Meet Stacy Russo

We recently connected with Stacy Russo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I was 39 when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Like many I felt overwhelmed, but I also felt the need to do something to stay grounded. Throughout my treatment, I found myself writing constantly. I wasn’t just reflecting on my emotions and mental health. I also tracked everything: what I ate, how much energy I had and how my medications affected me.

That simple habit of writing and tracking helped me navigate surgery, chemotherapy and radiation all while continuing to work and stay active with my young daughter.

When my treatment ended, I realized that what had helped me survive could also help others thrive. I began sharing my journey and offering advice (when asked) to others going through similar experiences. That is when my purpose became clear.

I designed a wellness journal based on everything I did during treatment. It was something that could help others care for both their physical and mental wellbeing. Eventually, that led to the start of Survive & Thrive. I didn’t just want to sell a product. I wanted to create a community and a way to give back by supporting organizations that help cancer fighters on their own journeys.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have turned my personal journey through cancer into Survive & Thrive, a wellness brand that empowers and supports others with tools that helped me heal. Today, I am focused on expanding Survive & Thrive. I just launched limited edition journal covers to help others feel inspired and find strength. My journals can be found online, but I also love doing local markets and meeting the people I’m helping in person! I have also been growing my social media presence and sharing personal stories about my cancer journey as well as my life as a small business owner. This year I am also supporting organizations that raise awareness and helps cancer fighters and survivors. Above all, my goal is to turn what helped me survive into tools that help others thrive.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resiliency is what carried me through cancer treatment, but it also became the backbone to my business journey. It has been what helped me rise after every setback and build Survive & Thrive into a brand with a mission to help others heal. I’ve also learned that there’s therapy in creativity, the same spark that helped me process my pain also inspires the journals I design and the vision I hold for my future. Creativity gave me something to pour my heart into. Lastly, compassion is at the core of everything I do. Compassion keeps me focused on my purpose, connects me with others, and drives my every decision.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal and often your body gives you signs before your mind fully catches on. for me, the first clue is when I have trouble staying focused on the task at hand. When that happens, I try to catch it early by moving to pen and paper to brain dump everything and start a To Do list. Organizing my thoughts and priorities helps me regain a sense of control. Movement also plays a big role in how I reset. Sometimes that means walking around the office, stepping outside on a nice day, or even just standing to take a call. I recently added a walking pad in my office after realizing how clear my mind becomes when I’m using my body as well as my brain. Overall, I encourage you to listen to your body and learn why it is responding the way it is. Regular self-reflection can help to understand what is going on with your body so you can learn how to take care of it better.

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