Claire Stoermer is an American former educator, theater house manager, and custom jewelry designer best known as the mother of Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress and singer Zendaya. Beyond her high-profile connection to Hollywood, Stoermer built an impactful career of her own, spending over two decades as a dedicated public elementary school teacher in Oakland, California. Her passion for education, arts integration, and community mentorship played a vital role in shaping the strong work ethic and humble character for which her famous daughter is celebrated worldwide.
While many fans search for Claire Stoermer due to her appearances alongside Zendaya on red carpets and social media, her personal journey as a hardworking mother, teacher, and creative entrepreneur offers a compelling story of resilience, selflessness, and artistic expression. According to her profile details featured on the Claire Stoermer biographical summary, she spent years balancing multiple jobs to support her family’s creative ambitions.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claire Marie Stoermer |
| Known As | Claire Stoermer |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1964 |
| Age | 61 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German-Scottish |
| Profession | Former Elementary School Teacher, Jewelry Designer, Former Theater House Manager |
| Famous For | Being the mother of actress Zendaya, dedicated public school educator |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Spouse/Partner | Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (m. 2008, div. 2016) |
| Children | Zendaya Coleman |
Who Is Claire Stoermer?
Claire Stoermer is a retired California schoolteacher, artisanal jewelry creator, and celebrity mother. She gained public attention as her daughter, Zendaya (born Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman), rose to global stardom through Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, blockbuster films like Spider-Man and Dune, and the acclaimed HBO drama series Euphoria.
Despite her daughter’s massive fame and fortune, Stoermer has always maintained a grounded, modest lifestyle. She spent twenty years working in inner-city public schools, advocating for childhood literacy and accessible education. In addition to teaching, her early involvement with local California theater companies provided Zendaya with initial exposure to the performing arts. Today, Stoermer is also recognized as the creator behind Kizzmet Jewelry, a custom line of handmade gemstone accessories.
Early Life, Heritage, and Academic Background
Claire Marie Stoermer was born on March 24, 1964, in Oakland, California. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, raised in a community rich in cultural diversity and artistic expression. Stoermer is of European descent, carrying German and Scottish ancestry. Her heritage, combined with the African-American background of her ex-husband Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, gave Zendaya a rich multiracial family heritage that the family frequently celebrates.
From an early age, Stoermer demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and community service. She completed her high school education in Oakland before pursuing higher education in California. Stoermer earned her degree in education and earned teaching credentials focused on elementary instruction. Her passion was not just academic; she had a strong affinity for literature, theater, and creative writing, elements she would later integrate into her primary school classrooms.
Claire Stoermer’s Professional Career
Two Decades as an Educator at Fruitvale Elementary
For more than twenty years, Claire Stoermer served as a full-time teacher at Fruitvale Elementary School in Oakland, California. The school, located in an economically underprivileged area, provided Stoermer with an opportunity to make a tangible difference in young lives. She focused on instilling a love for reading, curiosity, and artistic expression in her students.
Zendaya has often spoken passionately about her mother’s dedication to teaching. Stoermer frequently bought school supplies out of her own pocket and stayed late to tutor children who needed extra guidance. Watching her mother empower young minds in underserved communities gave Zendaya a profound respect for public servants and inspired her own philanthropic endeavors in adult life.
House Manager at the California Shakespeare Theater
To supplement her teaching income during the summer months, Claire Stoermer took on a second job as a house manager at the California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) in Orinda, California. This role proved pivotal for her family’s future.
Stoermer often brought a young Zendaya along to work during summer productions. While Stoermer managed patron seating, theater logistics, and front-of-house operations, Zendaya helped sell raffle tickets, seated patrons, and watched rehearsals. Immersed in classical plays and live theater, Zendaya developed her early passion for acting, eventually enrolling in student training programs at the theater conservatory.
Entrepreneurship: Kizzmet Jewelry
Following her retirement from full-time teaching, Stoermer channeled her creative energy into jewelry design. She founded Kizzmet Jewelry, a brand specializing in handcrafted, artistic crystal and gemstone pieces. Stoermer designs rings, necklaces, and bracelets using natural stones such as quartz, amethyst, turquoise, and agate.
Zendaya has frequently worn her mother’s custom pieces on high-profile red carpets and public appearances, offering organic publicity for the brand. Stoermer’s line reflects her personal aesthetic—earthy, spiritual, and elegant—and serves as her primary creative outlet today.
Marriage, Family Life, and Raising Zendaya
Relationship with Kazembe Ajamu Coleman
Claire Stoermer met Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (born Kazembe Ajamu) in Oakland during the early 1990s. At the time, Coleman worked as a gym teacher and physical instructor before later becoming a personal bodyguard and talent manager. The couple welcomed their only biological child together, Zendaya, on September 1, 1996.
Although they lived together as a committed family for many years while raising Zendaya, Stoermer and Coleman did not officially marry until 2008, when Zendaya was 12 years old. After eight years of marriage, Stoermer filed for divorce in August 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized amicably, with no disputes over spousal support or property. Despite their separation, Stoermer and Coleman remain close friends and supportive co-parents, frequently appearing together at family milestones and Hollywood events to support Zendaya.
Navigating a Large Blended Family
While Zendaya is Claire Stoermer’s only biological child, she is part of a large, close-knit blended family. Before his relationship with Stoermer, Kazembe Coleman had five children from previous relationships: Katianna, Annabella, Austin, Kaylee, and Omar. Stoermer embraced her role within this extended family dynamic, helping foster a loving environment where Zendaya grew up alongside her older half-siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sacrifices for Zendaya’s Early Career
When Zendaya began landing commercial modeling jobs and auditions in Southern California around the age of 13, the family faced a major logistical challenge. Unable to quit her teaching job in Oakland, Stoermer remained in the Bay Area to provide steady financial stability and healthcare benefits for the family. Meanwhile, Coleman moved with Zendaya to Los Angeles to navigate the entertainment industry.
Stoermer spent her weekends driving hundreds of miles between Oakland and Los Angeles to be with her daughter on sets, ensuring Zendaya stayed focused on her schoolwork and remained grounded amidst early Hollywood pressures. Stoermer’s sacrifices ensured that Zendaya never felt ungrounded during her rise on Disney’s Shake It Up.
Claire Stoermer’s Influence on Zendaya’s Public Values
Zendaya frequently attributes her social awareness, humility, and fashion sensibilities to her mother. Stoermer’s tall stature (standing around 6 feet tall) and natural confidence greatly influenced Zendaya’s body positivity and poise.
Furthermore, Stoermer taught her daughter the importance of staying true to one’s roots. Having worked in public education, Stoermer kept Zendaya aware of real-world challenges outside the entertainment bubble. This foundation is evident in Zendaya’s advocacy for racial equality, education access, and mental health awareness. When false rumors or media speculation surface regarding Zendaya’s personal life or family, Stoermer is known to step in on social media with calm, clear, and protective statements, reinforcing her role as a protective matriarch.
Where Is Claire Stoermer Today?
As of 2026, Claire Stoermer resides primarily in California, enjoying her retirement from teaching while managing her Kizzmet Jewelry business. She maintains an active, positive presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she shares her art, love for nature, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life.
Stoermer frequently travels between northern California and Los Angeles, spending quality time with Zendaya, her extended family, and long-time friends. Whether relaxing at home after traveling for Zendaya’s movie premieres or seeking wellness solutions—much like someone searching for the best mattress store near me to maintain proper physical health and rest—Stoermer prioritizes holistic health, personal tranquility, and balance.
Claire Stoermer’s Net Worth
Claire Stoermer’s individual net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000. Her wealth has been accumulated primarily through her 20-plus years of service as a public school teacher, her work in theater management, and sales from her handcrafted jewelry business.
While her daughter Zendaya has achieved an estimated net worth exceeding $22 million through acting, executive producing, and global luxury brand endorsements, Stoermer has consciously maintained her financial independence and modest lifestyle. She continues to focus on her personal creative projects rather than relying on her daughter’s financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Claire Stoermer?
Claire Stoermer is an American former elementary school teacher, former theater house manager, and custom jewelry designer. She is widely recognized as the mother of global superstar actress and singer Zendaya.
How old is Claire Stoermer?
Claire Stoermer was born on March 24, 1964. As of 2026, she is 61 years old (turning 62 in March 2026).
What is Claire Stoermer’s ethnicity and nationality?
Claire Stoermer is an American citizen of European descent, with German and Scottish ancestry. Her heritage, alongside Zendaya’s father’s African-American roots, contributes to Zendaya’s mixed-race background.
Is Claire Stoermer still married to Zendaya’s father?
No, Claire Stoermer is not married to Zendaya’s father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman. They married in 2008 after being together for many years and divorced amicably in 2016. They maintain a friendly co-parenting relationship and remain supportive of their daughter together.
What does Claire Stoermer do for a living?
Claire Stoermer spent over two decades working as a public school teacher at Fruitvale Elementary in Oakland, California, and worked at the California Shakespeare Theater. Today, she is retired from teaching and runs her own handcrafted gemstone brand, Kizzmet Jewelry.
How many children does Claire Stoermer have?
Claire Stoermer has one biological child, Zendaya. However, she helped raise and remains a maternal figure in the lives of Kazembe Coleman’s five children from previous relationships (Austin, Katianna, Annabella, Kaylee, and Omar).
Where does Claire Stoermer live today?
Claire Stoermer lives in California. She divides her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles to spend time with her family, create jewelry, and support Zendaya’s career.
What is Claire Stoermer’s net worth?
Claire Stoermer’s estimated net worth is between $300,000 and $500,000, derived from her long teaching career, pension, and jewelry design business. Her net worth is independent of her daughter Zendaya’s multi-million-dollar estate.
Conclusion
Claire Stoermer is far more than just a celebrity parent. As a lifelong educator, she dedicated over twenty years of her life to enriching young minds in Oakland, California, while fostering a love for arts and culture in her own household. Her early sacrifices, strong moral compass, and creative spirit provided the ideal foundation for her daughter Zendaya to navigate global fame with grace and integrity. Today, as a retired teacher and successful jewelry designer, Stoermer continues to inspire fans worldwide through her authenticity, artistic passions, and devotion to family.
