Our community is filled with hard-working, high achieving entrepreneurs and creatives and so work-life balance is a complicated, but highly relevant topic. We’ve shared some responses from the community about work life balance and how their views have evolved over time below.

Renae Garcia | Model & public figure

My biggest contributor to my success are my daughters, proving to them that you don’t need the “perfect look” to make it in the modeling industry that being confident in your own skin can take you along way. Read more>>

Cherylyn Lavagnino | Choreographer and Artistic Director of Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance

I entered dance because it was a place where I found joy and peace. I found the practice very nourishing and deeply engaging and something that could be my own independent pathway. I trained seriously in ballet with many inspiring and knowledgeable mentors. With time I was privileged to have a satisfying professional career as a ballet dancer performing the Classics, the work of George Balanchine as well as many outstanding contemporary ballet choreographers. Read more>>

Ashley McDaniel | Hairstylist Specializing in Custom Color & Blonding #HairByAshleyMcDaniel

For me personally, the most important factor for success that I lead with not only in my career, but life in general is put God first, always. Even on my hardest day, Gratitude and thanking God is what drives me to keep going. My career has been extremely blessed over the past four years, and I truly believe having the right mindset to always focus on blessings vs obstacles is key. There will always be obstacles, it’s how we handle the hardships that matter. And, I can never mention enough that without my absolutely amazing clientele, who have become family to me is why I’m even here. Being able to connect with people on a personal level is important in my industry. I strive to be an artist that truly listens to my guests requests. I do what they ask me to do, within reason of course, that I know will not compromise their hair. And if they request something that I know could damage their hair, I communicate all options and find a solution and common ground. Presenting choices that are safe and achievable is important. But, it’s all about communicating effectively and educating my guests. When you sit in my chair, you’re receiving a custom curated experience. I want you to be in love with your hair and not only look amazing, but feel fabulous! My clients are some of the most respectful, genuine and supportive women I’ve ever met. And I’m extremely grateful for their loyalty and the fact they choose to give me their business. Also, social media is extremely important in my industry. If you are not using the free platforms to your advantage, You’re missing out on a ton of opportunity to promote yourself and your business. While social media can be overwhelming at times, I’m thankful for the free advertising for my business. And my amazing family, always supporting me and my visions are something I also thank God for daily. Having a good support system with any business is a blessing in itself. Read more>>

Chloe Clemente | Solo Artist | Rock Star

I would say the biggest factor is staying positive, and contributing a little every day. A good attitude goes a long way, it has kept me from burnout and opened me up to new amazing opportunities! A HUGE contribution to my positivity is having good people in my life, I thank God every day for my friends and family. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders (and critics), and push me to be the best I can be every day. I also work with creative cultivator Brianna Ruelas, she has given me so many resources and has helped me to achieve balance throughout my music career this year. I couldn’t do what I do without the people around me and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next year! Read more>>

Laura Botelho | Interior Designer

I think the number one factor that makes me and my company successful is the fact that I AM just like my clients and I relate to them as I design for them. I am the mom who has to think about function, budget, performance AND style when taking on a design. My mission is to create “style for all lifestyles” and at least 90% of my clientele have to work within a set budget. I make it my mission to create their Pinterest dreams and give them a Restoration Hardware look on a Homegoods budget. Read more>>