I’m Stacia Emerson, PhD, the creative force behind Originally Southern. My coaching is all about helping multi-passionate women, like you, shift from boredom to boundless fulfillment.
With a PhD in education and years of experience teaching adults, I’ve cultivated a coaching approach that blends academic wisdom with a down-to-earth, conversational style. Let me take you on a little adventure, a journey that weaves together my experiences, resilience, boldness, and, of course, a whole lot of creativity.
I’VE HAD TO PIVOT, TOO
I didn’t start out imagining a career shift. In fact, I thought I had found the one thing I would do forever – teach preschool!
But as we all know by now, life is full of twists and turns. The path forward meant getting out of my comfort zone — a realization most creatives grapple with on their path to passion. By the time I was 30, I had earned a PhD in education. Huge plot twist for me. Not without uncertainty, I made the leap from preschool classroom to early childhood education professor. If I learned one thing it’s that the little voice inside has big plans for you.
FROM TEACHING TO CREATIVE COACHING
Moving into higher education, I found a new canvas in teaching adults. As my career evolved, so did my creative skills.
Sometimes writing was in the spotlight, other times, speaking at conferences pushed my creativity in exciting new directions. Through it all, I experienced a powerful cycle of growth and self-discovery.
Creativity became more than just a tool; it was a driving force, shaping how I teach. I’m not “just” an educator. I am a trusted mentor and guide; highlighting my student’s strengths and passions as they work to meet their goals.
My Creative Journey
These experiences, this continual spiral of growth, is what forms the heart of my coaching practice. Through reflection and writing I began to see how my life has always been influenced by creative pursuits.
My love for “making things” started when I was a child and has continued through many different phases. As an adult, I continue to explore new interests by trying just about any kind of creative art that catches my eye! Who says you have to stick with one thing all the time? And while making things was a big part of my creative journey, the roots of creativity are in the mindset and spirit of innovation and a growth mindset.
This creative mindset became an asset to my professional growth. By finding my unique creative strengths I was able to collaborate creatively in the workplace, work toward unique solutions in the programs and mentor students toward understanding how a creative mindset made them better professionals.
Through it all, I’ve learned that creativity is not just a skill; it can transform your career and it’s a source of joy and fulfillment.
YOUR TURN
Whether you’re seeking a career shift that leads to more income, looking to amplify your impact, or simply wanting to infuse your life with intentional creativity, you’re in the right place.
I’m here to help you discover, define, and infuse creativity into your life, just like I did (and still do).