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.

Noelia Gaytan | Full time student athlete, substitute teacher, mom, and photography business owner

2 years ago I would’ve never thought I would be were I was. I was in college and worrying only about school and dance. Now I’m a full time student, athlete, mom, employer, and photographer. My schedule is always full but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Having the greatest support system allows me Read more>>

Crystal Jackson | Psychotherapist

With starting my new practice as mental health clinician, I found myself setting early morning appointments as well as appointments as late 9pm. Thankfully, I had the support of my husband and mother to support me while I building my clientele. Unfortunately, having a scattered schedule didn’t provide a work life balance as it took away from me spending time with my family. After missing my children’s important events, I knew I needed make changes. Read more>>

Amalia Briano | Insurance Agent

The first year in business is the hardest and busiest by all means. I started with zero customers so a lot of hours were put in to build it. I also started in 2020 when many things weren’t open as they are now. However, as the business has grown and allowed room for things aside from the business I had to shift my priorities like really dig deep and figure out what brings me joy, and what doesn’t. If I was going to drag my feet to a party, meeting or restaurant I wouldn’t do it- because when I did I regretted it. Read more>>

Shawnee Cana | Hair Stylist/Salon Owner & Mother

I was teaching full time and doing hair behind the chair on the weekends before I found out I was pregnant. I really loved staying busy and making money. I was 22 and thought I could do that forever. That was until my son came and made me a mother. I had to re evaluate everything. It made me realize that I do value my career but the clients come and go and family is here to stay. I still struggle with finding the perfect balance some days but we make it work. Read more>>

Monique Gosling | Educator & Consultant

First, I like to define what work-life balance means to me: Work-life balance is a state of equilibrium in which one’s professional and personal obligations are appropriately balanced. Now that I have defined what a work-life balance means, how has that changed over time for me? When I was single, I had more flexibility in my schedule and how I moved through my career and life, but once I got married, then priorities changed. I could still move through work and my personal life with ease because it was just my husband and me, but once children were included in the equation, that work-life balance significantly changed. Read more>>