Meet Stephanie Joplin: Social Media Marketing Strategist and Influencer

In 2020, my nearly decade and a half career in corporate hospitality came to a grinding halt. I’ve used social media as my side hustle since 2012, first as a sports journalist covering Houston sports and mixed martial arts.  Over the years, I’ve slowly taken on more of an “influencer” role (although I dislike that term)! My dream has always been to find a way to touch people’s lives in a positive way, to share my journey as organically and honestly as I can. After being laid off during the pandemic, and with the encouragement of my loved ones, I decided to invest time and capital into my own brand, Stephanie Joplin LLC. I like to call myself the “digital marketing millennial.” Starting my own company has been the most daunting, yet rewarding time of my life. There are always unexpected obstacles to overcome; however, I have confidence that my skillset and determination will result in the personal success and joy I have worked so earnestly to find.

Stephanie Joplin LLC’s primary function was to create a lifestyle podcast and run social media consulting from behind the scenes; but, it has become so much more. I had an incredible weight loss journey and decided to openly (and vulnerably) share that with my audience and friends. Daily struggles and little triumphs are so relatable. The podcast will make way for me to share on other platforms such as YouTube and Clubhouse. In addition, I am delving deeper into Instagram and Facebook to understand what my audience wants to see from me, as opposed to just posting whatever and whenever I want to. I am strategic. I plan my posts. I make notes. What sets me apart is that I wish genuinely to see others succeed! My success is dependent on whether I make those around me feel understood, laugh heartily, shed a tear, feel supported. SJLLC does have my name on it, but it is about all my friends and supporters, truly. It’s not about the number of followers I have or the number of likes on a photo. It’s so much more, now. I am hopeful that brands see the real me and want to invest in my company, to partner with me in making others’ experiences more joyous than ever.

My favorite restaurants include The Original Rosie Carrabba’s (been going since I was four years old!), Riel, Goode Co. Cantina, Houston’s, Killen’s STQ, Steak48 and Pappy’s (an old neighborhood favorite that moved to I-10 and Dairy Ashford). It’s ironic that the question asked “let’s say your best friend was visiting,” because my best friend lives out of state! We have been to a plethora of places together: Moody Gardens, Saks, iPic, The District, Texans and Rockets games… and we have run the gambit of restaurants since that is our favorite thing to do together – eat! I think the pop-up museums are a great alternative to the every day (ie: Candytopia, Movietopia – such amazing concepts!) I am a homebody, although one might not expect that about me. We have driven to Austin and stayed on Lake Travis, traveled to Bali on a once in a lifetime journey, drank virgin Pina Coladas on the sandy beaches of Hawaii… but to be together here in Houston near family, just hanging out, binge watching tv shows and playing on our phones is probably our happiest place.

There are so many people who support me in my endeavors, on my journey. Most notably my father, Rawi Tabbah and my mother, Jane. My sister Jacqueline Turano challenges me to think outside the box but also reminds me to stay in my lane. My friend Ashley Bunya, a Houston based entrepreneur, is extremely supportive and always speaks kindness into the world. My sorority sister, turned manager, Bonnie Taylor with Talent Resources is constantly introducing me to vibrant people and new ways to shake things up with my content. My dear friend, Keith Taylor, spent hours setting up the desk in my studio, as well as all of my equipment. Without him, I would be sitting on the floor of my office!