We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stephanie Tharpe. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Stephanie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe we’re facing a global loneliness epidemic, driven by a lack of genuine connection. We live in an era that glorifies being ‘unbothered’ or ‘hyper-independent,’ making people ashamed to admit a fundamental human need. Simple, vulnerable desires like, ‘I really need a hug,’ or ‘I want someone to do life with,’ often go unsaid.
Especially in the States, expressing this kind of yearning feels taboo, forcing people to keep their loneliness private.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephanie Tharpe, and I’m a journalist and the founder of OffPage. I always lead with my full name because I believe it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to tell our own story.
For years, I’ve been fascinated by a simple disconnect: we live our lives in full color, engaging all of our senses, yet we often relegate the experience of reading to a flat page. I wanted to change that. I wanted to find a way to taste the food described in a novel, to walk the streets a character roamed, to truly feel a story in a tangible way.
That’s the entire mission behind my company, OffPage. We’re a Bespoke Literary Consultancy dedicated to taking stories off the page and weaving them into the fabric of everyday life. We work with individuals and brands to create immersive literary experiences.
On any given day, that could mean we’re designing a private library not just for storage, but as a sensory reading sanctuary. It could be curating a corporate book club that actually connects with a company’s culture, setting up focus groups for authors and publishers or hosting our signature literary dinner series, ‘Prose and Provisions,’ where each course is inspired by selected book.
And now, we’re taking that mission to a global scale. We’re currently in production on a literary travel series, created with Google tech. We’re using their incredible technology—from Gemini’s AI to the Google Pixel’s camera—to explore the world’s most iconic literary destinations that are featured in and inspired by books to show people how to experience them firsthand. It’s the ultimate expression of what OffPage is all about.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Baby Steph (as I affectionately refer to my younger self) was a beast (lol). I’ll have to admit she was selfish, not very considerate of others even those she loved. I do truly believe that the ruthless selfishness I had growing up was necessary and also was released as I grew up and lived life.
At this point in my life, I’m a lot more empathetic, nurturing, and giving. Almost to a fault. I think it’s a bit of an overcorrection from my younger years personally. For me not being selfish is a choice I make daily simply because its my “default setting.” But ultimately it made me a better friend, daughter, sister, and person. That selfishness I once had is a constant reminder that I have a choice to be better and live better than before.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss my friend Chad Lewis. In college, we would watch American Horror Story every week, listen to music. ( he always had the best playlists), And buy Black and white cookies from Publix. He hated physical touch so he never let me hug him lol but the time we spent together was always creative and a safe space.
Still don’t know why we stopped being friends but I’ve accepted it and am just grateful for the friendship we had. It’s something I will always cherish.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
If we are being 100% honest, we all wear masks for the public. I’m a firm believer that everyone doesn’t deserve the pleasure of knowing who you are at your rawest form.
The best and most real parts of me I reserve for those that I love and trust fully.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am now doing what I was born to do but that wasn’t always my reality.
I have a friend named Jeremy Taylor who is a mortician and the owner of a successful funeral home in central Florida. He knew he wanted to be a mortician at the age of 10! I always tell him he’s fortunate that he knew his path early on.
For me it took some time but Im doing exactly what God created me for and its a beautiful way to live for sure!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theoffpage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephtharpe?igsh=MWlheGFuN2s1NjFjMw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-tharpe-offpage?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stephtharpe?si=nWeJwGUQaSDU2Bpl
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephtharpe?_t=ZP-8yVYpx3QrV8&_r=1
