What happens when a fast-paced career meets a quiet creative spark?
This December, we are shining the spotlight on Stephanie Turner ’08, who recently made a bold leap from the world of public relations to founding her own creative business in her current home of St. Louis, Garland Row Designs.
A Tower Hill lifer and University of Miami graduate, Stephanie turned a childhood hobby into a thriving custom needlepoint company while staying rooted in the values of community, work ethic and purpose.
From launching her brand in the midst of life’s biggest changes to giving back during moments of local crisis, her story is one of resilience, creativity and heart.
Read on to discover what inspired her career leap and what she has learned along the way.
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Editor’s Note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Tell us a little about where you are now. Describe your current role, field, or area of interest.
Hello Hillers!
A couple of years ago, after over a decade of fast-paced years in public relations, I decided it was time to pause my career and focus on my newly born son and daughter. In the middle of new-mom chaos, and a global pandemic, needlepoint became my stress relief. What had once been a childhood pastime quickly grew into a soothing creative outlet and my new-found obsession. Before long, I started painting my own canvases, and soon enough, others began asking me to bring their ideas to life, too. That’s when Garland Row Designs was born.
This summer, I officially launched Garland Row, my custom needlepoint design company, and I’m incredibly grateful to have transformed my hobby into a career.
Share about recent accomplishments. If you have a recent accomplishment you are proud of, what does this achievement mean to you, and what inspired or motivated you along the way?
At Tower Hill, I learned early on that every accomplishment, big or small, deserves to be recognized. Whether it’s acing a test or winning the field hockey state championship (shout-out to the Class of ’08!), hard work is always worth celebrating.
Last May, my current home of St. Louis was struck by a devastating EF-3 tornado that left many families without homes, schools or basic necessities. Tower Hill instilled in me the importance of community—showing up, supporting one another and stepping in when people need help most. Through my local network, I was asked to help with local relief efforts, by painting St. Louis themed needlepoint canvases, with all proceeds going directly to the families most impacted. I’m proud to share that we were able to raise thousands of dollars to help provide essential supplies. While it was a small gesture compared to the work still ahead, I was grateful for the chance to lean on my community and support those who needed it most.
Thinking back to your time at Tower Hill, how did your experience here help prepare you for your journey?
Tower Hill provided me with the building blocks for success, both personally and professionally. During my 14 years at THS, I formed life-long friendships, discovered the value of a supportive community and was continually challenged by academics. These experiences taught me early on that hard work and persistence aren’t just skills, they’re habits that open doors throughout your life.
Our motto, Many Things Done Well, has stayed with me long after graduation. It taught me that fulfillment doesn’t come from picking one path, but from embracing the many adventures that shape us. You can focus on your family, show up for your community, support your friends and still pursue your career.
What’s one thing you’ve learned along the way that has helped you reach your goals or stay grounded?
I’ve learned that a strong work ethic is the foundation for accomplishing just about anything in life. Whether you’re building a business from scratch or navigating a major life transition, showing up consistently, staying dedicated and putting in the effort has a way of guiding you toward success. Work ethic doesn’t just help you achieve goals, it shapes your character along the way.
What advice would you share with current Tower Hill students, recent graduates, or young alumni just starting out?
While it may take time to figure out, finding something you’re genuinely passionate about is so important. When you wake up excited for what’s ahead and end the day knowing your work matters to you, it makes the hard days easier and the great days even better.
Don’t worry about finding one perfect path right away, most people discover what they love by exploring, trying new things and even making mistakes. Stay curious, be open and pay attention to what inspires you. Your passions may shift over time, and that’s completely okay—mine sure did!
Check-out Stephanie's small business by visiting GarlandRow.com, and by following her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
