Story & Lesson Highlights with Stephanie Poulin of Upstate NY

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stephanie Poulin. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Stephanie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My mornings are my anchor. I wake up before anyone else in the house stirs, giving myself that quiet space to set intentions for the day. Then I head to the gym. Getting some big energy out first thing clears my mind and helps me feel laser-focused.

As a mom and multi-business owner, those 45 minutes to myself are everything—it’s my reset and recharge before the day really begins. By the time I get back, I’m not only energized but grounded. That’s when Brooks, my 6-month-old son, wakes up, and we begin our day together.

It’s a non-traditional rhythm—balancing being a stay-at-home mom and running businesses—but it works for us. The gym fuels my focus, motherhood fuels my heart, and business fuels my drive.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Steph! I grew up on a farm in Maine, where hard work and creativity were part of everyday life. At 16, I started competing in pageants, and I’ll never forget filling out a questionnaire that asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer: “change the world and be a business owner.”

Fast forward—since 2022, I’ve been doing just that. I’m the founder of Happy Brands Co, a marketing agency built to help businesses, nonprofits, and creators tell their stories in a way that actually connects. What makes my work unique is how personal it is—I bring together strategy, creativity, and authenticity to grow brands in a way that feels true to them.

I’m also a mom and multi-business owner, balancing family and entrepreneurship in a non-traditional way that works for us. Every project I take on is rooted in that same spirit I had at 16: building something bigger than myself, creating impact, and helping others grow along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my grandmother, Rere. She was the original entrepreneur in my life. While raising three kids and working a government job, she followed her passion for sustainability and bought 60 acres to start a farm with goats, chickens, and vegetables. She became a founding member of the Maine Agriculture Society and brought me right into that world.

As a pre-teen and teenager, I worked alongside her on the farm—learning responsibility, discipline, and the value of showing up. Every Wednesday in the summer, she would take me to this incredible program where elderly residents in nursing homes received a stipend to buy fresh produce from local farms. I’ll never forget the joy of seeing them come out of their apartments to pick up veggies for the week. That experience lit something in me—it showed me the real impact of hard work and community.

From her, I learned honesty, how to budget, and even how to run a cash register at just 10 years old. Most importantly, she instilled in me the belief that if you want anything in life, you have to work for it.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
A time I almost gave up was during my very first year in business. It was so much more work than I ever envisioned—every single thing felt like a learning curve. I had challenges, failures, and I wasn’t making the money I wanted or needed. I remember being so close to throwing in the towel.

But one thing about me is resilience. I’ve always believed that right before you’re ready to give up, everything can change. I prayed on it, gave myself space, and came back determined to try one more thing. That’s when I landed a big client. A week later, I went to an event and signed five more. Within two months, I had tripled my revenue and realized I was onto something real.

Fast forward three years, I now run a multi–six figure business with a team of eight contractors and a book of business I’m truly proud of. That moment taught me what every entrepreneur needs to succeed: grit and resilience.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief and commitment I hold, no matter how long it takes, is supporting nonprofits. They are mission-driven, purpose-led, and truly changing the world. We’ve have the privilege of working with so many incredible organizations—from historic destinations teaching locals and youth about how our country was founded, to after-school programs breaking the cycle of poverty by providing STEM opportunities, to homeless shelters and transitional housing programs offering hope and stability.

For me and my team, nonprofit work is more than just a project—it’s a calling. We know the missions they carry are bigger than anything else, and being able to play even a small role in amplifying their impact is incredibly rewarding. Our nonprofit partners inspire us daily, and we are so grateful for the joy and meaning they bring to our business.

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?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is one of resilience. I came from poverty on a farm in Maine and built my way into becoming a successful multi-business owner. I want people to see that women, moms, and people from all backgrounds can do anything they set their hearts and minds to.

More than success, I want to be remembered as kind, strong, and inspiring—someone who worked every day to build a legacy her family could be proud of.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Samantha Ruth Photography

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