Stephanie Bentley grew up singing to the radio with her sister, Camille, in Thomasville, Georgia. At the age of nine, she entered a talent contest singing Motorcycle Mama with a group of friends. The head of a music theater group, Fred Allen, attended the contest and invited her to join them, giving Stephanie her first real experience in the music industry.

Moving to Atlanta after an attempt at college life, she performed oldies and Top 40's in a band. She continued to write and perform country songs with her fellow band members, and also sang commercial jingles for such companies as Hardees Restaurants, The Yellow Pages, and Southern Bell. Stephanie and Camille ultimately made the move to Nashville, seeking a record deal as a duo.

Although a deal with RCA fell through, Stephanie continued to work in Nashville, becoming one of the most sought-after demo singers in town. An insightful and skilled songwriter, Bentley has written or co-written several big hits, like "Breathe" by Faith Hill, and "Concrete Angel" which was recorded by Martina McBride. Stephanie signed on as a writer with BMG Music, who worked with her on developing her own unique sound. Her debut album, Hopechest, portrays her wide vocal range, providing her with the single "Who's that Girl?".