Steph Adams is a renowned fashion icon and trailblazing author, celebrated globally for her diverse accomplishments across multiple fields. Her extraordinary career spans modeling, art direction, and entrepreneurial ventures, with her influence reaching far beyond her impressive catalog of sixteen books. Recently honored with two prestigious awards, the Global Recognition Award and the World Women Leader Award, Adams’ commitment to empowering women through literature, fashion, and the digital landscape is undeniable.

As an award-winning author, model, art director, and businesswoman, Adams has become a symbol of inspiration for women around the world. Her books, which champion diverse voices and advocate for inclusivity and representation, have earned her international acclaim. Her wecontributions extend to various charitable causes, and her influence has been recognized on global stages, including billboards in New York’s Times Square and West Hollywood, Los Angeles. She has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, Forbes, Time, and multiple international editions of L’Officiel.

Since launching into the digital space in 2010, she has built a global network, serving as an ambassador for luxury brands and attending high-profile red-carpet events, including those hosted by Dior, Louis Vuitton, and the Venice and Cannes Film Festivals.

Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, she began her modeling career at the age of 12, traveling the world for a decade before completing her Bachelor of Arts degree. She then shifted her focus to art direction, working for industry leaders like Net-a-Porter and publications such as British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue Australia, and Condé Nast Traveller. Steph Adams has made a lasting impact in the realms of luxury, fashion, style, philanthropy, beauty, and wellness, and she continues to lead international projects, shaping the future of the fashion and publishing industries.

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Can you take us back to the beginning of your career and early days in the fashion and creative industry?

Steph Adams: I was modeling and studying while completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing, Advertising, and Communications. Even before this, I was obsessed with fashion magazines. I loved looking at the creative editorial fashion photography. Modeling took me around the world and out of my comfort zone. I met many interesting people from different fields and cultures at a young age. When I returned to Australia, I started working with Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire and had a ten-year career in publishing as an Art Director. I worked with Net-a-Porter in London, British Vogue, and Elle magazine. Then, in 2010, I started in the digital world and social media. It wasn’t an easy road; it took around seven years, and at one point, I was ready to give it all up. But then the pandemic hit, I brought out six more books, and the following year, everything skyrocketed.

“Each book I create comes from a personal place, from wanting something that isn’t quite available put there.”

Every career has its turning points. Can you share a pivotal moment that significantly shaped your path to success? Which milestones do you consider most significant, and why?

Steph Adams: For me, it was the pandemic. It allowed me to slow down, reflect, and become more creative, leading to the production of six more books. Fashion & Style became a #1 best-seller in France and also a bestseller in the US. The following year, things really started to take off.

How did you get started writing books?

Steph Adams: I completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design and Marketing and then began working in the publishing industry for Vogue Australia, GQ, Vogue Living, and six other magazines. I started my own design studio on the side. After working on a coffee table book for Harper’s Bazaar, a client asked me to create a coffee table book for them about hotels. This is how it all started, and then more people came forward wanting coffee table books.

You have now published 15 books. Which one has been the most remarkable and why?

Steph Adams: Each book I create comes from a personal place, from wanting something that isn’t quite available out there. My latest book, Style Secrets, is something I’m very proud of. I spent the summer looking at a messy wardrobe and realized there wasn’t a step-by-step plan on how to clear and re-edit it or tips on how to take it to the next level. So, I created this book with advice from other women in the industry.

“For the last thirteen years, I’ve been giving women a platform to speak up. It always feels wonderful to lift others up whenever we can.”

Is your 16th book coming out this year as well?

Steph Adams: Yes, the next book will be published by the end of this year. It’s something that should inspire women all over the world.

How have you juggled traveling to film festivals and red-carpet events while working on each book?

Steph Adams: This year has been by far one of the most difficult. I released three books, and traveling to each event can be quite stressful. It can be a setback because you can’t afford to miss an email when you’re on a book deadline.

You have been attending Dior Haute Couture shows for the last three years. Tell us about this.

Steph Adams: The Dior Couture shows are some of the most stunning and inspiring to watch. The history surrounding the brand and the time it takes to make each dress are incredible. Seeing a collection up close and the way the silks are draped is so inspiring. Each show influences my next book.

You have won two awards for your work in women’s empowerment. Can you tell us more about that?

Steph Adams: Yes, it has been an honor to receive two awards for my work with women over the years. I’ve conducted over 300 interviews and created 16 books. I’m not sure where the time has gone!

Who has inspired you along your journey?

Steph Adams: My grandfather has probably been my biggest inspiration. He was an exemplary figure—a man of integrity, strong values, and an unwavering work ethic.

What will we see from you in the next five to ten years?

Steph Adams: Every time I finish a book, I say it’s the last one, but then I get a new wave of inspiration. So, it’s hard to say what’s next.

“Women’s share of leadership roles is steadily increasing. Although we still have a long way to go, more and more women are paving the way to success.”

With your experience, you must have valuable insights into your industry. How have you seen it evolve over the years, and where do you see it heading?

Steph Adams: It’s difficult to say because it’s constantly changing, with so many influencers now. You need to find what makes you unique and sets you apart. Many women on social media haven’t found their true identity yet, but I believe that comes with time. There has to be something that stands out, something memorable.

Many people look up to you as a role model. How does it feel to be an influencer and author who makes a positive impact on others?

Steph Adams: I’ve been doing this for a long time. I started on social media in 2010, so over time, my skills have become more refined. I aim to empower women where I can. For the last thirteen years, I’ve been giving women a platform to speak up. It always feels wonderful to lift others up whenever we can.

Winning such a prestigious award is a remarkable achievement. How has it influenced your career and personal journey?

Steph Adams: I received this award last month, and I’ve just won the World Women Leader Award. I hope to continue empowering women in all aspects of my life moving forward.

What are your future goals and aspirations, both professionally and personally?

Steph Adams: To live peacefully and become a better person.

Many aspiring artists admire your work. What advice would you give to those who hope to follow in your footsteps?

Steph Adams: Find your calling and chase it.

You’re known for your work in both fashion and literature. How do these two worlds intersect, and what inspires your work in both fields?

Steph Adams: I’ve produced many books about the fashion industry and the people in it, both through interviews and collaborations with luxury brands such as Cartier, Dior, and Bottega Veneta.

“The way a woman dresses should reflect the cities and countries she has visited and the people she has met.”

Could you reveal a surprising or lesser-known aspect of your industry that readers might find interesting?

Steph Adams: It’s a lot of hard work, both mentally and physically challenging. You’re constantly out of your comfort zone, and nothing comes easy. You’ll encounter roadblocks and setbacks, but you just need to focus on the positive; everything is a learning experience.

Do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that has guided your career and life choices?

Steph Adams: When things feel tough, just try to live in the moment, stay positive, and enjoy the experience you’ve been given. Don’t take everything too seriously. Take one step at a time.

In many countries, the voice of women is still limited by systems favoring men in important positions. What do you say about this inequality?

Steph Adams: I am so proud of how far women have come today. Women’s share of leadership roles is steadily increasing. Although we still have a long way to go, more and more women are paving the way to success.

How can books and digital communication convey positive messages and promote women’s empowerment and gender equality?

Steph Adams: The visual aspect plays a crucial role in conveying positive messages, which is why Instagram has become such a powerful tool. The images you encounter can leave a lasting subconscious impression and evoke positive associations. Additionally, books can promote uplifting messages by featuring inspiring individuals, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

You have written best-selling books on luxury, style, and fashion. What does style mean to you?

Steph Adams: Style is the way you express yourself. It’s not necessarily about the designer. The way a woman dresses should reflect the cities and countries she has visited and the people she has met.

What is social media to you, and how important is it?

Steph Adams: Social media has become a very powerful tool; it’s the modern-day business card. For me, it’s always been a form of escapism, another world where self-expression can happen. I’m inspired by many people, both men and women, who showcase their outfits, styles, and passions.

How would you define your style and why?

Steph Adams: My style changes depending on my mood. I love classic, simplistic, and elegant styles, but sometimes I go for sexy or edgy, depending on how I feel.

Can you give us some details about your latest book?

Steph Adams: Style Secrets presents advice from supermodels, editors, actors, fashion designers, stylists, influencers, and celebrities. Based on thirty years of experience in the fashion industry, I share personal stories from the Cannes Film Festival and my journey in fashion. The book offers fashion advice on how to re-edit your wardrobe and the forty items you need to own. This book equips you with everything you need to know about building a fashionable and stylish wardrobe.

Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Steph Adams for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.

If you would like to get in touch with Steph Adams or her company, you can do it through her – Instagram

Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.

Rockstar Profile

From Runway to Bestseller: The Remarkable Journey of Steph Adams

Steph Adams is a #1 international best-selling author, model, art director, and businesswoman whose career spans over a decade of groundbreaking work in women’s empowerment, publishing, and fashion. From her early beginnings in modeling to her rise as an award-winning author, Adams has left an indelible mark across various industries, amplifying the voices of women and advocating for inclusivity and representation.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Perth, Western Australia, Steph Adams was destined for greatness from a young age. As the granddaughter of Phillip Rennell Adams, a prominent figure in Australian politics who famously helped lower the legal drinking age, Steph was surrounded by ambition and leadership. She began her modeling career at just 12 years old, signed by Vivien’s Model Management. Her modeling journey took her around the world, building connections and experience in the global fashion industry.

By her early twenties, Steph pivoted her career towards her passion for the arts, completing a Bachelor of Arts degree and evolving into a new role as an art director for major retail brands and leading publications. She worked for iconic names such as British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue Australia, and Condé Nast Traveller. It was during this time that she honed her skills in visual storytelling, creativity, and fashion.

With over 300 interviews conducted, Adams carved a space for herself as a voice for change, interviewing women making strides in fields ranging from business and luxury to wellness and style. Her passion for storytelling naturally evolved into authoring books, leading to the publication of 15 titles to date.

Transition into Publishing

In 2010, Steph Adams launched her personal website, stephadams.com, which became a platform for creative content, interviews, and her own published works. With over 300 interviews conducted, Adams carved a space for herself as a voice for change, interviewing women making strides in fields ranging from business and luxury to wellness and style. Her passion for storytelling naturally evolved into authoring books, leading to the publication of 15 titles to date.

Her books, which span genres such as fashion, beauty, wellness, leadership, and success, are all united by a common thread: empowering women. One of her standout works, The Game Changers: Success Secrets From 40 Women At The Top, co-authored with Samantha Brett, included interviews with notable figures such as Arianna Huffington. In this book, Huffington shared a pivotal moment that shaped her career, which left a lasting impression on Adams and further fueled her commitment to sharing inspiring stories of women.

Awards and Global Recognition

In 2023, Steph Adams was honored with two prestigious awards: the Global Recognition Award and the World Women Leader Award. These accolades celebrate her contributions to women’s empowerment, recognizing her dedication to amplifying diverse voices globally and promoting equality within the publishing and fashion industries. Her work has also been featured on billboards in iconic locations such as New York’s Times Square and West Hollywood, Los Angeles, further cementing her status as a global influence. She has graced the covers of Vogue, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, and international editions of L’Officiel, highlighting her ongoing influence in fashion and publishing.

Her approach to style is deeply connected to her work in leadership and empowerment, offering practical advice and inspiration to readers and audiences alike.

An Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

What sets Steph Adams apart is her unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment. Throughout her career, she has championed inclusivity, using her platform to amplify the stories of women from all walks of life. Her work has garnered praise from global leaders, with Vogue lauding her for seamlessly weaving her influence across continents and Times describing her as a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. Her books provide a unique space for women to share their journeys, challenges, and successes, offering readers lessons in resilience, leadership, and empowerment. “I didn’t start out thinking, ‘I want to empower women.’ It just happened that way,” Adams explains. “I took a genuine interest. I was just passionate about what I was doing, and then it evolved.”

A Multifaceted Career in Fashion and Publishing

In addition to her success as an author, Steph Adams has continued her work as an art director and creative consultant, collaborating with some of the world’s leading luxury brands such as Cartier, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. Her international projects have allowed her to merge her love for fashion with her passion for storytelling, constantly evolving while staying true to her core mission of empowering others.

Style and Leadership: The Intersection of Fashion and Success

For Adams, fashion has always been more than just aesthetics—it’s about self-expression and the reflection of one’s journey. In her books and interviews, she emphasizes the importance of inner strength over outward appearance, a belief shaped by her own experiences in the modeling industry. “It’s too much about how you look as opposed to building up your inner self,” she says of her early modeling career. Her approach to style is deeply connected to her work in leadership and empowerment, offering practical advice and inspiration to readers and audiences alike. Her upcoming book, Style Secrets, provides readers with step-by-step guidance on re-editing their wardrobes and finding confidence through fashion. As Adams explains, “Style is the way you express yourself. It’s not necessarily about the designer; it’s about reflecting your experiences, travels, and the people you’ve met.”

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Empowerment

As Steph Adams continues her career, her impact on women’s empowerment, fashion, and publishing only grows stronger. She has built a legacy that spans continents, inspiring countless individuals with her books, interviews, and collaborations. From her early days as a model to her current status as an influential author and art director, Adams remains a beacon of creativity, leadership, and advocacy for women around the world.

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Steph Adams: Empowering Women Worldwide