Movement as Self Care with Stephanie Wong of the Bright Collective

Every month, we have a quick chat with a fellow creative biz owner, to learn about their routines in life and work. Through this series, we’ll shed light on the many ways there are to run a business while uncovering the role self care plays in building a biz you love, and doing meaningful work. See our last interview here.

Our latest self care interview in the series features the new-to-LA Stephanie Wong of the branding studio Bright Collective. We talk about her first year in business, yoga practice, and of course, take on self care.

NAME + BIZ + LOCATION: Stephanie Wong; Bright Collective; Los Angeles, CA
YEARS IN BUSINESS: Launched my business in April of 2020 so just about 9 months new.
WHERE YOU WORK: Home office but I’d love to find a coworking space in LA when things open back up. 

TELL US WHAT YOU DO

I’ve always been passionate about branding and wellness, so I wanted to create a place that supports other like-minded entrepreneurs. I recently launched the Bright Collective which helps self-starters build inspiring brands to share with the world. This could be branding, website design, social strategy, and more.

Your average workday

I’ve found structure to be incredibly important for me since I’m no longer working the 9-5. I usually wake up around 7:30, make coffee and check email or get something important done off my to-do list. I’m best in my morning! Then I’ll exercise (running or yoga these days) and start my day. My typical day consists of client meetings, checking email, working on client projects, and carving out enough space for my new Brand Bootcamp program launching in Feb.

WHAT DOES SELF CARE MEAN TO YOU?

I really believe self care is individual and changes day-to-day, even moment-to-moment. I’ve learned what might work for someone doesn’t always work for me.

To me, self care is really tuning into what your body, mind, and spirit need and allow space to honor that. Some days this might be yoga, other days this might be watching a good TV show and checking out. 

Hope do you cope with isolation as a business owner? I’m a big believer in collaboration. That’s why I decided to bring in other creatives that could be of service within the Bright Collective. It brings me joy connecting with like-minded creatives and helps me feel less alone.

WE THINK THAT SELF CARE LOOKS DIFFERENT ON EVERYONE, AND YOU SHOULDN’T WORRY IF SOMETHING DOESN’T BRING YOU RELIEF. TALK ABOUT A “SELF CARE ACTIVITY” YOU’VE TRIED THAT JUST DOESN’T WORK FOR YOU.

I struggle with sleep and tend to get anxious before bed. This has led me to try every “self-care practice” under the sun to make sure I can fall asleep. Turning off tech before bed, dimming the lights, drinking tea, you name it, and sometimes none of that works. Instead, I try to invite compassion and remind myself to breathe.

For creatives, a lot of times our work is a form of self-care… We create because it brings us joy and calm. What do you do when the act of creating becomes stressful?

Since I teach yoga on the side, I’ve found this to be a helpful way to get more into my body when I’m feeling stressed from my business. So if client projects are stressing me out, I try to shut down my computer, and find more connection through movement.

When I’m overwhelmed I… take deep breaths and then will reevaluate my to-do list and slim down to what feels doable. I tend to be a little overly ambitious with my daily to-do’s (as many self-starters are!).

My happy place is… wherever I can be outside in the sun. Whether that’s going for a run, taking my lunch break in my backyard, or getting to the beach.

My current favorite book/song/podcast is…I just finished the Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett and couldn’t put it down. Also a big fan of Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us and Forever35.