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.

Shanell Bradley | Lifestyle Blogger, Content Creator, & Influencer

At first, I didn’t believe in work-life balance. I just believed that you needed to work “overtime” in order to get what you want and succeed in life. In my mind, there was no time for “fun”. Soon I realized this mindset was not beneficial to my health or my mental health. I began missing out on being present with my family and friends and even myself. Now, I really rely on my planner and I schedule my balance out. I give myself time to work but then I also give myself time to play because you have to have the balance of both or else you WILL burnout. Balance is essential to living a happy and healthy life. I believe in being effective when I work and I do that by taking out the time to pour back into myself. By doing that, I am not only able to perform better in my business and in my career but can show up as a better person, friend, family member and leave my contribution to the world. Read more>>

Adriel Joy Thurston | Writer, Photographer & Marketer

Before deciding to be my own boss, I worked 60-80 hours a week to make another boss (or two) more money, but very rarely earn more myself. There is a lot of security in working for a company, another person, etc. I decided that my dreams could be a reality if I put more effort into them to make me place boundaries on my day job so that I could work towards my personal goals. Now I am working the same amount, but I am investing in myself, my dreams, crossing off personal goals and headed towards the ultimate dream of being on my own completely. Being a star chaser is not easy, and you must make many sacrifices along the way. Less time spent with loved ones, less TV binging, more time at the computer, researching, producing around the clock. It will feel like you have zero balance for a while. You will live in a constant state of stress and tiredness. You will question why you’re doing this. But it will all be worth it in the end. The easy stuff isn’t usually the good stuff; the hard stuff is, or everyone would do it. Read more>>

Liyah Iman | Singer & Songwriter & Producer

When I first started making music, I would go so hard. I would finish 4 songs in a day and want to perform then that same day. When I had my first creative burnout and couldn’t work daily on what I loved I realized that in order to have longevity in this business you have to find a balance. To be a creative and make money from it you have to have a balance of work, play, and experience. Work; meaning that you have put in action to get to the next step. Play; meaning without relaxation and fun your passion might just turn into a job you hate. Experience; meaning the more you see, the more you can share, and the more you can share, it makes it easier to create! At first I was all work and experience. Now that i have incorporated some play into my balance I think I’ve found the perfect rhythm. I was able to produce an entire album and write all the lyrics for it as well; and guess what?! I DIDN’T BURN OUT! I thinking finding balance is truly the key to mastering life on earth!. Read more>>

Toi Henderson | Model & Interior Stylist

“ I’ve learned that you can’t have everything and do everything at the same time. – Oprah Winfrey When I first saw this quote I was struggling trying to figure out the balance of doing what I love and working a 9-5 to pay the bills. I haven’t mastered it just yet, but I’m working towards a medium. Read more>>