Our series profiling extraordinary women who are ever-evolving in life and style.
Meet Stephanie Summerson Hall: lawyer, mother, entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of luxury glassware company, Estelle Colored Glass. We spent the day styling her in looks that do it all—and in return, she reminded us that it's never too late to pursue a new passion.
EE: Take us back to the beginning... SSH: I went to law school straight after undergrad and I did two clerkships with appellate judges, then went into practice in Washington DC. But I realized I was more excited about the business world. I delved into entrepreneurship, starting an event rental company while practicing law. But once that company was up and running, I needed a new outlet for my creative energy.
EE: When did you realize your heart was no longer in law? SSH: We decided to move from DC back to my native South Carolina—we had three children then and wanted to raise them in a slower pace of life. It was a very difficult decision but when we left DC, I decided to no longer practice. My family was shocked—I was the first to go to law school and everyone was very proud of that.
EE: And you found peace with your decision? SSH: The notion of starting over was very thrilling and exciting to me. I love challenges and bootstrapping something from ground zero keeps me hungry, it's what gets me up and going. My determination really sustained me through rough times.
EE: How did the idea for Estelle Colored Glass come about? SSH: I was looking for glass pieces for my own home. I have memories of antiquing trips with my grandmother, Estelle, who collected and displayed things in her China cabinets—she loved to entertain and I wanted pieces to remind me of family dinners she would host. I assumed this sort of company existed but when I couldn't find anything, a light bulb went off. Five years later, in October 2019, I launched the business.
EE: What does a forward-moving mindset mean to you? SSH: I am a goal setter—I think that's so important. Even if you have a bad day or a bad month, keep working at your goal, let your strengths guide you and you'll always move in the right direction.