By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance.  Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day.  We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Lizz Luckhart Schleifer | Designer

Having owned my own business for over 20 years, while also being a parent to 3 kiddos- work life balance is something that has taken me time to acheive. When I first started my business, I had 3 children under 4, and honestly, it was crazy. There was no balance, lol ! As my children got older, my business evolved, I went from work at home, to brick and mortar, to back to working from home. I have even taken breaks from work when I felt burnout coming on. I’ve learned that I needed to give myself grace- when I needed a break. It took me time to realize I would keep burning out if I didn’t; So here are a few things I’ve implemetd in my life to at least TRY and get some work life balance, 1) Set boudaries- this comes with answering phone calls, emails, text, even scheudling I don’t take in-person meetings on Fridays anymore- that has been a game changer for my mental health 2) Set priorities by making a to-do list everyday and look at that list and decide what is most important task and go from there 3) It’s OK to say “No” this includes even clients. If a job is not a good fit- its better to say no- then get yourself into a situation that you will regret 4) Schedule everything- establish a routine as much as you can- it will make you more effective in each task of the day. 5) Its ok to take time off! As hard as it is- you have to have rest or you will not be productive or focused at work! It’s an ever evloving method but this is what is helping me achieve the most balance I’ve had in years of owning my own small business! Read more>>

Lakesha Quarles | Community Advocate-Author

Finding the perfect work-life balance is a constant journey that evolves over time. As a doula, business owner, mom, and instructor, my balance has shifted as my responsibilities and priorities have changed. I used to struggle with juggling all my roles, but as I’ve grown and learned to prioritize self-care and boundaries, I’ve found a better equilibrium. Read more>>

Tiffany Colon | Cookie and Charcuterie Artist

Work life balance is a hard one and I imagine that most female business owners feel the same. In addition to my small business (She Shed Cookies & Boards), I have a doctorate and manage a very corporate role, and I am also a single mom to an almost three-year-old. I am still learning to “perfect” the balance so I am not cranking out cookies at 2AM, but inevitably, I find myself at 2AM trying to wrap up just one more set. In the chaos of the orders, I lean into feelings of gratitude that clients entrust me with their most sacred events – a rainbow baby shower, a twins 81st birthday, a bachelorette in the mountains – those are just a few of the orders I’ve taken this week. It’s really an honor. The quiet morning hours are also some of the calmest, so I find a lot of beauty in that, as well. Some key things I’ve done to have a better balance are: begrudgingly declining last minute orders and sticking to a 3 day timeline (bake/flood, decorate, dry/package). It is an acquired skill to say “no” or “not this time”, but the clients who know the quality of my work are very understanding and respect both the intricacy of my work and the time it takes to produce it. Read more>>

Dr. Verlisha Goins | Family Nurse Practitioner

It’s really true what they say about working for yourself, it’s non stop and you literally eat, sleep and breathe your brand. However, since starting my own business and giving up my W2 job, I’ve felt the most free I’ve ever felt. I have complete control over my schedule and can be there for my patients while also being present for my kids. I think the most important factor is communication. Being open and upfront with my patients have allowed them to be very understanding when I need to be off. Being strategic and planning ahead has also been paramount in keeping my patients happy and taken care of. I prefer the term work life harmony because I don’t think the two can ever be “balanced” since one means more to me than the other, but they must be able to work together in harmony and I think I’m starting to master that along the way. I truly want my patients to understand I’m human just like them and inspire them to prioritize themselves. Read more>>

Charlise Mills

Work-life balance is something that has evolved significantly for me over time, especially as a mom to both a teenager and a young child. When I first started my real estate career, my focus was primarily on building my business and establishing myself in the industry. As my family grew and my children’s needs changed, I realized the importance of creating a balance that allows me to be fully present both at home and in my work. Read more>>

Candy Spearman

When I first started my career as a hairstylist, I didn’t have a good work-life balance. I worked whatever hours the salon owner set, even if that meant staying at the salon without any clients. That was unproductive and disheartening. I have three children, so I needed to create a schedule that works for my family. I no longer work late evenings or weekends, and I’ve come to realize that’s perfectly fine. The clients who can visit me during my available hours are the ones who are a good fit for my services. I’m grateful to now have the flexibility to work the hours that suit my life and my family’s needs. Read more>>