We had the good fortune of connecting with LeeAnn Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LeeAnn, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is something that is hard to define. What it means to me and what it means to another business owner could be totally subjective.

The perfect balance between my work life and my home life includes the freedom to still attend important functions for my kids, squeeze in time for myself at the gym daily and still manage the best customer service possible for my clients.

Work life balance has shifted for me over the years.
In the beginning, I was completely engulfed into my business and I quickly realized there was no balance. I wasn’t present for some of the special moments or practicing self care. It became monotonous and daunting to keep up with it all everyday and burn out was creeping in. After taking some time to reflect, I quickly realized that I am much better at keeping my business running successfully when I am firing on all cylinders. To me, that meant stepping back to refocus and redirect my approach at how I handled my work life balance daily. Once again, I started to prioritize myself, my health, my family and my goals and my business was once again flourishing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a dreamer, I want to be a part of what makes the world beautiful. Food is an essential part of life and by making edible works of art, what I create brings added joy to the special moments in people’s lives. It’s the satisfaction of knowing that I am in some way a part of a celebratory moment in someone’s life. It’s like spreading edible happiness and I just think that’s a beautiful dream.

I’m extremely proud of the growth this business has experienced the past 3 years. The outpouring of support in our community from local patrons and other small business owners has been phenomenal and heartwarming. I truly appreciate each and every one of them.

I’ve gotten to where I am today by constantly staying focused on my goals and my daily habits to achieve them. I’m always actively looking for ways to show my appreciation and support for my own community & small businesses.

One of the keys to my success has been my amazing husband, he’s always been very supportive of my business goals and his daily help has been an integral part of keeping our day-to-day flowing so that we can balance the work and home life for our kids.

I have faced quite a few challenges throughout the growth of this business. It isn’t always easy because sometimes the exhaustion can be overwhelming. Since you are your own boss, you have to be disciplined and hold your own self accountable to work even when you’d rather take the day off. Everything from being a busy working mom with kids, to consistent food & supply shortages, to suddenly outgrowing my prep space and everything in between, presents new challenges and the need for consistent solution seeking.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1.) Fingers crossed that it’s First Monday weekend…. So we would head to Canton Trade Days (starts the Thursday – Sunday preceding the first Monday of the month). We would shop until we are ready to drop a the World’s largest outdoor flea market. Then head over to The Kickin Mule in the Canton square for some delicious home cooked food. After we are all fueled up, head across the square to The Rustik and shop the amazing new boutique arrivals curated by Caroline the amazing owner.

Day 2.) Relax in the morning and head to The Selfie Bar in Dallas for a fun BFF photo sesh. After that go indulge in a Dallas iconic fave with a #5 burger with chili cheese tots from Kellers Drive In off Northwest Highway.

Day 3.) Spend the day window shopping in Highland Park Village (the oldest outdoor shopping mall) Head over to Hawaii Fluid Art and create our own custom tumbler cups. Grab a pizza from Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza.

Day 4.) Head to Fort Worth for a bit to eat at Coopers, shopping, and catch the daily cattle drive.

Day. 5) Visit The Colony for a milkshake from The Yard, stop by The Local for a multitude of various food options and yard games. Stop into Scheel’s for some shopping.

Day. 6) Relax a bit for the last day and visit Yoder Gal’s Bake Shop in Eustace for some fresh baked sweet bread and fried pies. Head over to Purtis Creek State Park for some outdoor relaxation and then some cheese shell tacos from Tacos Perez in Eustace.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lately I’ve truly been enjoying reading inspiring books by Lee Milteer. Specifically her books “Reclaim The Magic” and “Success Is An Inside Job.”

These books focus on the potential inside you to create your own success. That if you believe it, you can achieve it.
Her personal story is an inspiration. A true journey from less than humble beginnings to a life filled with the success she created for herself by following her own heart.

Website: https://inthekitchenwithleeann.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthemarketwithleeann?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/inthekitchenwithleeannb

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