What’s the right balance between work and non-work time? The traditional 9-5 has slowly disappeared with the emails and zoom and texting going far beyond traditional business hours. We asked members of our community to share with us how they think about work-life balance.

Kim Hix | Health, nutrition, fitness coach

I think it’s my ability to make ppl feel comfortable, at ease, and honesty.. I’m upfront and honest with ppl, along with my long career in this field, almost 20 years. I have a good reputation in my community, most of my clients have been with me many years, 10, 7, 4 years, they trust me and know I sincerely want to help them. Read more>>

Erika Krauze | Hair artist/stylist

Always staying consistent, reliable, and passionate. I’m aware that’s three, but it goes hand in hand… (in hand) Clients want to know they can trust you, that you’re there, and not going to flake, cancel or disappear. They love to see you inspired, and enjoying being there too. Read more>>

Max DiNatale | Owner, Max DiNatale Digital Marketing

Pleasing clients – specifically going above and beyond – is the most important factor to success for me. A client that may start with one purchased service may add services two, three, four, and five because you did such a great job on the first. Not only this, but they’ll also recommend you to friends and business contacts. I know some people say you should charge for every single thing you do – but I don’t think like that. I think going above and beyond, adding little extras here and there, is something clients will remember in their perceived value of you. Read more>>

Kate Furman | Jewelry Designer, Goldsmith, Owner

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is authenticity through my story and the aesthetics and craftsmanship of my handmade jewelry. Read more>>

Alores Norris | Pro Makeup Artist, Author, & House of Flawless Creator

The most important factor behind my success is consistency. You have to be consistent in every way possible when it comes down to your business, and with my brand and business I am always consistent. Read more>>

Chelsea Thomas | Fiber artist

The most important factor of my success is staying true to my brand and my style. Sometimes my co-worker aka my mom and I clash over what I should make next. We have different styles and visions for things and just because I can or could probably figure out how to make it, I ask myself do I want, does it match my vision, and is it true to my brand. I don’t want my work to become a knickknack, or just a version of a hobby, I want it to be seen as luxury cozy home decor. Read more>>

Dionne Sandiford | Thread Master

The most important factor is that I did not give up. There were times when the business hit hard times such as: low cash flow, not enough staff, decrease in orders, COVID and these area few examples, I still did not give up. These were the times when I had to hang in there and figure it out. I prayed to God and would talk to Him and say “You did not give me this dream of having my own business for me to fail, so what are we going to do to get through this tough time?” I do not want to be cliche and make it seem that saying your prayers is all that is needed. It does make you stay focus, lets you know who is in charge and forces you to think about how to make things work. If you have faith and know that what you are doing is in line with your purpose and not just your passion and you are obedient – Then you know things will work out. Read more>>

Aerial Ambitions | Aerial Silks and Lyra Instruction

We attribute the growth of Aerial Ambitions to meeting our clients where they are at on their fitness/aerial journey and helping them achieve their goals in a fun, safe way. We believe that the aerial arts can be a way for people to grow their fitness, share their emotion through movement and just have a good time. Our goal is to understand our students’ goals and help them achieve them. Read more>>

Khalil Simon | Media influencer

As cliché as it sounds it’s true, Hardwork and dedication. Whats success without work ? It’s just another dream, i wouldn’t even call my situation success, im nowhere near where i wanna be i got a long way to go and i know that, im day and night with my brand it’s all i know right now besides my day to day life, all i wanna do is work it’s like im addicted to it enough is never enough for me, i gotta go hard at everything and that’s what im gonna do, i expect a lot of out myself. Read more>>

Kari Evans | Business Development Strategist

The most important factor behind my success is God! I firmly believe that if you seek ye first the Kingdom of God all the other things will be added to you. The success of my brand has been because of my firm beliefs in using Kingdom principles & strategies to build and elevate my business. Read more>>

Sheinata DeAnna Carn-Hall | Entrepreneur & African Jewelry Designer

The most important factor behind the success of Reflections African Jewelry LLC is that I have allowed myself to grow and change with the flow of the fashion industry. For instance since COVID many brick and mortar small businesses have closed. They have began to focus more on selling their products and services online. Many were already doing this but the trend has grown tremendously. As business owners we are all unique as far as how we present our offerings to the world. My choice was a dream that I have had for a long time. And that is to wholesale my products. Slowly my business goals are being achieved. Most of the clients that are purchasing wholesale are museums. That is so gratifying to me since my African jewelry designs are a type of style that combines African, Cherokee and folk art. Read more>>

Wit Morris | Boat Captain

It has difficult to set ourselves apart in an industry where everyone competes in a similar manner. For Blue Life Charters we decided to focus on a valuable portion of the experience. Instead of focusing on the aspect of sailing in the Charlestonm Harbor, we focus on the customer service experience while onboard. At the heart of Blue Life Charters is a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. To offer our guests the ultimate “Below Deck” service by going beyond the ordinary, ensuring that every charter is a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure. With a team of seasoned captains and crew, we navigate the waters with expertise and a deep love for sailing. But above all of this, they also offer their services in the form of the finest hospitality available while at sea. Read more>>

Ray Corley | Sneaker refurbisher

The most important factor for my brand success would be learning to be consistent with being persistent. The success comes with learning how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. You have to always understand that there will always be challenges, trials and tribulations. When you’re starting something from the bottom. When you have no blueprint. When you have to create the floor plan to build your foundation most of the time it’s going to be a long and you’re going to be very uncomfortable you have to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Read more>>

SHANE MONAHAN | FOUNDER/PARTNER PRIME BASEBALL LLC

Prime Baseball has been successful because of the hard work that we have put in behind the scenes. We are tireless workers for our players and put in a ton hours to make it a different and better experience for the families and players. Read more>>

Mark Prynkiewicz | Food Truck Owner / Operator

This year, we quietly celebrated our 5th year in business. I think the driving factor of our success has been that we’ve kept it simple, and we took a leap of faith. We aren’t trying to be anything we aren’t. We simply wanted to share Lola’s recipes, because they make people happy. It reminds people of home, and of their own Lola. In doing so, we’ve also created a family business, where we get to work and spend time together with our family. We have a focus on friendly customer service, because we really love what we do, and I think people can feel that appreciation. Read more>>

Kwanisha Carson | Cosmetology Instructor & Business Owner

The most important factor behind my business is Faith. It was a leap of faith that caused me to fully step into the beauty industry. I did hair for years but it was always as back-up plan and side work. Prior to this transition, I was working full time for the state. After being extremely stressed due to the work load I knew I had to make a change . It took a leap of faith to quit my full time Social Work Job and pursue hair/lashes full time. When I resigned, I had no plan nor did I have a job lined up. All the provisions and opportunities that led me to where I currently am came after I decided to step out on faith and allow God to direct the rest. It took a strong desire and resilience to continue to stay on course because there was so much opposition along the way. Read more>>

Miss Meka G | Certified Life Coach and Youtuber

The most important factor behind Beyond your Reflection is when I had to have a real life discussion with myself about myself, about how to deal with life when life starts taking you in a direction that you don’t want to go. I was in a very dark period of my life back in 2016. 2 years after that, I started my business. I didn’t have anyone to go to about what I was going through, so I decided to tell myself that it was time to change the narrative. In the midst of me going through things, my friends and family would ALWAYS come to me because I was the glue that would be able to hold things together. The voice of reason. The one who was able to help everyone else push through except myself. Read more>>

Meribeth Strickland | Newborn and Maternity Photographer

Self motivation and constant eduction are the keys to the success in my business. Being self employed means there is no one setting my schedule or following up on deadlines which sounds amazing AT FIRST! However, as you dive deeper into your business, you realize there is no one holding you accountable and that means it can be easier to slack off a bit. Letting things slide is not good for business, so I quickly learned I had to motivate myself to work EVERY day and set deadlines for myself which I had to meet. Working my business and devoting time to it has allowed it to grow and flourish. Along with the self motivation comes education. I could run a moderately successful business based on the knowledge I currently have, but if I want my business to grow, I have to continue to learn and grow. Read more>>

Kimberly Russo | CEO, Lead Brand Designer and Digital Course Creator for Creatives

It”s bringing peoples vision to life. As the leader at On Brand Designs I strive to get to know my clients and treat them like friends. Building a brand can be confusing and a lot of work. I try to take the stress out and make the process fun and enjoyable! By connecting to our clients and getting to know them it helps in creating more meanfigful designs. Designs my clients will love, be proud of and want to share with their audience. It is also the 20+ years of creating and design experience. Read more>>

Cristen Clark | Owner and Lead Photographer

It is simple!! I care about my couple and want to do my very best for them at all times. I know how important a wedding is and I know how important it is to capture every emotion and detail. This is not just a job for me, I want them to know that I am vested in them and the success of not only their wedding day, but their marriage! I am there to make them feel special and beautiful! I am going on 16 years in the wedding industry and I still get so excited before each wedding! This is how I know I still belong in the wedding industry! Read more>>

Lauren Jeffcoat | Yoga and Fitness Instructor, Energy Worker

I think the thing that makes Be Soulfish such a successfull brand is the honesty and integrity of the leaders and particpants. The group has grown organically and like attracts like. We have people from all ages, sizes and backgrounds but the thing that everyone has in common is kindness, acceptance and open mindedness. This makes anyone feel welcome coming to an event or class. It’s simply unacceptable for anyone to attend a yoga class for the first time and be made to feel inadequate. My goal is to make everyone feel more than welcome. I accomplish this by keeping classes light hearted and modifying for all levels of practice. Read more>>

Toni Gilliard | CEO & Founder

The most important factor behind my success/the success of the brand is discipline. I work on my business daily, even when we are not making money. I can truly say I am doing what I love. I research new markets and trends and also network to make connections. I tell as many people as possible about my brand and brand story. At times those connections are for venture capital funding, distribution in new markets, and/or entering new retail chains like Sam’s Club or Total Wine and More. Discipline is everything in business! Read more>>

Bridgette Loriaux | Writer/Director/Choreographer/Theatre & Film Artist/Co-Owner of 20/20 Chiroyoga & Yoga Therapist

It is always people, artists, creatives, humans first. Building strong, trusting, enduring relationships has always been the most important element in being a part of a theatre and film community. The people I have had the honor to meet and collaborate with; the mentors that have come into my life at various moments throughout my career; the audience members who have become friends and colleagues, that is paramount. Every single person in my life has contributed to my life’s work and I will forever be grateful and humbled by their existence. Read more>>