Stephanie, a California native, inherited her love for flowers, butterflies, and birds from her mother Pam, and grandmother Marilu, both of whom taught her gardening skills at a young age. Stephanie’s passion for nature was further nurtured during summers spent with her Grandmother Marilu, who worked at the San Diego County Flower and Plant Association in Encinitas, CA. Following her grandmother’s passing in 2001, the San Diego County Flower and Plant Association dedicated their scholarship fund in her honor. Stephanie’s career path in retail management was greatly influenced by her early experiences with her grandmother in the garden. Stephanie’s deep connection to San Diego is also rooted in her Native American heritage, with her forefather associated with the San Diego Mission de Alcala.
As her family grew, Stephanie stepped away from her career in retail management and opened her local business, Go To Crew. This allowed Stephanie the flexibility needed to be a homeschool mom for 10 years.
Always eager to give back to the community, Stephanie was involved in Boy Scouts of America Troop 731, her local church North Coast, Fallbrook Land Conservancy, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. This same level of community awareness and a desire to heal our planet led to Stephanie creating a butterfly garden while volunteering in the PTA, during her son’s kindergarten year. The school was just a few blocks from their home and Stephanie spent hours researching local butterflies and how to create homes for caterpillars at the school and in her home garden. The seeds were sown for “Wings of Change”.
About Stephanie Holbrook
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live like you mean it. Enjoy every moment.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will be teaching people about the importance of butterflies worldwide with Wings of Change.
Stephanie Holbrook & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mariscos El Pacifico, Firehouse Que & Brew, Nessy Burger ** All in Fallbrook
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born in So Cal, moved to Escondido when I was 2. Graduated from San Pasqual High School in Escondido.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
JACKIE HEYNEMAN
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
San Diego Flower and Plant Association- getting to go see the award ceremony was really cool. I just learned about the Marilu Johnson Scholarship this year through my son’s school. The scholarship was named in her honor the year after she passed in 2000. I was a guest at the annual Marilu Johnson Scholarship dinner, and her legacy inspired me. Her memory lives on and helps others chase their dreams. Just like she did with me. Marilu was the best grandmother and friend you could ask for! I met the scholarship recipients at the dinner this year and plan to attend yearly! https://wingsofchange.us/marilu-johnson-scholarship-2/
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Fallbrook is the “Friendly Village” and it’s helped me dig my roots deep in many ways. (Boy Scouts, homeschooling, North Coast Church, Food Pantry, Go to Crew, Wings of Change)
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Pink and Willow. I think the song “Cover Me In Sunshine” could be our theme song! You can look up the lyrics but this is the part that echoes in my mind… “Cover me in sunshine Shower me with good times Tell me that the world’s been spinning since the beginning And everything will be alright Cover me in sunshine From a distance all these mountains Are just some tiny hills Wildflowers, they keep living While they’re just standing still I’ve been missing yesterday But what if there’s a better place?”
For Fun
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am ¼ Native American with forefathers whose roots date back to Mission San Diego de Alcala. My paternal grandmother, Marge Gonzales was 100 % Native.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Butterflies, plants and pollinators.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
D’Vine Path, San Diego San Diego County Flower and Plant Association, Scouts of America, Fallbrook Food Pantry, Rotary, Angel Society of Fallbrook, National Charity League, Fallbrook High School.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Go forward confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Fallbrook
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Small town vibe, good neighbors, great weather.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Being in nature, seeing butterflies and pollinators.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My family. Love and and my garden paradise.
