Creating and embracing joy in every moment has been a top priority for my family and me. Each chapter has provided an opportunity to grow, innovate, and create a meaningful impact, leading me toward my next exciting adventure.
The decision to move to Sarasota was a big leap for my family and me. After years of dreaming about living in a tropical climate, my husband and I finally made our dream a reality in 2021, leaving Ohio behind. My business, Awaken Essential Oils, was thriving, giving us the freedom to choose where we wanted to live. Sarasota felt like the perfect place for our family and marked the start of an exciting new chapter in our lives.
But the success I found as an entrepreneur didn’t happen overnight—it was shaped by years of hard work, determination, and resilience. For over a decade, I was a single mom raising my two oldest boys, Cedar and Solan, on my own. Those years were challenging, but they gave me the strength and grit I needed to succeed. Growing up, I had been fascinated by self-help books, aromatherapy, and a more holistic approach to life, which led me to follow my passions. I started my first business, a natural fiber clothing company, in my early twenties. Later, I launched Compassionate Kitchen, a vegan bakery, which offered me flexibility as a mom while still doing the things I love.
Each business challenged me in new ways and gave me another avenue to help people through. In 2012, I became an aromatherapist and launched Awaken Essential Oils. That same year, I met my husband. It was empowering to be able to fulfill areas of my life as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. We grew our family having two more kids, Aspen and Luxyn, and I started another business—the first self-care subscription box service on Amazon. With each success, my confidence grew, and my vision of what was possible continued to expand.
When we moved to Sarasota, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter. The thriving local real estate market immediately caught my attention, and I realized it was a chance to combine my entrepreneurial skills with an industry that had always been a part of my life: real estate. My father has always been an inspiration—he has been a REALTOR® in Ohio for over 40 years, and growing up, I would witness his drive, incredible work ethic, and ambition to succeed. Stepping into real estate felt natural—like the next evolution in my journey, blending my business experience with something I had always been connected to.
Starting my real estate career was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In my first year, I helped 25 clients! People are naturally drawn to my authenticity and positive energy as we work together through one of life’s most significant decisions. Real estate is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to continue doing what I’ve always loved—helping people—while building something new and exciting. I’ve also found ways to bring my passion for aromatherapy into this new career by creating personalized welcome home sprays as gifts for my clients.
Cedar is now getting his real estate license and Solan helps answer phones at the brokerage. Their involvement has given me a vision for the future. We’re working toward building a multi-generational real estate business where we can all contribute and grow. It’s amazing to see the skills and lessons I’ve learned being passed on to my children, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us, and watch the legacy unfold.
The beach is our favorite place to be as a family. We also enjoy swimming in our saltwater pool, hiking, and soccer, with most of us having played and my husband coaching for the Lakewood Ranch Chargers. Yoga and meditation are also big parts of my life, helping me stay grounded.
I’ve always believed that if you genuinely care about people, everything else falls into place. The connections I make aren’t transactional—they’re built on real relationships and a desire to make a difference in someone’s life. And I show this commitment to my clients through my actions. I’m someone who always answers my phone, returns calls promptly, and is there when people need me. Whether it’s recommending local businesses, helping with small repairs, or just being available to chat, I’m committed to being there for people in ways that go beyond just selling homes.
In my real estate career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of properties, from land listings to multi-million-dollar luxury homes. This broad experience has helped me develop versatility and adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of my clients. Additionally, I excel at managing the many moving pieces of the buying and selling process, keeping everything on track for successful outcomes!
In Gratitude,
Stefanie Palmer
REALTOR®
Direct Call/Text 941.993.2590
Sold@StefaniePalmer.com
StefaniePalmer.com