The Wildheart Revolution opened its doors for the very first time in August.
And in that time, I have been absolutely, 100% BLOWN AWAY by all the members. They are fascinating, dynamic, and they each have a story to tell that we ALL can relate to.
And instead of just hogging all their brilliance to myself, I decided to share them with you.
Every one of them has something beautiful to teach us.
Our Wildheart Celebrity today is no different.
Stephanie Watanabe is one of those people that you instantly adore and want to be friends with. She’s fun, sweet, hilarious, and always knows the best places to shop, eat, and buy awesome things. I’m so happy she stopped by to share some of her wisdom with us. ENJOY!
I hope she inspires you as much as she inspires me! Meet…Stephanie Watanabe.
“Hi! I’m Stephanie Watanabe (a.k.a. The Girl Who Knows). I live in a cute little ‘hood called Glassell Park in sunny East Los Angeles. I spend most of my days writing, blogging and musing on all things inspirational, and in my free time I love to read for hours on end, thumb through obscure fashion & design magazines and search for the best of the best eats in L.A.
I’m currently Wildhearting by embracing a part-time gig so that I can create magic with The Girl Who Knows in 2014 – wooot! And if I could give you one bit of advice it would be to celebrate every single day of your life like it’s your birthday – sprinkles and confetti (not) optional.”
In three sentences, give us the cliff notes version of your life. How did you get from where you were to where you are now?
I’m an introverted, HSP, writer, blogger, filmmaker, all around renaissance woman, with a relatively fearless attitude about trying new career paths (thanks to my entrepreneurial minded parents). I grew up the eldest of three, in a Japanese + American + Mormon (!!!) household in the Midwest. I came to California for film school in 1999 and the rest, as they say, is history.
What is your business/website/cause all about?
The Girl Who Knows is where I muse about life + love + who makes the best body balms. It’s a curated collection of stories, tools, products and discoveries that are designed to infuse your life with a little bit whimsy, a dash of laughter and a lot of inspiration.
Most recently I launched The Birthday Month Experience, my first digital e-course, designed as an experiential playground of celebration that is guaranteed to change the way you feel about your birthday (and maybe even your life). It’s the first of many products and collaborations that I plan on releasing via The Girl Who Knows.
What do you love the most about your life?
That I’ve been so blessed with such amazing family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances all throughout my life. When I look back I’m in awe of how much I’ve learned from each and every person who has crossed my path. I love that I’m surrounded by such good peeps, who have helped me grow into such a conscientious and self-aware human being.
What has been your biggest struggle and how did you get through it?
I think the biggest struggle has been learning to accept that I am highly sensitive. It’s a trait that growing up was deemed “weak”, but I’ve learned that my needs aren’t weak, in fact they’re just the opposite. The biggest test came recently when I lost three people who were very, very close to me, over the span of 18 months. I consciously allowed myself to feel the full range of my feelings and didn’t try to stop the tears. It was painful as all hell, but because I was so present and willing to walk through the fire, I have a newfound level of strength and appreciation for life that I never would have had before.
What has been your biggest personal breakthrough moment?
There have been more than one, but I think the biggest breakthrough I’ve had was when I finally allowed myself to be present with my feelings – all of them. When I stopped labeling certain feelings as “bad” or “good” and just felt what I felt in each moment, my depression lifted, life felt simpler and for the first time I felt like I wasn’t broken. It was a HUGE shift for me.
What is something we would never guess about you from looking at you?
I have 5 tattoos (and plans for a few more).
What is something you’re excited about right now?
My new house!! I’ve moved homes every 13.5 months (yes, I did the math), for the last 18 years. To know that my man and I have a place to call our own, a landing pad and homebase, I feel like I finally have the stability I’ve so needed, which is going to allow me to soar!
What does it mean to you to be a Wildheart?
Being a Wildheart means being true to #1 – myself. It looks like taking risks, challenging myself in new ways, thinking outside the box and being 100% real with myself and everyone around me. I know the word ‘authenticity’ gets used a lot, but for me, Wildhearting in my life looks like me being totally, utterly authentically me.
What has been your favorite Lesson and Heartwork inside the Wildheart Revolution and why?
All the lessons have been resonant in their own way, but the one that has really stood out for me so far is ‘Where Were You One Year Ago Today’. I move at the speed of light (at least it feels that way), and I often forget to stop and absorb all that has happened and how far I’ve come in the last year. Of course I tend to reflect a lot towards the end of the year, but lately I’ve been thinking that doing this more often would be a lot of fun (and a great way to celebrate)! This lesson got me thinking about all the cool things I got to do in the last year, the pain that I’ve moved through, losses I’ve had and amazing growth I’ve experienced. It’s an instant injection of gratitude. I plan on keeping this lesson alive in my life, as often as I can!
What is your favorite quote?
“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”
-Rumi
If you could speak directly to the next generation, what message would you want to give them?
Don’t be afraid to be who you are, even if that goes against everything you’ve been taught, the way you were raised or against the cultural status quo. Be yourself. Because when you have the courage to step up and be your unique and amazing self, you give the rest us the permission to do the same. And isn’t that what we need? More original, interesting, true Wildhearts in the world? Can I get a hell yes!? :)
Also…
If we want to know more or get in touch with you, how can we find you?
You can find me ‘round the interwebs at The Girl Who Knows, on Twitter, on Facbook, on Pinterest and on Instagram. Come say hi!
