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

Hi Leslee, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance is so important to me and is a huge part of what I help other people do. At the end of the day, it’s knowing my boundaries and how to stick to them in a respectful way.

When I first had my daughter I was only starting out building my own business. As most people know having a newborn is something no one can really prepare you for. After the initial shock, I realized that my ‘balance’ was going to look a lot different from everyone else. I was taking calls on walks, working on courses during nap time, and still enjoying all the first steps, words, and other milestones.

Now that my daughter is a toddler, my balance is still taking advantage of nap time to get work done, including her in my daily movement, letting people help out where they can, and having set times without my phone so I can fully enjoy my husband and daughter.

I believe that balance is different for everyone. It isn’t always fancy spa days alone, staying in bed all day, or taking week long vacations. I believe that it’s finding what fills you up, and adding that in to your schedule routinely.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a health and wellness coach I help people lose weight and gain energy without a crazy diet. Meaning, I help my clients change their habits and behaviors so that being healthy is just something they do, they don’t even have to think about it.

I got to where I am now because I am a former teacher who was teaching elementary aged kids who were already on an unhealthy path. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t know any better and I could only influence them so much. I knew that if I wanted to make a change I had to start at home with their parents. If we don’t have our health, we truly can not do anything else.

Once I became a mom myself, I knew that I wanted to make a big impact on the health of our community. It definitely isn’t always easy, but seeing clients feel better, lose weight, enjoying life, it makes it all worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Itinerary for a week long trip with my bestie would look something like this!

Monday- Wake up and start the day with a nice long walk on the greenbelts, followed up with a tasty breakfast from First Watch. Later that afternoon we would go to The Beehive Boutique for a potting workshop at their plant bar.

Tuesday- Start the day with a sweaty workout at Planet Beach Kingwood! Most likely a spin class in their sauna.. After, we would go grab a protein shake from Coco Crepes and enjoy it on Lake Houston.
Afternoon plans would consist of some creativity at Pinsperation Kingwood with possibly the splatter paint room.

Wednesday- We would venture into the Woodlands to shop and have lunch at Flower Child. Since we would be in the area we would get adjusted by the very talented Dr. Jeffery Fiero at Spine and Sports Therapy.

Thursday- I’d probably let her sleep in but make sure we were up and moving to get to Poke Yanna for lunch to build our own Poke bowl. That afternoon we would hit up the Kingwood Farmers Market so she could meet my favorites and try all the goodies they offer. Starting off with Hidden Treasure Gardening to meet Thad and grab their Microgreens, then Krystal or “the Jelly girl” to get some of her spicy pickles and jelly, and since we’d be in downtown Kingwood we would also have to stop by the Taste of Gnome for some gourmet cookies!

Friday- We wake up bright and early to go workout at Legacy Fitness with Jason. After we recover from our workout then we’d head over to Monarch Health and Wellness Boutique so we could shop their mind body and planet safe products and chat with owner Rachel. That evening I’d have Dom and Chef Adrian with In House Chefs come cater a fun dinner party!
At this point she will probably never want to leave.

Saturday- Would start with brunch at Di Maria, a walk by the lake, and then have Kim from Le Petit Cochon come do an in house Charcuterie Board making class!

Sunday- She would decide to move here and fly home to pack her things.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There has been a few key people who have helped me get to where I am now. One of them being my husband, he is the one who always listens to my ideas and supports them even when he doesn’t understand how I’m going to do it.

The other main support, encouragement and efforts are from my own coaches from Eliminate Your Limits. They keep me learning, growing, and staying consistent even when things get tough.

Lastly, although she can’t give me all the support an adult could.. my daughter has been a big motivation for me to keep going to show her that, anything truly is possible with the right mindset.

Website: https://linktr.ee/lwwl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwellwithleslee/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslee-fontenette-624a5672

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslee.fontenette

Image Credits
Angi Lewis Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.