Welcome, y’all! I’m Stephanie Ziajka (now Eschenroeder), the creator behind Diary of a Debutante, a Southern lifestyle blog dedicated to graceful living, joyful entertaining, and classic style. Drawing inspiration from Southern charm and hospitality, this space is all about about celebrating timeless traditions, everyday elegance, and the little joys that make life beautiful.
A Little about Me
Born and raised in Florida and now calling Missouri home, I’ve always had a love for Southern living and all the traditions it entails. I started Diary of a Debutante in 2012 to document my year in the Miss America Organization, and in 2015, I took a leap and left my actuarial day job to turn this Southern lifestyle blog into my full-time career.
My background is in statistics and finance, but my true passion is storytelling—whether it’s opening up about my personal journey with mental illness and infertility, designing the perfect tablescape to foster connections and create lasting memories, or helping you curate a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and effortlessly put together.
At the heart of it all, though, is my passion for promoting mental health awareness. My goal is to share real, relatable content about affordable fashion, practical beauty, and everyday Southern living. Social media can be a tough place, and I know firsthand how easy it is to fall into the comparison trap. That’s why I’m committed to being as open and honest with you as possible. While I do use affiliate links on my blog (you can read my full disclosure policy here), I only recommend products I truly love and trust.
When I’m not working on my blog, you’ll find me exploring Missouri’s scenic trails with my husband and three dogs, trying out new recipes, or unwinding on the back porch with an Aperol Spritz in hand. I’m also a huge fan of true crime documentaries, am always on the hunt for fresh flowers to brighten up my space, and have a soft spot for anything monogrammed. Life’s little details bring me so much joy, and I love sharing those moments with you!
About Diary of a Debutante
Rooted in Southern grace and hospitality, Diary of a Debutante is a space for women who love classic style, warm gatherings, and celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re planning a Southern-inspired soirée, searching for the perfect outfit, or looking for a tried-and-true recipe for your next Sunday supper, I hope to inspire you with effortless ways to bring beauty and tradition into your everyday life.
Here, you’ll find–
- Southern Style & Beauty – Affordable fashion finds, practical beauty tips, and classic style inspiration to help you feel your best every day.
- Entertaining & Hospitality – Simple yet creative ideas for hosting with confidence, ease, and a touch of Southern charm.
- Food & Cocktails – Easy recipes for all skill levels, signature drinks, and comforting Southern classics made for sharing.
- DIY & Crafts – Stylish and straightforward DIY projects, from seasonal decor to personalized gifts, that elevate your home and add a thoughtful handmade touch to every celebration.
- Travel & Southern Living – City guides, weekend getaways, and hidden gems that celebrate the best of southern culture (and beyond!).
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re looking for entertaining tips, travel recommendations, or details on a particular outfit, let’s connect! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily updates, or feel free to reach out directly. I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to subscribe to my weekly newsletter, as well, for the latest tips, recipes, and updates delivered right to your inbox!
For media inquiries, please email me at [email protected]. I’ll be happy to send over my media kit, pricing list, and any other information you may need. In the meantime, check out my collaboration opportunities and notable media mentions. I’m still pinching myself over being featured in some of my favorite publications!
Also, if you’re working on a story and think I or my content could be a good fit, I’m always open to arranging an interview or providing high-res imagery (to be used with proper credit, of course).
I look forward to connecting and exploring how we can collaborate!
Thank you for visiting Diary of a Debutante! I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope my Southern lifestyle blog brings a little extra grace, charm, and inspiration to your everyday life!
Photography by Catherine Rhodes
