Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie McSwine.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m Stephanie McSwine, a beacon of resilience and renewal at 56. As a grandmother, I find joy in witnessing the next generation of my family flourish, with my daughter now navigating the journey of motherhood. My own journey has been marked by challenges, but also by unwavering determination and personal growth.
For over two decades, I’ve embraced a holistic approach to health, weaving mindful nutrition with daily exercise into the fabric of my life. When I created “Muscle Mom Fitness” in 2014, it wasn’t just about sharing workouts—it was about sharing my journey, my struggles, and my triumphs to inspire others to believe in their own potential. Despite the heartache of ending a 17-year marriage and re-entering the workforce after years as a devoted stay-at-home mom, my spirit remains unbroken.
Today, I thrive as a K-3 Special Ed Teacher, while also curating an online thrift boutique, “Muscle Mom’s Closet,” and fostering a community of inspiration through “Muscle Mom Lifestyle.” My story is one of redemption, resilience, and unwavering faith—a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable and that every setback is an opportunity for growth. In addition to my professional endeavors, I am currently in my 3rd semester of graduate school and expect to graduate in December. This pursuit of further education embodies my commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
I’ve had the privilege of raising a successful business owner son, witnessing my daughter flourish in her professional pursuits, and supporting my youngest son as he embarks on his journey studying computer science in college. Each milestone in their lives serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of our family bond. Join me on “Muscle Mom Lifestyle” as I empower others to rewrite their stories and embrace life’s infinite possibilities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ending a 17-year marriage with financial stability was the most challenging experience I had to face. Throughout my marriage, I prioritize my family over work by homeschooling all three children from kindergarten to high school. As a result, I lacked stable employment. When I ultimately chose to end my marriage, I began to ponder the idea of how I would financially provide for my two young children.
This led me to short-term coaching positions that accommodated my children’s school schedule while earning a living wage. With no intention of reversing my decision, every day required me to prepare myself intellectually, emotionally, and financially. I aimed to ensure that they maintained normalcy in their lives and did not miss a single beat. After managing a household for 16 years, I realized I could do it alone, even though I didn’t contribute to Monterey.
Transitioning into a career after an extended period of absence from the workforce was somewhat frightening. Unbeknownst to me, the years spent educating my children were training me for my future work. I secured my initial position as a Special Education paraprofessional with the Dekalb County school system. My children have consistently motivated me to overcome the numerous hurdles I have encountered along my journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After my marriage, I unintentionally began the journey of rediscovering Stephanie, which led to my career as a Style Health and Fitness Influencer. As the owner and operator of Muscle Mom Lifestyle, I work as a personal stylist and fitness instructor. One of the operations is an online thrift boutique company named Muscle Mom’s Closet. I resell upscale used clothing, showcasing my fashion sense and enabling others to incorporate my style into their wardrobe.
I am also dedicated to motivating, inspiring, and encouraging individuals of all ages to choose a healthy and active lifestyle. I aim to demonstrate that it is possible to include some physical activity in your life even when you have a hectic schedule. I only perform my training routines virtually, without the need for much time or a club subscription.
Exercising led me to develop a self-love that I had never experienced which eventually became a testament to Muscle Mom Fitness. Throughout this path, I experienced significant losses, including divorce, single motherhood, and the absence of a profession. All of this was necessary for me to fulfill God’s chosen purpose for me. My life was permanently altered, but most significantly, I gained the self-assurance necessary to endure.
At 56 years old, I occasionally gaze at myself with astonishment when I glance in the mirror. I have just noticed a lovely woman with short hair, a huge nose, a brown complexion, and a bald head, a type of beauty that I had not encountered throughout my upbringing and had not paid attention to for 40 years. I have developed self-love and acceptance via my own efforts, and now appreciate the reflection in the mirror. Once you discover genuine self-confidence, you will be able to confront challenges and disappointment with power and bravery.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Memphis, Tennessee is where I was born and reared, although my mother is from Vidalia, Georgia. My grandma would come to get my sisters and me the day after the final day of school and take us back to her home. I would spend the entire summer in Vidalia, and my grandma would take us to Disney World and the beaches every year.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @musclemomlifestyle
- Facebook: @Stephanie McSwine and @Muscle Mom LLC Lifestyle
Image Credits
Markus-BigTime Photography
