Carolyn Stephenson
Owner/Director of Sales, EVENT Publishing
Carolyn has spent the last 18 years in publishing, starting her career in Memphis, Tenn., while working with the top publishing company. Sales has always been a part of her career, and what she loves most about her job is developing friendships and helping people. She and her husband, Todd, moved to Huntsville in 2007 from Memphis to start Huntsville EVENT Magazine. They have created a publishing company, Event Publishing, that also includes the Huntsville Business Journal. They combined their love of publishing and the love of their community to provide one publication that highlights the nonprofit events and one publication that provides informative articles to the business community. “Huntsville is a well-educated town with a thirst for knowledge, it only makes sense that we provide that to the community.” Carolyn has one daughter, Lauren, who is her world. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, antique shopping and traveling.
When you were little, what did you dream of being when you grew up?
A dancer. I always loved to dance when I was little and have been known to break a few of my mother’s things when dancing around the house. She was not pleased.
What circumstances or person helped shape you in your career?
I would have to say my husband, Todd. He always encouraged me even though I wasn’t confident in my abilities. He must have seen something that I didn’t see. I would say that as I have gotten older, I also recognize that I am a work in progress. I never felt that I had it all figured out and know that every day is an opportunity to improve and grow.
What do you love most about your job?
The friendships that I have with many of the people that I work with. We have also been able to meet so many people through our magazine and they have enriched my life. I have learned so much from them and they have become personal friends. I don’t know what I did but somehow, I have been very blessed with the people I have around me.
What’s your favorite thing about living in the Huntsville/Madison County area?
I would always visit Huntsville when I lived in Memphis because this is where Todd grew up and his sister lived here. I was always in awe of how beautiful the city was and when I started to meet people, I thought to myself, “Everyone is so nice.” I love how involved everyone is with nonprofits and giving back to the community. I have also noticed how proud everyone is of living here and it’s important that we keep this city the jewel that it is.
What is your company’s mission statement?
Huntsville Event Magazine: To highlight the people and organizations within our community, that are helping to make Huntsville a better place to live.
Huntsville Business Journal: Keeping you informed and inspired. Providing pertinent information to business leaders in the community.
Do you have a favorite quote about powerful or strong women you’d like to share?
“Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Stay focused, keep your eye on the ball and do the best job you can do.” – Oprah Winfrey
Carolyn Stephenson
256.797.0703
