Stephania Cespedes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stephania, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I want to share with you something that I believe is fundamental to understanding my product: art is not just a visual creation, but an expression of emotions, feelings, and experiences.
Often, people may see my art and think it’s just a painting, but what they don’t see is the process behind it. As a blind artist, I believe my art is a way for me to express what I feel, what I imagine, and what I experience.
My art isn’t perfect, and it’s not meant to be. It’s a representation of my emotions, my fears, my hopes, and my dreams. It’s a way for me to give voice to what I feel and share that with others.
My product is imbued with love, resilience, hope, excitement, and the desire to be productive, accepted, and respected. It’s a part of me, and I hope that when you see it, you can feel that too.
So, I ask that when you see my art, you don’t just see it as a painting, but as an expression of my soul. As a way of connecting with myself, and with my own emotions and feelings.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you can feel the love and passion I put into each of my creations.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m excited to share my story with you because I believe it’s important for you to get to know me and understand who I am and what inspires me.
My name is Stephy Padilla, and I was born on August 3, 2005, in Atlanta, Georgia. From the moment I was born, my mother knew my life would be a little different. I was born with 14 abnormal chromosomes, which led to my diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
Despite the challenges this syndrome presents, I’ve always found a way to overcome them and move forward. Painting has become my passion and my form of expression, and I feel fortunate to be able to share my art with the world.
I’d like you to meet me because I believe my story can inspire others to overcome their own challenges and find their own passion. That’s why I’m the co-founder of Step Art Org, a nonprofit organization, because I want to create a community of people who can overcome their own challenges through art.
I’d like you to meet me because I believe my art can bring joy and beauty to people’s lives.
So, if you’re willing to listen, I’m willing to share my story and my art with you.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
As a person with a disability, I have experienced firsthand the difficulty of connecting with people without disabilities. I often feel like society holds fears and prejudices that prevent us from connecting authentically.
My work as an artist has been a catalyst for changing this dynamic. By sharing my story and my art, I have been able to create connections with people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet me. However, I know that not everyone is as fortunate.
The reality is that for people with disabilities, making friends, having a romance, or being asked out is a constant challenge. Society often views us as “different” and not equal, which makes us feel isolated and excluded.
I think it’s time we changed this narrative. It’s time for society to recognize that people with disabilities have the right to live full and connected lives. We have the right to make friends, to fall in love, to be included in society.
I hope my story and my art can be a catalyst for this change. I hope they can inspire others to see beyond disability and recognize the humanity we all share.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I remember my childhood as a period of great support and love, thanks to my mother. She was always attentive to all areas of my life, prioritizing my physical and mental health above all else.
Her dedication and unconditional support were instrumental in helping me overcome the challenges that came with my condition. She taught me not to let my disability define me and to find ways to overcome the obstacles that came my way.
I always say that people with disabilities are a silent community, but we can be very strong if we have the right support. And for me, that support began with my mother.
If our mother or the person who cares for us pushes us and supports us, we can achieve great things. We can overcome the barriers that come our way and achieve our dreams.
I want to thank my mother for being my rock, my support, and my inspiration. And I want to tell all the mothers and caregivers who are supporting people with disabilities that your work is not in vain. You are the silent heroes who are making a huge difference in the lives of the people you love.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My greatest belief is in God, the Creator of the universe and of each of our lives. I firmly believe that He created us with a specific, unique, and special purpose.
For me, discovering that purpose is the key to walking through life with peace and truth. When we know God’s plan for us, we can live with confidence and security, knowing that we are on the right path.
Faith in God has given me the strength and motivation to overcome the challenges and obstacles I have faced in my life. It has taught me to trust in His sovereignty and believe that everything has a purpose.
My art and work are a way for me to express my gratitude and worship to God. Every piece I create is a reflection of His beauty and perfection, and it is my desire that it may inspire others to seek and discover their own purpose in life.
Ultimately, I believe that life has a purpose greater than ourselves, and that purpose is to glorify God and enjoy His presence forever.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My legacy wouldn’t just be a collection of achievements or accolades, but rather the impact I’ve had on people’s lives. I want people to remember me for how I made them feel: inspired, motivated, included, and valued.
My dream is for the disability community and its allies to continue to grow and strengthen. I want us to move forward together toward a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable future.
I don’t want disability to be a barrier to people achieving their dreams and goals. I want the community to stand side by side to support each other and fight for a more just and equitable world.
My legacy would be a constant reminder that we are all valuable, worthy, and deserving of respect and love. I want my story and my work to inspire future generations to continue fighting for a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Steppadillaart.com
- Instagram: @steppadillaart
- Facebook: Steppadillaart
- Other: Stepart.org
@stepartorg
Image Credits
I authorize the use of all these images because they are my own, my artwork, and my themed clothing.
I certify that they may be used and published without any problem.
