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

Hi Amanda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance has a different meaning when you are the owner of the business. Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm does not exist; business is always on. This is excessively challenging when you are a mother as well, which is also a 24/7 job. Honestly, what I have learned is that balance does not exist; perfection is a portrayal, not an attainable lifestyle. The endgame for me is to wake up each morning satisfied with myself and the world I have created thus far. Striving for want does not allow you to live in the moment and enjoy the daily. It ultimately places an invisible load of “do it all and do it all right” on a person, which is extremely debilitating. As a mother of young children and a business owner, I choose to replace the word “balance” with “happiness.” Am I producing a brand that people enjoy? Did the time I spent with my children today put a smile on their faces? Am I pleased with what I accomplished today? If I can end the day checking those boxes, I feel balanced at my core, and that is important to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We own and operate an athleisure boutique, designed to bring accessible, affordable style to women everywhere. We are committed to finding the highest quality product, creating community among our shoppers, and connecting with other like minded women in the small business world. We just hit our two year mark and although we have been experiencing set backs as a result of the pandemic, our values have not changed. We are making adjustments with the changing times and riding the rollercoaster with just as much excitement as we felt in the beginning. One of the biggest lessons we have learned over the past two years is to KIS. Keep it simple. Simplicity is our word of 2020. Conquering the world is not at the top of our list. We are not here to be the biggest but we are here to be the best, so focusing on doing a short list of things well is what works best for us. We want our customers to be thrilled with our product and service, and we want our partnerships to flourish as a result.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Partnership is important in like and in business. As business partners, Melissa and I lean on each other in a variety of ways. Beyond business, and on a personal level, we depend heavily on our spouses for emotional support, encouragement, and advice. I think it is more than fair to say that we would not have the business we have today without the help of our husbands.

Website: www.athletiqueandco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletiqueandco/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/allaccesswithathletiqueandco.com/

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