Hidden Gems: Meet Stephanie Laflora of Moxie AI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Laflora

Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a rebel, challenging the notion that things have to be done a certain way. I’m drawn to secret passageways and imaginative ways of living, and in every field I’ve worked in, I’ve found gaps that demand filling.

I built Moxie, a marketing agency, to support early-stage companies that communities truly need. As one of the rare Black women to raise venture funding, I’ve seen firsthand how access to entrepreneurship is riddled with barriers. While funding is often discussed as the biggest hurdle, another critical and overlooked gap is marketing and storytelling. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about crafting a narrative that people believe in and connect with.

Moxie was born out of frustration but fueled by hope. Our approach is designed to be affordable, to stop the scroll, and to figure out what really works by pairing creative storytelling with data-driven insights. By leveraging AI, we’ve empowered a small but mighty team to perform at scale. Our mission is simple: to help startups thrive in ways that are impactful, efficient, and human.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My entrepreneurship journey began while I was pregnant, raising venture funding in my third trimester. Those early days were a whirlwind of pitching, planning, and navigating a completely new world while preparing to bring new life into the world. It taught me resilience in ways I never could have imagined.

Along the way, I’ve faced everything from tough founder relationships to the decision to pivot and bootstrap a new startup from scratch. These experiences have been some of the greatest teachers. I’ve learned that the biggest challenges are often internal—finding the mindset and resolve to weather this rollercoaster.

Externally, the lessons have been about creating real value while staying scrappy and resourceful. I’ve also learned the power of building a dynamic, global team—one that’s always evolving, just like the work we do. It’s far from perfect, but it’s deeply fulfilling to grow something rooted in purpose and creativity.

We’ve been impressed with Moxie AI, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Moxie isn’t just a marketing agency; it’s a creative partner for startups that want to make an impact. What sets us apart is our anchor in great storytelling—specifically, stories that reveal more about a brand through the lens of its founders. We understand that every startup’s journey is unique, and we specialize in crafting narratives that resonate deeply, both with customers and potential investors.

We’re not just storytellers; we’re insiders. Moxie is built for the fast-paced startup world, and we know how to navigate its complexities. Our team has deep relationships with venture and funding resources, and we’ve already helped founders raise over $6 million by sharpening the stories they tell.

The future of work isn’t about massive scale. It’s about small teams solving big problems, empowered by AI while prioritizing the lifestyle they desire.

We’re built by humans who value dignity, diversity, and creating environments that benefit every employee and client. Our approach prioritizes affordable pricing, meaningful ROI, and empowering the lifestyles of our team and the organizations we serve.

We believe storytelling has the power to shift perspectives, inspire action, and reshape culture. We tell the stories that matter most, with deep consideration for their impact, because we know they ripple far beyond the moment they’re told.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

I think the key to finding a mentor—or networking in general—is to focus on being a constant learner. Put yourself in spaces that align with your dreams, and discipline yourself to study the things that truly move you. The world is overflowing with coaches and mentors these days, but I’ve learned they’re never the real secret.

The truest mentor is found in the act of showing up for yourself—getting up every day and doing what you said you were going to do. If having a mentor helps you stay accountable to that, then by all means, find one. But we live in an age where there’s so much information at our fingertips that a lack of access to a mentor should never be a barrier to progress.

Don’t just seek people; seek execution of your dreams at whatever scale you can, right away.

Pricing:

• Startup Marketing Services (select spots) – $2500/mo
• 8 Hour Brand Brainstorm – $1000
• Traction Camp Story Course – $47
• Corporate Full Service Marketing – $10k/mo

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moxieaibrands.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moxieai/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moxieaibranding/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moxieaimedia