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Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephanie Colon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Colon.

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?
After spending 25 years in the banking and business development world, I launched Stephanie Colón Consulting to help small and midsize businesses grow with clarity and intention. Through my work as a consultant, I specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, and team alignment—bridging the gap for companies that need a clear path forward but may not have the internal resources to get there.

The idea for Empower & Evolve was planted during my years in banking, where I witnessed firsthand the quiet struggles many women faced in leadership—self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to prove themselves in spaces that weren’t built with them in mind. But it wasn’t until 12 years later, with deeper experience, growth, and clarity, that I felt ready to launch the movement.

Today, Empower & Evolve is more than an event—it’s a safe space and national platform for women to grow, heal, and lead without apology. We host workshops, retreats, and community-driven experiences that foster emotional intelligence, courageous conversations, and meaningful connection. Through both my consulting firm and Empower & Evolve, I remain committed to helping people and organizations evolve with purpose, lead boldly, and build something that lasts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the last year and a half, I’ve faced some real challenges while building Stephanie Colón Consulting and growing Empower & Evolve. From struggling to gain consistent clients, navigating how to price my services with confidence, and learning how to market myself effectively—every step has required faith, grit, and constant adjustment. There were workshops where ticket sales were slow or didn’t meet expectations, and moments when the message I knew could change lives didn’t seem to be reaching the right people. I’ve had to overcome imposter syndrome, rebuild momentum after quiet seasons, and pour into a vision even when the results weren’t immediate. But through it all, I’ve stayed committed to the mission—believing that impact takes time, and transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Every challenge has been a lesson in patience, perseverance, and staying rooted in purpose.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Stephanie Colón Consulting, my mission is to help small and midsize businesses grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I partner with leaders who are ready to scale but lack the internal resources to create sustainable growth strategies. Through business development, leadership coaching, and brand alignment, I equip clients with the tools, systems, and support they need to strengthen their teams, amplify their voice, and reach the next level of success—without losing sight of who they are or why they started

I am proud of my work as a community leader having been named as the Business Woman of the Year by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. I am proud of having been very involved in the community sitting on many boards like Girls Inc., Achievement Academy, United Way and other various non profits in the Polk County community. I am proud of my former career as a banker and all the experiences and opportunity afforded me in my journey as a banker, and taking the leap of faith to start my own company. I am super proud of co founding Empower & Evolve a Women’s movement in our community and beyond that brings women together. In our workshops we have conversations on challenges that women face, like passivity, self shaming, self awareness, resolution and many other real topics. We provide a vulnerable space to allow women to come together and be vulnerable, feel seen and heard and be supported by other women. Our mission is to create a community that is welcoming and available to support other women.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Some of my favorite books are Project 369, Collen Hoover books, John Maxwell books. I listen to our church podcast app, I love Trent Shelton and Mel Robbins podcasts, as well as, Mike Rowe.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Professional photos completed Keni Parks Executive Photography

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