We had the good fortune of connecting with Azia Whitted and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Azia, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I may ruffle some feathers, but I feel like we have been misled about work/life balance and balance as a whole. We have been taught often that our home life and work life will be balanced 50/50. Or that there is a magic ratio. I believe balance is ever-changing and not constant; it depends on the season you are in. As a business owner the phases of your business with determine the amount of time required to make that season work. For example, a brand new business will require some long night and some early mornings. Once you have grown and sustained the business you are able to relax into less time doing and more time being. Personally, when I think of the balance, I also consider my core beliefs, what fills my cup and what makes me happy. As a mom of two my family time is very important. Could I schedule a meeting at 8am yes but I am a better woman, mom and business owner when I am able to take my kids to school. This thinking is also what keeps me from subscribing to hustle culture.
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 love people and I love to serve. As a mindfulness coach and even with my work as a speaker my ultimate desire to to make an impact on the lives of other women. I partner with them to show them how to take a PAUSE and teach them the importance of prioritizing their wellness. By providing practical tools that can be used daily, I help them experience more calm in their lives. Too many times have I met women that are giving and giving; whether that is to their family, community or to business and they have left themselves last and this results in feeling empty and burnout. I know this feeling too well because I too found myself in that place. And the tools that I used to create for calm are the same tools I share with clients and the women I serve. I am especially passionate about helping mothers. I know if I can help a mother then I can also change the next generation because what she learns she will pass it on to her children, those habits and healthy practices.
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?
So my best friend and I love a good museum and a book. If she was here for a week I could totally see us at the art museum and then the botanical gardens with a book and a packed lunch in Dallas and being so content. But the DFW area has so many great spots for a good bite and experience. I would take her to KAI which also has great shopping close by, we would of course venture to the Star because this is Cowboy nation (even though my football knowledge is limited) and then plan brunch at XOXO.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is for my daddy, so much of who I am is because of him. I have always been a daddy’s girl and when he passed in 2022 it was one of the hardest moments of my life but also propelled me forward in a crazy way. Daddy thank you for being the voice I always here telling me to take care of my business, my family and most importantly REST.
Website: www.aziaranea.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aziaranea/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azia-whitted-694019183/
Other: https://www.instagram.com/power2pause/