Stephanie McClure is the content creator and blogger behind five-year-old Blonde Style Blog. “My focus was mainly fashion, but I also mix in some food, travel, home and beauty. Now that I’m a mom, I like to share a little about that side of my life.” Learn about Stephanie McClure…
Hometown: North Liberty, Iowa
First job: Bruegger’s Bagels in Iowa City. I was in high school and would work three-hour shifts after school, and all my best friends worked there too. Getting paid to hang out with my friends and eat bagels is one of my favorite pastimes!
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: It’s funny. Pre-pandemic Stephanie is a lot different than I am now. I used to love to go out and go shopping, explore new restaurants, happy hours and outdoor patios with friends and family, but during a pandemic and having two little ones, that was nearly impossible. This past summer our family spent a lot of time at parks having picnics, biking, going to the beach at Kent Park, pool days in our backyard. We were kind of forced to live a different, more laidback lifestyle than what we were used to, and I’ve gotta say, it was fantastic! We also love to visit family in Des Moines. It’s a nice change of scenery every now and then, and there is so much to do there! And of course, Hawkeye football games. We had our wedding reception at Kinnick Stadium, so it will always be special to us.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Is it too cliché to say my kids!? If it is, I don’t care. I am so proud of the person I’ve become since becoming a mom. I never really wanted to have kids, but I did have a little wonder what it’d be like. Well, let me tell you – it was nothing like I imagined. It is truly one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Then you think, let’s have another! And then it gets infinitely harder! But after having my girls, I truly feel like I have a purpose in this life, and that is to raise them to be strong, independent, happy, confident women. We are all growing together, and they are my biggest, greatest accomplishments.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: When we decided to move to a small town in Missouri for my husband’s job, I was so anxious and scared. I’ve lived in Iowa City/North Liberty my entire life, and while I am up for challenges, I’ve always preferred to stay in my comfort zone and being close to my family. I was also leaving a job I’d been at for 10 years and having to start over and prove myself all over again just seemed terrifying. Looking back, yes, it was hard, but honestly those two years we lived there we explored a lot, we had some pretty fun experiences that we wouldn’t have had otherwise, and we learned a lot about ourselves and each other. We did a lot of growing in that two years, and it has shaped us into who we are today. We know what we want and what we don’t want, and we aren’t so scared to leave our comfort zone anymore. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and every experience we’ve gone through has gotten us to where we are today.
Someone who inspires you and why: This is a tough one, but my mind instantly goes to my husband. He is such a hard worker, determined, always striving to achieve a goal. He takes such good care of our family and it’s not only because he has to, it’s because he wants to. I really should be thanking his dad, my father-in-law, because he is the one who shaped him into the man he is today. My husband has helped make me a better person, which is what inspiring people should do!
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I do this because I love it. It’s a creative outlet for me, I love to dress up, I love to share good deals, and it’s nice to make a little money doing it. But I will never stress out about page views on my blog or followers and comments on social media. If you do decide to go this route, don’t sweat it too much. It can be toxic. Be patient. It’s a very competitive career path. Be honest, open and authentic. And remember that success does not come overnight!
Favorite quote: “Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself – what you’re wearing, who you’re around, what you’re doing. Recreate and repeat.” –Warsan Shire
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am a pretty open book, so this is hard! One thing I don’t talk about much is that I interned at Walt Disney World in college. I was supposed to be there for six months, but I missed my family and friends so much that I only lasted three weeks. I still got my college credit though, so, worth it!
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who is truly humble, truly kind and truly authentic.