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

Hi Stefane’, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Vogue has asked some very thoughtful and provocative questions regarding balance. Over the years of maturation, I have gained an understanding of balance in that it is an ongoing learning process being that balance shifts in each season of your life. Balance has given me a deep sense of equilibrium, especially with the new events in my life.

For instance, embarking on this newfound journey of entrepreneurship has been one of the toughest challenges to balance while maintaining a full time-job, motherhood, and a fiancé. I had not grasped how time consuming maintaining a business would be and the effect it would have on things most important to me, my family and career. Now was my time to capitalize on missed opportunities due to many years of schooling; the opportunity to develop a routine that consisted of weekly lunch dates with my husband to be, evening strolls around the neighborhood with my son, along with brunching with my friends. The launch of my business shifted the trajectory, and my days now consists of time-consuming photoshoots, the never-ending search for inventory, to not speaking to friends or family for weeks. In such a short stretch of time balance had become a negative connotation and I had to shift my mindset because balance is needed in order to be mentally strong and emotionally ready.

Altering my mind set and prioritizing my time has brought on a new definition of balance in which I would define as the act of adjusting to one’s NEW lifestyle for the betterment to attain one’s mission in life regardless of what obstacles arise. Self-doubt, procrastination, disorganization, and forgetfulness were no longer an option. It was time to blossom back into that woman who is business like, retentive, and strategizes effectively for the success of my business all while balancing my career and family.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Strolling the streets of Dallas AKA, The Big “D” with my best friend would encompass a weeklong trip full of adventure!

Imagine waking up Monday morning and throwing on our Beyond Basic Shoulder Pad Dress from THE COLLECTION as you and your best friend grab Starbucks and prepare for a day of pampering. Glamour Nails & Lashes a locally owned salon in Heath, TX, a city right outside of Dallas, would be our first stop to get a manicure and pedicure to start a new and refreshing week. Ours brows will need to be snatched for the week hence our next stop to visit the best black owned brow shop in Dallas, BROW WIFEY. Danielle is the owner and brow master, and she never disappoints! Monday is our relax day, therefore we would end our day by visiting The Daiquiri Shoppe in Carrollton for some fried fish and of course a daiquiri.

Tuesday would be a continuation of pampering. Our day would consist of a hot stone massage at The Riveria Spa which is situated in the Knox-Henderson district followed by a visit to MYX Blend Bar Dallas to create our custom lip product for the weekend. Lunch and cocktails at Mi Cocina to follow.

Wednesday we would shop until we dropped at the best mall in Dallas, North Park Mall. Shopping is always followed by the two H’s, happy and hungry, thus sushi it is for the win from Kona Grill.

Thursday is all about dinner at Perry’s Steak House!

Friday would be some fun in the sun on a pontoon as we set sail on Lake Lewisville with Watertoyz, a locally owned company devoted to customer service and safety. Playing our favorite jams, enjoying some alcoholic beverages, admiring the homes off the lake, and getting some sand between our toes as we enjoy some Panera Bread along the way, only one word could encapsulate this day, VOYAGE. Friday is the beginning of the weekend, so its time to break out the heels and enjoy dinner at Pangea Restaurant and Bar. Cocktails and fine dining are essential to put an end to a terrific night!

Saturday is the perfect day to take a dip, resort style, at the Lorenzo Hotel. Rent a luxurious cabana surrounded by tall buildings and stunning scenery all while experiencing unlimited food and bottomless drinks.

Last day of the week is SUNDAY FUNDAY! 3 words, STIRR, DIBS ON VICTORY, and THE FREE MAN CAJUN CAFÉ & LOUNGE!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success is dedicated to my parents (Lisa & Steven Puckett), my grandmother (Juanita Bynum), and my fiancé (Russell Dunn III). The driving force behind my motivation is my son (Saxton Eli Dunn).

If I had to define my parents with one word, it would be UNMATCHED! My parents are impeccable, selfless, and my modern-day superheroes. My parents made countless sacrifices to ensure I had the best childhood which has now poured into my adulthood. The never-ending support, the encouraging words, to now taking on the role of grandparents, they have ceased to amaze me. It would require more than one lifetime to return the favor for what they have done and continuously do to ensure I am always their top priority. I just pray they are proud of all my accomplishments!

Juanita Bynum, my grandmother, has always been apart of my support system but most importantly these past two years she has become the puzzle piece that has held our puzzle together. With so many uncertainties during my pregnancy the last year of pharmacy school, my grandmother was extremely instrumental in lending a helping hand with raising my son. The selflessness she showed by uprooting her life to become our in-home nanny as my fiancé and I navigated through our journey to get where we are today brings tears to my eyes. I would not be where I am today without her!

To my fiancé, Russell Dunn III, who has made many sacrifices to ensure our family is always taken care has made me love him more and more each day. From countless trips to San Antonio during and after my pregnancy due to us living in two completely different cities, to him obtaining a second source of income while I studied for my board exams, are just two examples of what makes him is a true definition of an authentic man! My story would not be complete without him in between the pages.

Finally, to my son, Saxton Eli Dunn, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY REASON WHY. You are my world, the motivation behind my decision making, my sun during my darkest time, my EVERYTHING. God gave me his greatest gift when he gave me YOU. Mommy loves you!

God and my family receive all the recognition behind my success!

Website: makeroomthecollection.com

Instagram: @makeroomthecollection

Facebook: makeroomthecollection

Image Credits
ARyan Photography

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