Claire Stoermer may not be a household name like her daughter Zendaya, but she is a remarkable figure whose dedication and guidance shaped one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. From her early life in Oakland, California to balancing multiple careers and raising a future superstar, Claire’s life is a story of resilience, creativity, and love. Her influence is evident in Zendaya’s grounded personality, strong work ethic, and confidence.
Quick Bio of Claire Stoermer
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claire Stoermer |
| Birth Date | March 24, 1964 |
| Birth Place | Oakland, California, USA |
| Age | 61 years (2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Profession | Teacher, Theater Staff, Entrepreneur |
| Business | Kizzmet Jewelry |
| Spouse | Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (divorced) |
| Children | Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman |
| Ethnicity | German and Scottish |
| Notable Role | Mother of Zendaya |
| Hobbies/Interests | Arts, Education, Entrepreneurship |
| Influence | Shaped Zendaya’s career and values |
Early Life and Family Background
Claire Stoermer was born on March 24, 1964, in Oakland, California. She is of German and Scottish descent, and grew up in a family that valued education and culture. Her parents, Philip Hillary Stoermer and Daphne Carol Whitelaw, raised six children, instilling responsibility, respect, and care in each of them. Claire was one of six siblings, which gave her the opportunity to learn patience and leadership from an early age. These early life lessons became the foundation for her own family values and parenting style.

Education and Early Career
Claire’s commitment to education became evident when she pursued a career in teaching. She became an elementary school teacher in Oakland, working in schools that often lacked resources. Her dedication to students was extraordinary, and she focused on providing a nurturing environment despite challenges. Many students who studied under her benefited from her patience, guidance, and encouragement.
Beyond the classroom, Claire Stoermer had a strong interest in the arts. She worked at the California Shakespeare Theater, where she served as a house manager and assisted with student programs. Her experience in theater allowed her to balance education with creative work and introduced her to a network of artists and performers. This combination of teaching and arts laid the groundwork for supporting Zendaya’s early acting ambitions.
Marriage and Raising Zendaya
Claire Stoermer married Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, and together they welcomed their daughter Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman in 1996. Raising a child while managing dual careers was challenging, but Claire remained committed to her daughter’s education, creativity, and emotional growth. Even after her divorce in 2016, Claire continued to provide guidance, showing that dedication to family does not end with a separation.
Zendaya also has five half-siblings from her father’s previous relationships, but Claire maintained a consistent and supportive presence in her life. She taught her daughter the importance of family, respect, and balancing personal goals with caring for others. Through her parenting, Claire Stoermer ensured that Zendaya could navigate fame without losing her sense of identity.
Supporting Zendaya’s Early Career
From a young age, Claire Stoermer recognized her daughter’s interest in acting and modeling. She enrolled Zendaya in summer theater programs and helped her attend auditions, often juggling her own professional responsibilities to support her daughter’s dreams. This early guidance played a critical role in Zendaya landing her first major acting role in Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up”, which became the stepping stone to a Hollywood career.
Claire’s support extended beyond logistics. She taught Zendaya important values such as humility, perseverance, and the importance of education. Her lessons helped her daughter balance public attention with personal growth. As Zendaya rose to fame in projects like “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, “Euphoria”, and “Dune”, the lessons and guidance from Claire remained a central part of her success.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Kizzmet Jewelry
In addition to her roles in education and theater, Claire Stoermer is an entrepreneur. She created Kizzmet Jewelry, a handmade collection featuring crystals and unique designs. The jewelry line reflects her creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Zendaya has publicly supported her mother’s venture, wearing pieces from the collection and praising her for her talent and dedication.
The jewelry business demonstrates Claire Stoermer’s ability to balance creativity with practicality. She turned her passion into a source of income and personal fulfillment, showing her daughter that hard work and creativity can coexist. Her entrepreneurship also emphasizes the value of pursuing one’s interests, even while managing family responsibilities.
Influence on Zendaya’s Values
Claire Stoermer’s impact on Zendaya goes beyond career guidance. She instilled a sense of responsibility, empathy, and self-respect in her daughter. Zendaya often credits her mother for teaching her the importance of education, self-discipline, and inner beauty. Claire encouraged her to focus on personal growth and confidence rather than external appearances.
Through her guidance, Zendaya learned how to navigate fame with maturity. She developed a strong sense of self, knowing when to take risks and how to maintain privacy. Claire’s influence is visible in Zendaya’s choices, including her thoughtful roles, advocacy work, and professional conduct.

Physical Appearance and Lifestyle
While much about Claire Stoermer remains private, reports suggest that she is 5 ft 6 in tall and maintains an active, healthy lifestyle. Her personal style is elegant and simple, reflecting her focus on authenticity rather than trends. Fans admire her balance of professional, personal, and family life, and her ability to remain grounded despite her daughter’s fame.
Although she avoids the spotlight, Claire Stoermer continues to inspire through her actions. Her commitment to education, creativity, and family demonstrates that influence is not always about visibility but about the lasting impact one has on others.
Family Values and Legacy
The lessons Claire Stoermer imparted to her daughter are rooted in strong family values. She emphasized respect for elders, care for siblings, and the importance of education and self-reliance. These lessons shaped Zendaya into a thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate individual who understands the value of her heritage and upbringing.
Claire’s influence extends to Zendaya’s philanthropic work. The star’s charitable activities, social advocacy, and mentorship efforts reflect the lessons she learned from her mother about responsibility, giving back, and supporting others.
Navigating Fame and Public Life
Claire Stoermer played a vital role in preparing Zendaya for the pressures of fame. She helped her understand the importance of boundaries, public image, and decision-making. With her mother’s guidance, Zendaya has remained authentic and focused, avoiding common pitfalls that often affect young stars.
Claire’s mentorship also includes financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and professional planning. These lessons ensure that Zendaya’s career is sustainable and that she can make informed choices about her projects, endorsements, and public appearances.
Continuing Influence and Support
Even after her divorce, Claire Stoermer continues to be a central figure in Zendaya’s life. She attends premieres, supports projects, and celebrates milestones, always maintaining a positive influence. Her presence reinforces the importance of family support in personal and professional development.
The mother-daughter relationship is a model of partnership and mutual respect. Claire provides guidance without controlling, encouraging growth while allowing Zendaya to make her own choices. This balance has contributed to the actress’s confidence and success.
Behind the Scenes of Success
The world often sees Zendaya’s talent and achievements, but Claire Stoermer’s role behind the scenes is equally important. She provided the foundation for her daughter’s creativity, discipline, and resilience. By managing responsibilities, guiding decisions, and nurturing talent, Claire has helped shape one of the most admired young performers in Hollywood today.
Claire’s story is a testament to the impact parents can have on their children’s futures. Through her dedication, creativity, and consistent support, she exemplifies how love and guidance can open doors to opportunity and success.

Legacy and Recognition
While Claire Stoermer prefers privacy, her legacy is visible in her daughter’s achievements. Zendaya’s professionalism, humility, and commitment to social causes reflect the values instilled by her mother. Claire’s influence demonstrates that strong parenting, education, and mentorship can have long-lasting effects that reach far beyond personal fame.
Her dedication to family, career, and creativity shows that success is often a collaborative effort. Claire Stoermer may work behind the scenes, but her impact resonates loudly through the life and work of Zendaya.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Claire Stoermer?
Claire Stoermer is the mother of Zendaya, an educator, entrepreneur, and mentor who shaped her daughter’s career and values.
2. What is Claire Stoermer’s profession?
She worked as an elementary school teacher, theater staff at California Shakespeare Theater, and runs her own business, Kizzmet Jewelry.
3. How tall is Claire Stoermer?
Claire Stoermer is reportedly 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) tall, though exact measurements are not officially confirmed.
4. Who is Claire Stoermer married to?
She was married to Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, father of Zendaya, but they divorced in 2016.
5. How did Claire Stoermer influence Zendaya?
Through education, arts, and strong family guidance, she instilled values like perseverance, humility, and confidence in Zendaya.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Claire Stoermer is not only Zendaya’s mother but also a teacher, entrepreneur, mentor, and role model. Her dedication, guidance, and support have helped shape a star who is talented, confident, and socially conscious. Through her lessons in education, creativity, and values, Claire Stoermer ensured that Zendaya could achieve remarkable success while remaining grounded. Her life story reminds us that the influence of parents and mentors is often the key to unlocking potential and fostering greatness.
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