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

Hi Abbie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance is always changing for me. When I first started both of my companies, I would always say yes to every opportunity and overwork myself. I didn’t have a child when I started so I had more freedom with my schedule to dive right into the businesses. Since 2018, work-life balance looks very different, especially since we have had to quarantine due to COVID-19. I know that I cannot show up as the best version of myself for my clients if I don’t take care of myself. I have to have a full cup. I manage that by spending extra time planning out my weeks to make sure I don’t over-exert myself. Sometimes that means saying no, and I have learned that no is okay. So many people see the answer no as an end all be all. But I see it much more temporary. It is just a no for now. By setting boundaries, planning, and making sure I am taking care of my personal health, I have found a much better work-life balance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my own wedding planning company back in 2016 and absolutely loved the rush and emotion that came along with a wedding. I did find myself missing the corporate and marketing side of events, so in 2018 I launched Gro Group which is a boutique marketing and events firm for female-led businesses. I have learned that each business builds on the next especially knowing I am a multi-passionate person. In 2018, I also found myself advocating on a national level for sexual assault survivors and decided that I wanted to take it further. That is when the Loving This Life brand launch. Through the Loving This Life brand, I encourage any and all people to use trauma and unfortunate events in life to be the springboard to build a life worth living. Loving This Life is about empowering yourself and others by loving the life that you live. We deserve to be happy, to be content, and to love ourselves guilt-free. Through the podcast, I shed light on how I bring dreams to reality, understand true contentment, and self-evaluate to learn how to fully live in the moment and love this life. Being an entrepreneur and advocate can be exhausting and incredibly difficult. Both ask a lot of you intellectually, emotionally, and are time-consuming. I have learned that boundaries and self-worth are incredibly important aspects of running successful brands. When your cup is not full, you have nothing left to fill up the cups of others, whether that is your client, friend, or fellow survivor. I believe you do get to control your destiny and you definitely get to control how you respond to hardship and trauma. We have a choice to thrive in life instead of living it merely surviving.

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?
I am obsessed with downtown Coppell. I love how quaint and cute it is! One of my favorite coffee shops to meet people at is George | Coffee and Provisions. It’s spacious and is Instagram worthy! Plus they have delicious coffee and snacks!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think the entire community that is around me deserves recognition for helping me get to where I am today. Starting with my parents and family – they are the ones who keep me honest, focused, and challenge me. In business ownership and advocating, there is always a need for a strong and supportive community. I have incredible friends that check in on me, remind me of my why, keep me grounded, and cheer me on with each new endeavor or project. It is so important to create and have a supportive community around you.

Website: www.lovingthislife.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovingthislifepodcast
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbiecole/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/abbiechillis
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lovingthislifepodcast
Other: PODCAST: https://www.lovingthislife.org/podcast

Image Credits
Bright colored flowers with bride and groom – Feather and Twine Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.