Meet Christina Oneal | Founder, Dash Personal Assistant & Concierge Services

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

Hi Christina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
There was a point in time when I thought that there was a one size fits all approach to work-life balance. I assumed I could just figure out some schedule that worked to give equal amounts of time to the important components in my life. In the early days of starting my business, the problem became very apparent that this approach is not only unrealistic, but also ungratifying. I was somewhat obsessed with my work and extremely busy getting everything up and running. I believed that I had to hustle all the time to be successful. I know differently now. It’s being consistent with small tasks that move the needle forward and leads to big goals. In order to show up as your most productive self, you have to nourish the other areas of your life. I’ve learned to prioritize. I’ve learned when to say no. I’ve learned to pay attention to the things that truly recharge me and do more of those things. This doesn’t mean that I won’t have busy seasons that will throw the balance off a little; that’s totally normal. I will just get back to a place where I am able to give attention to all of the important areas of my life. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, I have learned to give gratitude and celebrate all the small successes along the way. This feeling of joy and achievement allows me to live a truly happy and balanced life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Dash Personal Assistant & Concierge Services because I was passionate about helping others to feel less stress in their everyday lives. I knew nothing about business and have had to learn a ton in just a few years. Still yet, I approach every new potential client with asking how can I help to make life easier and more enjoyable. Instead of trying to sell myself to them, I want to know how I can support families in a way that brings them peace and makes this community a wonderful place to live.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My most favorite thing about Houston is all the amazing food. You can spend an entire week here eating three meals a day and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface! A few places on the top of my list: Nancy’s Hustle (don’t skip the Nancy cakes with housemade butter, they are not overrated!), UB Preserve, Pondicheri, Local Foods (that garden sammie will make you wonder how veggies can taste THAT good!), Lopez Mexican Restaurant (a bit off the beaten path, but worth it), Barnaby’s also shouldn’t be missed; order a salad and have your friend get a burger so you can share. The fries are irresistable and save room for a brownie (haha, like you’ll have any room with those huge portions). A night out could also be spent in EaDo near the intersection of Dallas and St Emanuel St. Start with an old fashioned or g&t and appetizers at Miss Carousel, walk across the street to Truck Yard for a ferris wheel ride and see the beautiful lights of the city, grab a beer and a view of the Beatles statues at 8th Wonder Brewery, then end your night with a slice of pizza at Vinny’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a mom and a business owner means always balancing all. the. things. And no one understands that like another mom and business owner can. I wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the companionship, support and love from my dear friend (and sometimes biz collaborator) Jennifer Fairbanks with Jenni Fairbanks Designs. She totally gets it!

Website: www.dashanddone.com
Instagram: @dashanddone
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinaconeal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dashanddone
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dash-lifestyle-management-houston?osq=dash+personal+assistant