Our next Buffalo Boss Babe feature is Stephanie Genco of Be Well with Steph & Wellness in the Village.
From only knowing her, through following her instagram page, I never would have guessed she was a teacher in the educational field for 10 years, AND prior to that, an actress and spent 10 years performing. One of my first questions to her was, “well how the heck old are you?!” Switching careers at a 10 year mark was something I did myself recently, and I found so much relate-ability , and acceptance in her story ( since she did it twice). Ten years claims quite an identity on you, but she proved with her actions that once that identity doesn’t fit anymore, and you know deep down there is something else, you have to GO for it. She made a huge leap and started a fresh business IN COVID, and never looked back.
Read more of her story below and find her here:
@bewellwithsteph_ @wellnessinthevillage
www.bewellwithsteph.com
www.wellnessinthevillage.com
Cheers to consistently moving where the Universe takes you <3
-Danielle
What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
I've never been able to play it small. When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher; a helper of some kind; a leader. I would rush home from school every day to set up an elaborate "classroom" for my enthusiastic little sister, Sara. Our imaginations would run wild for hours, writing stories and songs, building inventions, creating imaginary worlds... And somewhere in there, the imagining became acting. Acting LIT ME UP. I abandoned the idea of teaching and spent 10 years performing locally, even going to college for my BFA in Theatre Performance. I got a charge out of being in front of a live audience and I wanted to add value to people’s lives through entertainment and inspiration. Or so I thought, anyway... On stage I was thriving, but off stage I was finding that acting lacked a personal connection and level of service I was seeking. Back to teaching I went. I finished my Masters in Early Childhood/Childhood Education and spent almost another decade in Education. And I promise you with my whole heart: I loved teaching. I loved my students, the relationship building, and the atmosphere of continual learning. This time, though, it wasn't the right audience. In a room with 10-year-olds, talking about fractions and rocks and short story plots - that wasn't going to be the right fit for me long-term. I really had my heart set on leadership of some kind and thought maybe I'd be a principal or something… Do you know that feeling of being unsettled and not sure what you're looking for? Along the way, I became addicted to "trying" and to the idea of self improvement. I tried food trends and workout programs, had 100 hobbies, and even completed a triathlon sprint. (Ok, I almost drowned, but that's a story for a different day.) All I knew was that I wanted to be "healthy" and feel good about myself. There was an extensive history of heart disease and cancer in my family, among other diseases, and I guess I was always looking for a way for me to “beat the odds.” I told you, I'm not one to settle for small. During the Summer of 2017 I transitioned to a vegan diet. And by "transitioned" I mean I watched What the Health on Netflix and completely turned my life on its head. From there, I started to really dial in on a whole food, plant based diet. The impact it made was almost instantaneous. I felt how this way of eating transformed my own well-being, as well as the health of my other family members who jumped on board. Obviously I wanted to learn more! I decided to study with AFPA (American Fitness Professionals Association) and completed a certification program in Holistic Nutrition. I've since also completed certification as a Health & Wellness Coach. About the same time (Summer 2019) I found myself looking for an apartment, and also keeping an eye out for a small office I might be able to coach out of... SO I BOUGHT A BUILDING. (Weird leap there, I know, but it was in my life, too. Go big or go home, right??) I purchased a mixed-use century building in the small Village of Alden (outside Buffalo, NY) where I grew up, and my amazing family and I began turning it over, one section at a time, into a wellness center & boutique, Wellness in the Village! Wellness in the Village is a collective of health/wellness service providers and instructors (massage, nutrition, mental health, yoga, meditation, children's classes, specialty events, etc). It also features a boutique wellness store of products for healthy living and a studio space. As a Wellness & Nutrition Coach, I help women tackle their 20s & 30s (and sometimes beyond) with grace, humor, healthy habits, and an attitude of self-love. Together, we learn to look at personal wellness as a series of actively pursued goals that are within our control. Through coaching experiences, we learn how to nourish our bodies with whole-plant foods while maintaining a positive relationship with "fun" or convenience foods. We incorporate enjoyable movement, self-care, and mental health support into our daily routines in ways that spark joy. Whether working individually or together with a group, I want you to feel empowered to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle that gives you the strength, energy, & confidence to go after your wildest dreams. I'd like to say, "So see, dreams come true!" But it all honesty, all of this wasn't exactly my dream... It's even better. What I dreamed was that I'd be teaching, leading, and inspiring others. I dreamed that I'd be healthy, confident, and happy. I just couldn't picture how that could come together, and I'm grateful I stayed open to the creative process my life has been. Now I have to pinch myself that I'm NOT dreaming. Instead, I'm creating a life that I love, every single day. That's how I know that other women are capable of doing that, too.
Who are your favorite people to follow ?
Currently, a ton of social media and business experts! Jenna Kutcher, Jasmine Star, and Marie Forleo are two of my favorites. Inspirational quotes are also a huge part of what I follow - boss babes, of course! But also accounts like daylight illustrations that support mindset and mental health. I also honestly just love to follow my followers and clients. I like to see real people and their real lives, and put a little bit of the "social" back into social media! I like to see followers & clients post their pets, their kids, their meals, fun things they do on the weekend... It helps me to get to know them better and take a little glimpse at what their lives are like, so that I can continue to serve them better. As far as my own "fun to follow" content goes, I'll watch anyone doing a Trader Joe's Haul or showing me how to organize/minimize my closet!
What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY
I love local events! The WNY festival scene is so fun - especially food and music! My sister is super active in the local music scenes, so going out to hear live music has always been a favorite past time. Summer in Buffalo is just the best, in my opinion. Hearing live bands, supporting local artists and artisans, drinking local brews... you just can't go wrong!
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?
I love collaborating with other local wellness practitioners! In February I hosted a Self-Love event with Danni Domanowski of "Selenite and Sage" and Jessica Ostrowski of "Yoga for You By Jess" where we incorporated healing meditation, restorative yoga, and reflective discussion on our self-love "tools" for self-care. These types of events are so fulfilling to me because they really feed the souls of women.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
This was the toughest question... I love coffee, so can I meet up with more than one?! If I had to choose, I'd go with either Oprah or Audrey Hepburn. I'm not a day-to-day Oprah superfan or anything, but she's been repeatedly named the most powerful/influential woman, and created that position for herself from literally the ground up. Audrey Hepburn, however, is hanging on my bedroom wall. She was an icon of her era, yet spoke some of my most favorite quotes, and truly lived out her live through love and service.
What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?
Oh so many... I'm a dreamer by nature! I'm open to how those dreams ebb, flow, and reveal themselves. I'd love to someday be back on stages and have a career in public speaking - I want to talk with and inspire large groups of women to embrace healthy lifestyles through the lense of self-love! I also of course hope that the community at Wellness in the Village continues to grow and serve more people in Alden/WNY who are seeking better health.
Tell us about your family?
They're the literal best. My parents and my sister Sara Elizabeth and I make up the best little herd you ever did see. We spent most of my life as a homeschooling family, spent weekends at theatre performances and band gigs, and still love new adventures together. I think my favorite thing is how wildly supportive my family is, no matter how crazy the endeavor seems to the others! When I said almost 5 years ago, "I think I'm going to try plant-based eating," I never imagined that all four of us would wind up becoming plant-based & vegan together. When I said, "I'm buying this building and it's going to need a lot of work..." they asked, "When do we start?" I could not be more grateful for their love, patience, and support.
FEEL GOOD FAVORITES
Restaurant in Buffalo: The Hollow Bistro - or anywhere with tacos
Color: rose gold
Super Power: time travel
Animal : my French Bulldog ChaCha! also elephants
Season of the year: summer
Favorite thing about Buffalo / WNY: It's really just a small town!