Annette Stepanian
Annette Stepanian
Attorney / Business Consultant for Entrepreneurs
San Francisco, CA + Los Angeles, CA
www.annettestepanian.com
Instagram @annettestepanian
Facebook.com/annettestepanianesq
Facebook.com/groups/creativeconvo
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“ I help equip other creative professionals and small business owners with the legal knowledge they need to confidently grow their businesses!”
My name is Annette Stepanian and I’m an attorney for creative entrepreneurs. After graduating with a business degree from undergrad, I went onto law school. Law has always intrigued me – especially the way it is involved in every single thing we do. After law school, I practiced litigation for over five years at a national law firm in San Francisco. Although I love the intellectual challenges of the law, I longed for more art and color in my life. So I took a leap of faith and started my own jewelry line. As I grew the jewelry line, other small business owners and peers sought out my legal advice about starting and running their own business. I saw a need for practical legal advice geared towards creative business owners. Today, through one-on-one consulting, teaching, and easily understandable online guides, courses and templates, I help equip other creative professionals and small business owners with the legal knowledge they need to confidently grow their businesses!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
LOTS of hard work. LOTS of just going for it and trusting that I'll figure it out.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
The fact that I've run my own creative business makes me pretty unique when compared to other lawyers. I know what it takes to run a small business because I've done it. That experience also made me a better, more practical and business-minded attorney.
I know that speaking to a lawyer can often feel intimidating, so I really try to make law approachable and accessible. I mean, how many lawyers have such colorful websites? :)
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
In addition to one-on-one client work, I'm putting the finishing touches on a new resource for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners about what needs to be done from a legal perspective to start and grow their business. Check out the website to learn more!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I always say if Jonathan Adler and Kate Spade had a baby who went to law school, that would be me. {wink} I appreciate color, design and visual aesthetics and make an effort to infuse that into my brand and products.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I love teaching and speaking because getting out and being amongst people always energizes me. I also love inspiring people to see things with a new perspective. Graphic design is also high on my list - I do all of my own graphics for my website. It's a great creative outlet.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
My husband keeps asking me to finish our wedding album.... {sigh}.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Social media! Oh and to finish my wedding album (see above)...{wink}
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Everything is going to be ok. It's already ok.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'd love to talk to an interior stylist - like Emily Henderson -- who could do a style diagnostic with me and my husband. It's been interesting blending my bright, feminine and colorful furniture with his more masculine and dark-toned pieces. #champagneproblems
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking to work with other creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who are ready to invest in their business (and themselves) to lay a proper legal foundation for their business.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Whether they're a photographer, graphic designer, product maker, consultant or some other service provider - my ideal clients are passionate about their businesses. They take themselves and their work seriously and value working with professionals to do things the right way.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
The prices vary based on the project. Send me an email letting me know what you need and I'll get back to you - pronto!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just email me! Let me know what you're looking for!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
When in doubt, add more color.
This member profile was originally published in March 2016.