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.

Amanda Mazarov | Breathwork Meditation Instructor

I used to think that balance was something you can get by following strict routines and productivity hacks. Week after week, I would wake up, go to the gym, work 9-5, prep healthy meals and see my friends on the weekends. From the outside looking in, it seemed like a pretty healthy, balanced lifestyle. Yet, as soon as life threw a curveball, I didn’t know how to cope, which left me feeling anxious and burnt out. Read more>>

Doug Kreeger | Multi-Hyphenate Creative Artist

When I last spoke with ShoutoutLA a year and a half ago, I explained that I had reframed “risk-taking” as “taking a leap-of-faith,” and I felt sure that no matter how large the leap, I would always land on my feet thanks to my support system. Well since then, I’ve taken some major leaps, starting with the decision to close my pet care business PetProGo in April and to enroll in a Masters of Fine Arts program at Loyola Marymount University here in LA. Read more>>

Brian Gee | Film Editor

Ever since I started doing freelance work as early as 2015, I’ve over booked myself in favor of making new contacts and impressing new filmmakers. In 2022, I still over book myself; but I’m trying to make a better effort to turn work down now that my network has expanded. Read more>>

SEWING FENG | Illustrator&Artist

When I was in graduate school, assignments naturally divided my time into chunks; my time was easy to schedule; I would begin working on an assignment as soon as I got it and spent the rest of my time resting, going to exhibitions, or watching movies. When I got my first job, I became procrastinated , which caused me to be pressed for time before the deadline, but luckily I finished it, those days I was really stressed. I promised I would start work as soon as I received my work instructions in the future. The most challenging part of freelancing is that you have to organize everything yourself: Read more>>

Hannah Manocchio | Owner of Snakes + Acey’s (print shop)

As an artist who runs a small business based on their own artwork and craft – work/life balance is near impossible. Artists do not have the ability to “turn off” their creative brain. You are an artist from the moment you wake up and into your dreams. As a small business owner – every moment you are not working is a moment you are losing money, time, and opportunity. Additionally, when your business is based on your artwork – your brand is yourself, your life, and your everything. Read more>>

Melissa Ellis | Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist, Pregnancy Safe Coach®, and Fascia Floss™ Trainer

When I decided to start my own business, I left behind a 9-5 job in my former career. I wanted to be able to “make my own schedule” and spend more time with my family. What I didn’t realize going into it, is that when you work for yourself – and love what you do – work is always on your mind and it can overwhelm your day and creep into your personal time. Read more>>

Ebony Jeanette | Heavy Metal Music Publicist & Owner of

Early in my career, I had no work life balance and I heavily subscribed to the “no days off, hustle/grind culture.” This was toxic at best and left me with multiple stress induced stomach ulcers as I worked nonstop and never took time for myself. It was not until I was years into my career as a publicist that I started to feel the dreaded “burnout” creeping up inside of me and ultimately I had to have a “keep it real with myself moment” and understand that the work itself will always be there, but if I am not showing up as a whole, complete person who can turn it on as well as turn it off when needed; Read more>>

Homan Diba | Dr. Homan Diba, D.C is the Senior Staff Doctor and Director of the Align Clinic.

Having a young family has really forced me to prioritize my personal and professional life Read more>>

Stacey Lewis | Founder/CEO/Chief Influencer of HR Interrupted.

Honestly, I am not a fan of the phrase, “Work/life Balance”. For me, that typifies, that one is more important than the other. I prefer “Life/Work Blend”. I start with the word life, because I want to inspire folks to live AND work, not WORK then live. Secondly, when the relationship between the employer and employee is one of trust, substance and open communication, there is no need for a balance, but a more harmonious blend. What do you mean by that, Stacey? Meaning what is important to an employee (e.g., family, personal time, professional development), should be equally important to the employer, and vice versa. What is important to the employer (e.g., strong deliverables, employee engagement) should be important to the employee. There lies the blend. Read more>>