Steph Zee

Seeing my parents become successful definitely inspired me from an early age. I thank my supportive parents, friends, and my husband for always encouraging me to write and sing. The industries I’m in (healthcare writing and music) can be difficult with plenty of obstacles to overcome, and doors closed before you have the chance to knock. Instead of trying to prove myself or getting overwhelmed, I’ve learned to just let the creativity flow and take it one day at a time. Every day is a chance to learn and grow. Not every opportunity is a good one, but it’s important to know when to seek one out or when a good opportunity comes knocking.

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Most importantly, I haven’t given up in the face of adversity; instead, I've turned it into fuel for that fire in my soul, and it's become one of my greatest strengths. For example, I didn’t choose to go into healthcare writing initially, but after dealing with my health challenges (a chronic autoimmune bone condition), I spent thousands of hours reading and studying conventional and holistic medicine and nutrition. I started writing evidence-based articles and content for scientists and wellness companies like Ketogenic and over 300 medical professionals. I consulted with Dr. Kirti Kalidas and ended up writing his 80,000-word book on healing chronic disease, ‘Untangling the Web of Dysfunction’ (book launch in 2026). The universe was paving my path into healthcare writing, so I could help myself and help others along the way.

My dad would click his fingers in rhythm and say “positive, positive, positive thinking”. His lighthearted spirit reminded me to make sure I don’t let the ‘not-so-good’ days diminish that fire in my soul. He was always making me laugh and reminding me to laugh and not take life so seriously. At the same time, he told me to be more assertive in my career, especially as a woman. If I don’t know something, I can ask questions and learn. After my dad faced disabilities at a young age, I watched him build a business from scratch, caring for seniors and people with disabilities in the UK.

I remember an inspiring, creative writing college professor telling our class, “Write what you know,” and “Write about what inspires you.” I can also rewind all the way back to when I was just a kid in school in England, and my English teacher placed my poem up on the wall for the class to see and said to me, “Don’t ever stop writing. I believe in you.” My mum always encouraged me to write short stories and poems outside of school and booked my first singing lesson.

The clients and creatives you can develop long-term working relationships with are so valuable. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Whether it’s in writing or music, take ownership of your ideas and always have signed contracts with clear terms, goals, and benchmarks.

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When I was younger and inexperienced, I co-wrote and sang one song that comes to mind in a professional studio. I thought I was simply writing and singing an English part dubbed in an international small student film. It turns out, it was actually the soundtrack for a major studio-backed action movie that was top of the charts for some time in Southeast Asia, with an accompanying music video where my name wasn’t even spelled properly. There was no clear contract, and the people I briefly worked with weren’t upfront about where the song would be used. I didn’t have much industry experience, and we didn’t discuss the royalties I would be owed for my intellectual property and creative work. Always get it in writing, especially if you’re working across continents.

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As women, we have to find the courage to stand up and advocate for ourselves in business and our professional lives. We have to remind ourselves that we deserve the rewards of our hard work and success.

After facing both personal and professional challenges due to my health and becoming exhausted by the overly cluttered healthcare industry and wellness space, I see the need for a more down-to-earth, candid approach that cuts through the noise with clarity. I’m taking ownership of my voice and branching out to work more for myself by launching my own wellness magazine called ‘Cup of Awen’ (CupofAwen.com).

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I’m so excited about this project. Being Celtic and born in Wales, I chose the Welsh word ‘Awen’, which means ‘flowing inspiration, poetic genius, or divine spirit’. It represents your inner creative force, muse, or excellence. When my health deteriorates, so does my awen, but prioritizing and improving my health awakens my awen. At the same time, invoking awen and your innate creativity can also be an escape and help you get through those turbulent times. My magazine will be centered on expert interviews, science-based info and news, inspiring personal stories, and the power of nutrition, and supporting your body’s natural healing process.

In our fast-paced, digital world, I value honest and open communication, authenticity, and empathy, especially being kinder to ourselves. While I understand the value of AI for accelerating certain work processes or spurring creative ideas, I also want to continue to advocate for real, authentic writing and music that is truly human.

Everything I’ve been through and all of those ups and downs have shaped my character and forged my resilience. Some of the work I’m most proud of came from those darker days where I felt lost. I can find value in that place because it’s where I crafted my sense of purpose. Being in a wheelchair for nearly two years and having to learn to walk again reminded me of what’s important in life, the value of family, and those little things that bring you joy. Now, I’ve lived through what I write and sing about, and I can help others on their healing journey.