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

Hi Meisha, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I think of balance, I visualize a vintage scale where weight is being evenly distributed on both sides to steady the scale. That is not my life. As a wife, working woman, and mother of two, balance is non-existent for me. Honestly, I’ve let go of trying to “achieve balance” and discovered that a harmonious existence is what I’m after. To live a harmonious life requires surrender and grace—I surrender to the reality that I can’t have it all or do it all at an equal capacity all at once, and I give myself grace on the days I miss the mark completely.

Harmony to me looks like accepting my limitations and creating healthy boundaries for life and all the responsibilities that I have. Now that I’ve dispelled the myth of balance for myself, my life has changed tremendously. I work within the parameters I have in this season of life, so that means keeping a project schedule that allows me to support my clients well and give my family the effort, presence, and attention they deserve.

The best way for me to live a harmonious existence is to admit I’m nothing without my planners and calendars! They are my guiding lights. I have no harmony without scheduling everything that’s important to me and my family, so if someone sees that as balance, I’ll take it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pen2Paper Editorial is a boutique editorial company that specializes in children’s and non-fiction book editing, poetry support, and creative writing services. I also provide resume writing services!

And I would say there are several things that set me apart from others. One of them is my consistent commitment to excellence. I make it my business to invest in my brand and my skillset so when people partner with me, they are working with someone who is just as committed to their project as they are. I strongly feel that it’s so important to give my clients the absolute best during their collaborative partnerships with P2P and because of that many of my clientele at the start of 2022 were return clients. I’m forever grateful to them for continuously entrusting me with their creative dreams and visions.

Another thing that sets me a part is the P2P children’s book formula that I’ve adapted. I’d love to go into detail about it, but it’s proprietary so if anyone is interested in learning more, I encourage you to visit my website and schedule a consultation or manuscript review to see how P2P’s unique approach will help you engage the young minds of today.

Partnering with children’s book authors truly inspires me, and the thing I’m most proud of brand wise are fruitful partnerships. I’m so honored that people have grown to trust and value the expertise I bring to their projects. I’m even more proud that people affectionately refer to my business as “P2P”; it feels like there’s a solid connection to the brand that I’m working to build. I’m also proud of my amazing branding photos—I launched P2P right at the beginning of the pandemic, and I wasn’t able to have a proper branding shoot. Once I was, I definitely feel like P2P actually became a brand, even though business is far more than pretty pictures. I’m most proud that I’m building a brand that is becoming synonymous with creativity and witty, yet honest advice. When people start sending DM’s about how my content has informed them of something they didn’t know or that my words were the “gentle kick in the pants” they needed, or suggestions for other grammar nuances that need in-depth coverage, it’s quite rewarding.

Even with all the rewards, nothing about being an entrepreneur is “smooth”—I’ve yet to meet a small business owner with a backstory set with sunny skies, glorious sunsets, and yacht-living right out the gate (though anything is possible in the age of the internet). Like many of those people, my journey has been colored with its fair share of disappointments and failures along the way. I started my journey with a dream, and quickly realized you need more than a dream to be successful in this industry. There have been a lot of lessons learned, and I’m so fortunate that I have a unique opportunity to continually forge my path as an entrepreneur. I’m excited for where the journey will take me.

And while I’m on my journey, I want to the world to know that I’m a resilient woman who has overcome many obstacles, experienced failures, and grieved losses unimaginable, and if I can overcome and take the leap, so can you.

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?
My best friend and I have a lot in common, and we could easily just sit around and chat all day, but we would also end up wandering around the city in search of the best sushi and seafood the metroplex has to offer.

To start our week long gal-cation, I’d have to invite my bestie to stay a few nights at my absolute favorite hotel in Dallas, the Omni. Of course, we could order room service and stay in, but I’m thinking we’d venture to Yardhouse for brunch to indulge in some cranberry mimosas and a yummy cinnamon roll! Oh, and biscuits, the biscuits there are so good!

We’d throw in some shopping and ice skating at the Galleria, because what’s a gal-cation without a little shopping and adventure? And then we’d take our talents over to Grapevine’s Harvest Hall. Not only does Harvest Hall give you a plethora of dining options, it’s also a super scenic with great hotels and view of the train station. Who knows, we might even catch a festival in the area.

I’d also have to take my bestie the Bishop Arts District. The Bishop Arts District has transformed into a swanky area, where restuarants and cocktails abound (lots of options for my vegan friends too)! You could really spend a few hours there.

Perhaps we’d go soak up some sun at Joe Pool Lake or find a boat party to enjoy on Lake Lewisville.

We’d end the week by visiting my favorite botanical garden in Fort Worth to spend some time in the koi fish garden, getting back to our zen and taking in the beautiful garden views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am extremely blessed because there are so many people I want to dedicate my Shoutout to, and I’ll start with my one-of-a kind family—to my phenomenal husband and children—y’all are my backbone, my biggest cheerleaders, and my fiercest supporters. I love you with every ounce of my existence.

To my loving Mommie and Daddy-o, thank you for creating a safe space for me to dream and watch you chase your own dreams as entrepreneurs. I’m forever grateful for your unconditional love, diligence, and support. I love you more than words could say!

To my incredible circle of sisters, no matter which moniker you hold: sister-cousin, sis, sissy, you know I love you deep. Without your affirmation and support, I wouldn’t have even taken this leap!

Last but certainly not least, I want to give a special shoutout to all the ladies of BEP. Your wisdom, encouragement, intelligence, and laughter keep me showing up each and every day. I’m so blessed to be a part of such a fantastic community!

Website: https://www.pen2papereditorial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2papereditorial/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meisha-mayo-163b5925/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pen2paperE

Image Credits
Raquel Angwenyi, Tia Ross

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