Dr. Stephanie Akoumany is a homeschooling mom, entrepreneur, and wife who is passionate about blending heart-centered leadership with purposeful living. She empowers families to create balanced, joyful lives by integrating business, STEM and wellness education, and personal growth with an emphasis on curiosity, resilience, and community impact.
Read our Q+A with Stephanie below on designing a sustainable life , and be sure to check out her full feature in this month's issue of En Root!
This month's theme is all about designing a sustainable life. Tell us how this theme has played a role in your personal or professional life.
As I reflect on this month's theme—designing a sustainable life—I'm reminded of how crucial it is to create a life that not only supports our goals but also nurtures our well-being, relationships, and long-term vision. For me, this theme isn’t just about what I do on a daily basis; it's about ensuring that my actions align with the values that matter most. Balancing a family, homeschooling and world-schooling my daughter, and leading my businesses, has shown me the importance of structuring my life in a way that’s both resilient and fulfilling. It's a journey that requires clarity, intentionality, and adaptability.
At OutGrowth, we believe in designing the space and time to reimagine the path forward. How do you think intentionally designing a life with sustainability in mind can impact us?
At OutGrowth, you emphasize the importance of designing space and time to reimagine the path forward, and I couldn’t agree more. When we design our lives with sustainability at the forefront, we create room for growth, joy, and resilience. An intentionally sustainable life is one where we don’t just rush from one task to the next; instead, we make choices that honor our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By aligning my schedule to reflect my values—prioritizing family, supporting my daughter’s education, and nurturing my own growth—I’m creating a foundation that not only sustains me but also inspires my family and community. This approach allows me to show up as my best self, not just for today, but for the years ahead.
What is one hard lesson you learned in this past year that contributed to your growth?
This past year taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the pursuit of perfection can be a barrier to progress. I used to feel that every aspect of my life—business, homeschooling, family—needed to run seamlessly. But I’ve come to realize that striving for perfection often limits my flexibility and stifles creativity. Learning to embrace imperfection has allowed me to act with more agility and compassion. This shift has helped me prioritize what truly matters, making room for the joys and lessons that come from mistakes and unexpected outcomes. Letting go of perfection has been challenging, but it’s opened up space for a more balanced and sustainable life.
What is one competency or skill you hope to develop in 2025 and beyond?
Looking to 2025, one competency I’m excited to deepen is my financial acumen. As a business owner, understanding and managing finances with confidence is essential, not only for growth but for sustaining a balanced life. I want to build a money mastery mindset that aligns with abundance, joy, and long-term security. This includes learning more about investments, smart spending, and building wealth that reflects both my personal and professional values. By developing this skill, I’m setting a foundation for financial resilience that can support my family’s goals and my business vision for years to come.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from the belief that we all have the power to create change—not only for ourselves but for the generations to come. My husband's love for life, agility, and innovation inspires. My mom's creativity, joy, and love for life inspire's me. My daughter inspires me daily with her curiosity, passion for learning, and dreams of becoming an astronaut. It’s this kind of unbridled enthusiasm from each of them that reminds me why I strive to live intentionally and sustainably. I want to show my family and others what it looks like to pursue dreams with purpose and resilience, to navigate challenges with grace, and to build a life that honors both ambition and joy.
At OutGrowth, we believe in preparing the next generation of leaders. What is one resource you'd recommend to those looking to carve out the time for growth in the next year?
If there’s one resource I’d recommend for designing a sustainable life, it’s Nathaniel Branden’s The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. This book has been a game-changer for me, and I believe it offers profound value for entrepreneur parents looking to align their lives with their values. Branden breaks down self-esteem into six actionable practices: living consciously, self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, living purposefully, and personal integrity. These pillars resonate deeply with my journey. As a homeschooling mom, entrepreneur, and leader, I’m constantly navigating the balance between taking responsibility for my goals, honoring my values, and living with integrity. Self-esteem isn’t just about confidence—it’s the foundation for building a life that reflects who we truly are. It’s about trusting yourself enough to make bold decisions, learning from challenges, and being present for both your family and your business. If you’re looking to create meaningful change in your life, this book provides a powerful framework for reflection and action.
What's next? What are you excited about in the coming year?
In the coming year, I’m excited to continue advancing astronaut training and STEM programming that support youth, families, and communities on their journeys I look forward to creating resources that support parents like me—those who are seeking balance, growth, and a meaningful impact on the world. I’m also enthusiastic about exploring how AI can streamline and enrich our daily routines, from homeschooling schedules to business management. By integrating this technology thoughtfully, I hope to create even more space for creativity, connection, and purpose-driven work. As we move forward, my goal is to deepen the alignment between my life’s vision and the way I spend my days. I’m grateful for the journey of building a sustainable life and excited for what lies ahead. For anyone on this path, I encourage you to dream big, act with intention, and remember that sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of living that brings joy, balance, and lasting fulfillment. Please connect with us by filling out our Google Form. You can join our Intentionally Aligned Community. Let’s Build a Sustainable and Fulfilling Life Together!
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