Leah Stoudenmire named one of TALK’s 25 Most Beautiful

Each year, TALK Magazine honors women who have enriched our community, making Greenville better because they are here. We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Leah Stoudenmire has been named one of Talk Magazine’s 25 Most Beautiful for 2023! To honor her, we are sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the questionnaire TALK requires each recipient to complete; here are Leah’s answers:

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR LIFE’S WORK?
I love helping people in whatever situation they’re in. It could be helping customers grow and succeed in work or help light a fire under someone who has an idea and needs my help turning the idea into reality or helping a friend with a personal goal, and so forth. I have been blessed to have had incredible mentors and supporters who have helped shape me along my journey. I aspire to do that for others, as well. People and being there for people, providing help that hopefully makes a positive impact, is what drives me at my core.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST COMPLIMENT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
A genuine compliment is a gift. One of those “gifts” was given to me recently—the person said I was dependable and consistent. That meant a lot. Life can throw us curveballs that may make us hesitate or waiver. But no matter what life throws, I try to stay true and unwavering to myself and my work. My consistency (or lack thereof) can impact the people around me. For that reason, I aim to be as consistent as I can be for others, too.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
“Set goals. Block the noise. Never Settle.” That applies to all aspects of my life, professional and personal.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THE PERFECT DAY?
Discovering new places or having new experiences with close friends or my significant other.

WHAT IS THE SCARIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?
Going to New Zealand, alone, for 30 days and living on the road. I rented an old camper van and traveled over 2,000 miles across North and South New Zealand. It was my 40^th birthday present to myself. All I brought with me was a 30-liter duffle bag, a fanny pack, and hope. It was scary, a little daunting, but incredibly rewarding. 

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT THE UPSTATE?
The people, definitely. The Greenville/Upstate area has become such a great destination and it attracts bright, motivated, friendly people. The people make this a wonderful community to live in and run a business.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES SOMEONE BEAUTIFUL?
Their inner light and energy. It’s a cliché because it’s true. To me, real beauty has depth, confidence, humility, and is basically an inner thing.

WHERE ARE YOU “A REGULAR”?
My weekly small group through Love Above All Ministries. We’re all very committed and supportive of one another. It’s a place I feel safe and accepted. It’s a group of incredibly amazing women that help me to stay anchored in what’s most important in life.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?
I want to keep doing what I’m doing, which is helping others on their path, whether that’s professionally: helping people start their own companies or helping existing companies succeed and grow. But it also applies to me at a personal level, too: helping my family, friends, and peers reach their potential and achieve their goals. Inspire and be inspired!

WHAT ARE FIVE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Authentic
Kid-at-heart
New-idea-seeker
Fashion-lover
Courageous

>> Meet all of TALK Greenville’s 25 Most Beautiful People