Stephanie Iglesias

I credit much of who I am to the values instilled in me by my parents. My father, in particular, was incredibly disciplined and intentional in how he raised me. He taught me that if you start something, you finish it—quitting was never an option. Life will challenge you, there will be moments that feel like setbacks, but those moments are not failures—they are part of the process. And the process is unavoidable.

They taught me work ethic, accountability, and the importance of time—because being on time is already late. Those principles may seem simple, but they are the foundation of everything I’ve built.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the degrees on the wall or the books I’ve written. What matters most is how you treat people—being genuine, being kind, and showing up with integrity. That’s the true measure of who you are.

And most importantly, I was taught to use my voice. As a woman, that became one of my greatest strengths. Owning my voice, standing in it, and speaking with purpose—that is what truly defines me.

Be true to who you are and be humble.

Do your homework. No matter what path you choose—whether it is psychology, entrepreneurship, writing, or anything else—you have to be willing to study, grow, and keep learning. You should never stop educating yourself.

Learning is essential, and it goes far beyond books. Some of the greatest lessons come from people who have already walked the path, from those with more experience, more insight, and even more knowledge than you. There is so much value in listening, observing, and being open enough to learn from others.

Never be afraid to be in a room where you are not the smartest person. In fact, those are the exact rooms you should want to be in. Those are the spaces where growth happens. Those are the environments where you gather wisdom, expand your thinking, and gain the information you need to elevate to the next level.

The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing. Stay curious, stay teachable, and always be willing to do the work..

Ultimately, I would say fear is the greatest challenge. It shows up right when you’re on the edge of something bigger—when you’re at the brink of growth—and it becomes that invisible ceiling you have to push through.

I’ve experienced moments where I’ve put myself out there, applied for opportunities, and was told, “You did well, but we went in another direction.” Those moments test you. They force you to push past doubt, to get your mind aligned, and to keep moving forward despite the disappointment. The real challenge isn’t the rejection—it’s overcoming the fear that follows it.

Even now, as I look to expand my business, fear is still present. I know what I’m doing. I have the knowledge, the vision, and the capability—but the question becomes, will I do it? Will it succeed? Will it generate the income I need? It’s the “what ifs,” the small doubts, the potential risks that can cause you to pause or hesitate.

But growth requires movement despite fear.

When I think about opportunity, especially in clinical research, there are always pathways—whether it’s advancing within organizations, working with large pharmaceutical companies, or stepping into roles like Principal Investigator, where you lead and oversee studies at a high level.

For me personally, my next step is expansion. My vision is to open a brick-and-mortar boutique that goes beyond retail. I want to create a space that blends skincare with mental wellness—offering workshops, experiences, and programs that promote healing and self-care. More importantly, I want it to be a shared space—one that supports other entrepreneurs who have the vision but may not yet have the financial means to bring it to life.

I’m not just building a store—I’m building a platform for growth, community, and opportunity.

And despite the fear, I’m moving forward.

Move with honesty. Lead with respect. And never forget the foundation that shaped you.