We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Carranza and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Learning how to balance being a C.E.O , wife and mother has been such a big challenge over the years. It helped that we have a great support system and props to our husbands for helping or stepping in when we had late work days. But as you grow a company it’s vital to learn balance. It’s very easy to keep going and leave behind other priorities that are important, because you’re focusing on your business 24/7 things can get missed and lost in the process of building your brand and business. With time we have learned to delegate, and pass off things that don’t need our absolute attention and have our amazing employees handle it. It frees your time up to really do what you need to do that we wouldn’t have gotten to because we were so busy doing it all, when help was there all along. It allowed us to have time to think of bigger projects, ideas and ways to grow the brand. “ Balance is super important … so much so I got it tattooed on my wrist as a reminder when I’m working late or I’m in overdrive that I need to pause, think of what I need to do now and take it slow so I don’t burn out. “ – Michelle
When we think about balance we think about what needs to get done that day. We start off by not answering emails as soon as we wake up. The first hour of the day is to ourselves to wake up, refresh, pray or do a daily devotional and then we can check emails. Making a list of immediate action items from the business and crossing them off. Once those are crossed off for that day then we know the rest of the day can be handled at a different pace. Having set work hours helps separate your day from work mode to mom mode. Realizing that not every email needs to be answered right away or even that day. Knowing that if something didn’t get done … it’s ok. The world isn’t going to stop just because we didn’t take a product shot or forgot to email or post on social media. And lastly.. weekends are off limits . It’s family time and no work is done unless there is a major time pressing issue. But for the most parts weekends are for us to refuel For the week.
What should our readers know about your business?
Bracha is a glam and trendy with substance and heart. With a passion to help end human trafficking, Sayra and Michelle not only offer trendy and glamorous jewelry but also donate a portion of the proceeds to eliminate human trafficking. Their commitment is to make jewelry accessible to everyone and to create styles that can be worn no matter what the current trend is. What separates us from a lot of jewelry brands is our substance and heart to help in the fight against human trafficking. We’ve given back since day 1 of our business. We’re proud to have our brand of jewelry sold in over 500 boutiques Nation wide and even have the # jewelry sku at Nordstrom . It’s been a long hard working road but the fruit of our labor is finally paying off. We can’t wait for the day when BRACHA can fully fund a safe house or house(s) for children and victims of human trafficking who have been rescued.
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?
Visit San Martin for a yummy breakfast with a cool vibe. The restaurant is picture goals and love how it makes you feel like you’re not in Dallas. We would hit up Clyde warden for some down time and maybe even do some snacks on the lawn with the some wine and enjoy conversations. Paradiso for dinner … I’m all about places that transport you to another place or make you feel alive. But if it’s a tacos mood, then La Ventana is the spot for tacos and margs inside or outside their patio.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to our family and husbands who were our biggest cheerleaders and who believed in us from our very small beginnings. Thank you to bride ministries, global renewal for daily prayer over our business. And our staff Aka BRACHA babes that are the motor of the brand.. we love and appreciate each one of you.
Website: https://wearbracha.com/
Instagram: @wearbracha
Facebook: Wearbracha