and the people I love? Was I someone who lived boldly and authentically? I want to be an example of what a courageous person looks like. I want my sons to see me as a whole person, with both successes and failures. It’s okay to fall, but get back up, and when you do, remember the lesson that went with it. Take those baby steps until you are up and running again and thriving again.
What also matters most is that I show others not to live in fear. Sounds odd coming from a person who reads bad news on the daily, but I don’t let it shape my world. We live in a fear-based society. If you only watched the news, you may be afraid to leave your house. Unplug. Get outside. Explore. I hopped in my car, drove nearly 1,300 miles to the heart of the Gaslamp District to settle down into the unknown. Making this one decision to take time for my family and myself has changed me and my perspective on life and this region in the most amazing way imaginable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vigils/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063703943481
- Twitter: @khqstephanievigil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI8U9g_WE4bmJRVlrvPV1iQ
