Meet Stephanie Colon | Fashion Designer & Freelancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Colon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
How do you think about risk? Risk can be defined as a situation involving exposure to danger. Risk is something I am all too familiar with. I moved to New York City from Miami, Fl in 2015 on a whim. I felt the urgency to make the bold move with little to no money, no job, no place to stay, or any concrete plans. The only thing I had was inspiration and faith! Truthfully, without the risk and faith. I would not have made it. The risk was motivated by a lack of opportunity and a lack of jobs in my creative field.

What role has taken risks played in your life/career?
Today in 2021, I am a successful Sr. graphic designer with private clients with over 5 years of experience. I can say that my motivation and focus have taken me so far in my career. I have established myself and build myself from the ground up, on my own. I believe in myself because of the risks I have taken. It gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self-made, successful artist. I built myself from the ground up. I went from homelessness to a success story! I am so thrilled about where I am today. I was a struggling artist that had nothing. I slowly built myself up. I love the work I have done. My recognition and achievements give me the motivation to keep pushing! Where I came from and where I am today is truly a blessing. I started off doing free creative work, landed my current job by being an assistant designer, and worked my way up to senior-level designer. I also have clients that I do creative work for and get paid for it! My confidence as a designer has truly blossomed! I am very proud of doing free work in my early years because it built my resume and experience. This industry is very competitive and there is so much to learn. If you believe in yourself and stay focused on your passion, trust the process and keep pushing for your dreams, you will ultimately find success. I had no idea when this success would happen for me but I was very lucky and held onto my faith and trust that my commitment would soon pay off. I put my entire life on the line for this moment. It was drastic but I do not regret a single moment of it. Not many people are willing to move to the most insane city in the world, be homeless and starve for the opportunity to be successful. My faith was so strong that I actually made it through one of the hardest things I ever did. Nothing can stop me now. I am extremely humbled by the opportunities and kind people I have met along the way. The universe and god work in mysterious ways. I trust in it 100%.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in New York City. I would have an overwhelming list of suggestions! The MET museum is one of my favorite places to visit. Central Park is another iconic area to have a picnic at or explore. I love funky craft drinks, so I would suggest cute cafes we could have matcha at (Cha-Cha Match is a great spot for that) or an iced Rose Tea Oat Latte at Blank Slate Coffee. I am a vegetarian, one of my favorite restaurants is a vegan Korean restaurant called Hangawi. Their stone bowls are delightful. There are so many fun events going on in the city! I would suggest going to the ice cream museum, catching a Broadway show, and walking around the city to stumble across an interesting store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so much gratitude and appreciation for the support I receive. Great thank you to my dear sister, friends, and God. My sister Rosa M.Colon, my dear friends Usa Grace, Safiye Gonzalez, Sarah Sky, and God!

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/stephanie-colon-5641419a