Stephanie Gaskil Jakub

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
The clarity. The “I know who I am, and I’m not apologizing for it” season of life. Also, finally understanding that saying “no” is a complete sentence.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Absolutely. This season of life is the perfect blend of experience, energy, and the freedom to choose what matters. Wise enough to know better, and bold enough to do it anyway.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
Right now. Running a thriving business, creating beautiful spaces, and having decades of life experience under my belt… it’s a powerful combination. Confidence hits different when you’ve earned it.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Faith. Friends. My fur babies. And most of all, my close-knit extended family. Helping clients find houses they love and creating spaces they’re proud to call home. And feeling grounded, finally comfortable in my own skin.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Seeing potential in people, in homes, in life. I can walk into any situation and immediately visualize what it can become. Also: multitasking at Olympic-level speed.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Building a successful, full-service real estate and design company from scratch that allows me to design a life I love and a career that blends business, creativity, and connection, while keeping my priorities in order: God, family, and then career.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Beautifully designed spaces, timeless fashion, strong black coffee, and anything that elevates everyday living. I love cooking and entertaining the people I care about, and yes, I absolutely embrace the occasional “I deserve this” splurge. Add to cart!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
Faith and family, especially the memories we’ve made together, and the moments I share with my niece and nephew and extended family. Tangible things matter, but the sentimental ones matter most.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Honestly, I’m just getting started on my bucket list. I’ve checked a few things off, but the best adventures are still ahead.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
A peaceful home engulfed in beauty, an active lifestyle, purposeful work, being surrounded by family every day, entertaining and cooking for the people I love, dogs curled at my feet, a glass of wine at the end of a productive day, and chocolate. Dark chocolate.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Resilience. I bounce back stronger every time. 

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
Navigating life, business, and marriage through stressful seasons. Growth rarely comes wrapped in comfort, but it shapes you in the best ways.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Trust your instincts. And for the love of all things holy, wear cute shoes!

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Don’t shrink to make others comfortable. Stand tall, speak up, take risks, always be the hardest working person in the room, and design a life that feels like yours, not what others expect of you.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Don’t ask God to guide your footsteps, if you’re not willing to move your feet.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Loyalty, humor, depth, honesty, and the ability to pick up right where we left off.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I’ve become calmer, more self-assured, more unapologetic, and far more intentional about where I put my time and energy.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d stress less about things that won’t matter in a year, or a week, or an hour. I’d enjoy the journey more, work a little less, lead every decision with faith first, and spend even more time with my family.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
That they build lives rooted in authenticity, faith, and grit. That they embrace their instincts, trust their gut with confidence, and stay grounded in their core values. That they remember everything on social media is not real—and put their phones down long enough to look up and truly live the life God has created for them.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Life gets better with age. Wisdom, confidence, humor, perspective—it all grows. I’m proud of the journey, grateful for the people I love, and excited for everything still ahead.