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.

Odunayo Majekodunmi

My Work life balance has changed tremendously over the last 6 years because I’ve been extremely focused on accomplishing a lot of goals. Before covid in 2019, I had a basic structured life with working a 9am to 5pm Corporate job and struggling to balance my dream of writing and producing my own projects. During covid in 2020, I became unemployed and I had plenty of free time. Therefore, I learned the value of using my time wisely.  Read More>>

Dan Sinclair

The biggest change to my work-life balance was the birth of my son. Back in the day, I could work a full day job shift, then write at a coffee shop until it closed without blinking an eye. Now, every minute I spend working when he’s not around feels like a missed father moment. At the same time, I know I need to find time to get the work done, so it’s a constant juggling act. Read More>> 

Keaver

Work-life balance used to feel like a finish line I could never quite reach—something I was chasing rather than living. In my early career, I poured myself into work with very little margin for my own joy. I thought success required constant motion. Over time, I’ve learned that real balance isn’t about splitting life into perfect halves—it’s about alignment. Now, I think of balance as a rhythm rather than a rule. Some seasons demand more of my voice and my time professionally, and others invite me to step back, rest, and nurture my personal life. I give myself permission to honor both. These days, balance means I work with intention, I rest without guilt, and I protect the spaces that allow creativity and love to flourish. It’s not perfect—but it’s mine, and it’s peaceful. Read More>> 

Olga Prepis

As a musician, especially early on, I thought constantly working; writing, recording, networking was the only way to “make it.” During my undergrad at Berklee, I poured myself into every opportunity: I was juggling gigs, sessions, school, and multiple leadership roles like club president and events manager. I loved being involved, but I didn’t realize I was burning out. I was saying yes to everything, constantly switching gears, and trying to prove I could do it all until I felt emotionally and creatively drained. Read More>>

Paige Hunter

I think about balance in phases rather than trying to maintain perfect daily balance. Since my fiancé Andre and I are both entrepreneurs in the grind together, we understand that some periods require 100% focus. Like when I’m solving a critical gym problem, prepping for an event, or in the middle of a bikini competition prep. During these phases, I’ll say no to social events and prioritize the business because it’s my biggest focus right now.  Read More>> 

Benedick Suharly

In my early years, I believed success came from constant motion and saying yes to everything, grinding through exhaustion, and tying my value to productivity. I wore burnout like a badge of honor. But as I matured, especially while reflecting on my long-term goals and career vision, I realized that pace without purpose is dangerous. Read More>> 

Michael Kellman

In the spirit of total honesty: I don’t have a work-life balance at all. I’m 27, so relatively early in my career, and I don’t have a wife or children. I work a day-job to pay the bills, and I work on my filmmaking. That’s more or less all that I do. I think if you’re a person with very ambitious career aspirations, it’s almost impossible not to have at least a period in your life where that balance is heavily weighted towards work. I’ve been in that period for a number of years now, and plan on remaining in it for at least a few more. I think it’s a lot easier to throttle back once you’ve established yourself in your field. But until that point there is, in a way, infinite work to be done. Read More>> 

Marley White

Work life balance..hmm. I’d have to say that’s an area I wouldn’t say I excel in. As a studio artist (sculptor) I get incredibly caught up in the studio and in the work I am making or intend to make. I used to work full time, go to the studio after and spend the weekends at the studio as well. I realized quickly that, although I was getting loads done, I wasn’t very happy. I’ve established that when I’m also going out dancing, seeing people I love, going off on raucous adventures, swimming in the ocean, etc. – working in the studio feels much better. I think I also end up making better work. It’s more a give and take these days. I’ll have periods of focus and intensity and periods where I’m balancing life and work more regularly. Read More>> 

Amanda Keys

Balance is something that I have to be extremely intentional about creating in my life! I like to think of it as finding harmony, because I don’t think everything will ever be perfectly balanced, and that’s okay. Every day calls for different priorities. As a working mom, there are so many ebbs and flows to my life. There are periods when work is super busy and I have to focus on that more than everything else. Other times, I get to prioritize spending time with my family. Then, there are times when I can get laser focused on building my brand.  Read More>>