By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Jaleesa B | Celebrity MUA & Exclusives

Acquiring relevant education and skills has been the most important factor for me. I found freelancing was definitely feasible and a lead opportunity ;but license and continuing education courses opened up more doors for me to work on sets and movie premieres and shows. Read more>>

Denise Kendrick | Founder, Executive Director

The most important factor in the success of the Embrace “brand” is the people who make up our team. Embrace provides direct services to 700 children in foster care each year. The excellence, efficiency, and intentionality with which these programs are executed is made possible by the God-given, unique gifting of my coworkers. And we’re not alone in these efforts. Where tasks fall beyond our “wheelhouses” or the work before us simply requires more boots on the ground, our committed volunteers step in to bolster all we do. Leading a growing organization is challenging, but this team is a gift. The right people, unified by strong core values are an unstoppable force. Read more>>

Westley Pariah | Tattooist & Visionary

Consistency. There’s a reason that people go to a specific artist for tattoos. It happens to all of us. Someone gets a tattoo, loves it, then they go home and show their family, and in the following weeks they show their friends, coworkers, and even just random people on the street who ask about it. When someone sees a tattoo that is well done, they ask where the person got it. Soon after, the schedule of that artist starts filling up! When your work is consistent, you become consistently busy. Read more>>

Marina Martinez | Charge Fitness Owner & General Manager

The most important factor behind our success at Charge Fitness & Performance is our unwavering commitment to staying true to ourselves, our roots & our core values, plain & simple. With 11 & 14 years of fitness sales, training, and management experience, we’ve weathered countless challenges and learned tough but valuable lessons along the way. Built on the foundation of these experiences, coupled with our undying passion, we’ve created a killer fitness community & culture centered around the concept of small group fitness training. We provide expert guidance tailored to your individual needs, all while fostering the motivation that naturally arises when you sweat it out alongside a like-minded community. Read more>>

Amber & Ray Kanady | Owners of Chicken Headz Cajun Fried Chicken

We believe the most important factor behind our success is marrying/partnering with the right person. We were able to set a foundation in our personal relationship that has transcended into our business relationship and from there we were able to truly be successful in our business endeavors. We are not always on the same page but we are always in the same chapter and that allows us to really grow individually and as a couple. Being in business with your spouse can be very challenging but we have decided to make our relationship and business work and we have had success in both. Our success has come in stages, and in every stage there is a lesson to learn. Read more>>

Mary DeMuth | CEO Mary DeMuth Literary

I have been an author in the publishing industry for twenty years. So when I started my own literary agency, I had the benefit of drawing on all that experience as an author. I understand authors. I understand how publishers work. I have experienced all aspects of the publishing process from writing to editing to proposals to sales to contracts to covers to promotion and platform creation. Because of that, I am best able to come alongside my authors because I’ve been in their shoes many times. Read more>>

Stephanie McReynolds | Owner, Coach, Former Division 1 Gymnast

The most important driver in the success of our gym is that we value health and authenticity. A lot of times in the gymnastics industry you run into gyms who are mainly concerned with numbers, accolades, clients, sales…. we’ve found that burnout becomes inevitable if that is your main focus. Though numbers are important, we look at our relationships, reputation and the positive effect we have in the families we serve as “success”. We don’t do fake at Vertical Athletics. If we don’t feel we can help or serve you best, we tell you! We value partnership with our families and do not see them as part of a check list. This is portrayed in the way we mentor, pray for and provide our athletes and staff with the best of the best. Read more>>

Allison Tremblay | STEM Enrichment Educator

I think Stemtree is successful because I approach it not just with the perspective of an educator, but also the perspective of a parent! My own kids (at least a few of them!) are the same age of the kids we serve, and I know the many factors parents take into account when looking for good quality enrichment options for their kids. I believe that I run my business — from activity choices to training our staff to the variety of programming we offer — with an insight as to the varied needs of busy families! I treat each child as if they were my own in that I want to make sure they’re having fun, learning something, and being well cared for while they are here. I think parents see that and appreciate it! Read more>>