Meet Raven Thornton | Soft Life Advocate; owner of Ava Marie and The Soft CEO Series

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

Hi Raven, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over time, my work life balance has changed as I’ve gained more experience and a better understanding of what works best for me. When I was just starting my career, I often found myself working long hours and sacrificing my personal life to get ahead. However, as I’ve grown more experienced, I’ve come to realize the importance of setting boundaries and making time for the things that matter most to me outside of work.

I think about work life balance as a constant balancing act, where I’m always trying to find the right balance between my professional and personal life. For me, this involves setting clear boundaries around my work hours and making time for the activities and people that are important to me outside of work. I also try to be mindful of my own needs and make sure to take breaks and recharge when I need to. Overall, I believe that achieving a healthy work life balance is crucial for both personal and professional success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for redefining self-care, I’ve always been passionate about the art of living a soft life. After experiencing a personal transformation, I discovered that the conventional definition of “Soft life” was limiting and in need of an upgrade. Determined to revolutionize the concept, I embraced a holistic approach to self-care that went beyond pampering and indulgence, focusing on nurturing the mind, body, and soul.

Inspired by my journey of self-discovery, I founded Ava Marie, a luxury candle line that embodies my philosophy of living a soft life. and The Soft CEO Series that inspires women to be able to balance both a successful business and self care.

My mission with Ava Marie and The Soft CEO Series is not just to create luxurious products, but to empower individuals to prioritize self-care and embrace the soft life as an essential part of their daily routine. Through my brand, I hope to inspire a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of self-care, mindfulness, and intentional living. Today, I continue to be an influential figure in the world of luxury self-care, sharing my wisdom, experience, and the transformative power of living a soft life with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you have a week to show your best friend around Atlanta, here’s an itinerary that will guarantee a great time:

## Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Atlanta

– **Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room:** Start the trip with some classic southern comfort food at this iconic restaurant in Midtown.
– **Centennial Olympic Park:** Take a stroll around this public park that was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and enjoy the beautiful fountains and sculptures.
– **World of Coca-Cola:** Get a taste of the world’s most famous beverage and learn about its history at this interactive museum.
– **SkyView Atlanta:** End the day with a bird’s-eye view of the city from a Ferris wheel located in the heart of downtown.

## Day 2: Nature and Art

– **Breakfast at Highland Bakery:** Fuel up for the day with some delicious breakfast at this local favorite.
– **Atlanta Botanical Garden:** Spend the morning exploring the beautiful gardens and the tropical conservatory.
– **Piedmont Park:** Have a picnic lunch in Atlanta’s largest park and enjoy the scenic views of the skyline.
– **High Museum of Art:** Spend the afternoon admiring the impressive collection of art from around the world at this renowned museum.
– **Dinner at Gunshow:** Satisfy your taste buds with some creative and delicious small plates at this trendy restaurant.

## Day 3: History and Culture

– **Breakfast at West Egg Café:** Start the day with some delicious Southern-style breakfast at this popular diner in West Midtown.
– **Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site:** Learn about the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and visit his birthplace, church, and tomb.
– **Atlanta History Center:** Explore the history of Atlanta and the South at this museum and historic site.
– **Lunch at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q:** Dig into some mouth-watering BBQ at this local institution.
– **Center for Civil and Human Rights:** End the day with a thought-provoking visit to this museum that highlights the struggle for civil and human rights around the world.

## Day 4: Shopping and Nightlife

– **Breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Café:** Enjoy some fluffy biscuits and other Southern favorites at this Atlanta staple.
– **Ponce City Market:** Spend the morning shopping at this historic building turned mixed-use development, featuring unique stores and restaurants.
– **Krog Street Market:** Head over to this popular food hall for lunch and try some of the best bites in the city.
– **BeltLine Trail:** Walk off the calories and explore the city on this scenic trail that connects several neighborhoods.
– **Dinner and Drinks in Buckhead:** End the day with a night out at some of the city’s best bars and restaurants in this upscale neighborhood.

## Day 5: Day Trip to Stone Mountain

– **Breakfast at Home Grown:** Start the day with some delicious southern-style breakfast at this cozy diner in Reynoldstown.
– **Stone Mountain Park:** Spend the day exploring this scenic park that features the world’s largest exposed granite monolith, hiking trails, and other attractions.
– **Lunch at The Village Corner German Restaurant & Bakery:** Recharge with some hearty German food at this charming restaurant.
– **Sunset at Stone Mountain:** End the day with a beautiful sunset view from the top of the mountain.

## Day 6: Sports and Entertainment

– **Breakfast at Ria’s Bluebird:** Enjoy some tasty breakfast classics at this popular spot in Grant Park.
– **CNN Studio Tour:** Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world headquarters of CNN and learn about the history of the network.
– **Mercedes-Benz Stadium:** Catch a game or a concert at this state-of-the-art stadium that features a retractable roof and stunning views of the skyline.
– **Dinner at Bacchanalia:** Indulge in some fine dining at this upscale restaurant that offers a seasonal menu of contemporary American cuisine.

## Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

– **Brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen:** End the trip with some delicious brunch at this cozy restaurant that offers Southern comfort food with a twist.
– **Spa Day at The Ritz-Carlton:** Relax and unwind with a luxurious spa treatment at this elegant hotel in Buckhead.
– **Departure:** Say goodbye to Atlanta and your best friend, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Atlanta has so much to offer, and this itinerary only scratches the surface. Other fun and exciting places to check out include the Georgia Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Martinis & IMAX event at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my mom, Shanterria Earley, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout my journey. Her love and belief in me has been invaluable in helping me stay motivated and focused on my goals. I would also like to recognize my business coach Monrae who has challenged and inspired me to grow both personally and professionally. Their guidance and feedback have been instrumental in helping me develop my skills and achieve success in my career. Ultimately, I believe that success is a team effort, and I am grateful to everyone who has played a part in my journey so far.

Website: www.shopavamarie.com www.thesoftceo.com

Instagram: @saypoca @shopavamarieco @softceoseries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raven.thornton.505