Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hanrahan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story has many colorful chapters:
Survivor of sexual abuse and cancer. Mental health warrior. Wife to a husband with an incurable heart condition. Mother to two autistic children.
As each personal page turned, I discovered the walls I erected to keep out pain were also keeping out possibility. I was silent about my story for so long, it isolated me.
Until the day I decided to make my private journal public.
My online platform, Tinkles Her Pants, went viral, and now, every day, I get to write and speak my truth. I hoped to find one person who would understand, and instead, I found an entire community who ended up saving me.
My story is still being written, but if I had to provide a synopsis so far, I’d say whenever you feel like you have all the answers, life is going to change all the questions—and that’s okay.
You don’t get the gold without being cracked.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve definitely faced challenges, both personally and professionally. Whenever you have an online platform, there’s always potential that your content will either inspire or offend.
But I’ve learned my only job is to release my truth, not manage response. My worthiness cannot come from what someone says about me behind a screen, good or bad. It cannot come from always being in alignment with the mass majority—doing the right thing isn’t always rewarded. But if you believe in it, be brave enough to do it (or say it). Your truth may not always be well received, but that’s when you move on to tables that welcome you.
Or better yet, build your own.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to being a writer, TED speaker, and content creator, I am most proud of the work I do as an advocate for people with disabilities.
In March 2024, my co-founder, Dr. Lisa Peña, and I launched The Pip, an online community offering educational resources for people of all abilities. Within twenty-four hours of its release, our book, The True Hues Color Wheel: an activity to better understand autism, became number one on Amazon in Inclusive Education and Parenting Books for Children with Disabilities.
True Hues not only provides an incredible visual representation of the spectrum, it also teaches self-awareness and self-advocacy so that autistic individuals and families can better communicate their needs. This tool is now used internationally by parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to support and celebrate autistic individuals and adjust therapeutic/classroom goals.
My greatest hope is that True Hues creates much-needed dialogue about the beauty of neurodiversity.
All of our colors are worthy without change.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is how many resources we have available. If you have a special interest, need a good therapist, or simply want an unforgettable meal, we can access it all in DFW.
The downside would be the lack of outdoor opportunities. I grew up in Florida, so I definitely miss seeing an ocean. I’ve managed to find a good amount of trails for our family to enjoy, but what I wouldn’t give for a mountain or two!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinklesherpants.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinklesherpants?igsh=dWFuZjRhdGE0eXZw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinklesHerPants?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/wAJAGR5_H4I?si=0Q37wDfql_WkXPRg
- Other: https://thepipco.net/
Image Credits
Jennifer Baumann Photography
Ashley Wright
