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

Hi Melissa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My balance in work and life has definitely changed over time. When I first started my own business I had left another company and was in a habit of working a structured 9-5 schedule with frequent over-time. There were so many things that needed to be done to start my business that it seemed like I was always in work-mode. Energetically I was on an excitement-high and really pumped to hit the ground running so I didn’t mind working long hours to accomplish my goals.

Over time I learned to give myself permission to switch things up. If I had admin/editing work all morning, and a photo shoot late at night I would rest/play during the afternoon.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot about my Human Design, my energy levels, and my cyclical nature. This has shaped many of my decisions when it comes to what I consider balanced and how I plan my days, weeks, and seasonal schedule.

Now I know my limitations and what lights me up so well that when something is slightly off I am very in-tune and I know how to get back to a flow state pretty easily. There is a definite method to how I plan, but it is something that is infrequently ever the same! I guess that speaks to how humans operate though- we aren’t static – always adapting!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think that one of the things I have learned in the last year or two is that creativity bubbles up when you allow yourself to rest, and when you experience new things. It is easy to feel pressure to always be productive, and discipline and hard work have their time and place, but I can honestly say that my biggest realizations, and my most impactful decisions came during a time of rest or play.

This is a hard mentality to break- that “work doesn’t need to equal struggle or sacrifice”. Right now, I am most proud of this internal shift. I am opening up to more abundance and it feels really good to trust more and strive less. It is amazing the kinds of opportunities that can flow to you when you believe and let go.

Art has always led me down this path to finding a deeper meaning in life and to self-realizations. I have questioned my path along the way many times but always kept coming back to photography and creating. I guess we just have a soul purpose and creating is definitely mine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well it would totally depend on what the person likes!

But if it were me, I would say you obviously need to visit the beach -duh! And some of my fav sightseeing would be Rainbow Row, White Point Garden, and the Angel Oak Tree. Kayaking on Shem Creek, and Magnolia Plantation for historical tour.

Restaurants – I mean there are so many…! Quintessential Charleston is Southern, BBQ and Seafood. Rodney Scotts bbq, and Sullivan’s Island Fish Camp are my favs for that. Peninsula Grill’s Coconut Cake has won all sorts of awards for good reason. But my personal favorite restaurants would be Pink Bellies – OG Noodles, Five Loaves – Goat Cheese Portobella Mushroom Burger, and Basic Kitchen’s cauliflower wings and fries. My husband and I also love to get oysters at Citrus Club rooftop bar with a view of the city/sunset and breakfast/coffee at Owl Bear in Mt. Pleasant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to dedicate this to my husband Paul who is my constant cheerleader. He is the one person who sees all the little decisions and changes I’ve made over time and who never misses the opportunity to make me feel seen. When I am trying something new and standing on shaky legs he always is right there in the middle of it, being a sound board for my monkey mind and validating me through my discomfort!

Website: www.melissamileyphotography.com

Instagram: @MelissaMileyPhotography

Facebook: @MelissaMileyPhotography

Yelp: Melissa Miley Photography

Other: The Knot and Wedding Wire – Melissa Miley Photography

Image Credits
All photos taken by Melissa Miley Photography

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