Meet HANA CATLETT | Brand Consultant & Accountability Partner

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

Hi HANA, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I used to believe in balance. But I’ve come to realize that there is no such thing. There is only Rhythm & Reduction. Everyone has to find their daily rhythm and constantly find ways to reduce their workload. The truth is, we are all overworked, especially if we’re married with children. I now think of work/life balance as simply making sure you’re taking care of every area of you, whether that’s mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, career, finances, relationships, etc. Always making sure that no part of my life is too stressful, or too much to handle.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m the founder of Catlett Academy where I help people turn their creativity into a thriving career and design lives and businesses that are built with purpose, clarity, and real outcomes. What sets my work apart is that I don’t just focus on branding or business in isolation — I teach creatives how to structure every part of their vision, from internal alignment to external execution. My proprietary GET IT DONE system and F.O.C.U.S. method provide a step-by-step roadmap that blends mindset, structure, and action into a framework that actually gets results.

I’m most excited about how our academy has become a launchpad for people who feel stuck in life or overlooked in their industry. We’re not just about education — we’re about transformation. My clients and students walk away with real deliverables: their brand, business plan, content strategy, or even emotional breakthroughs that give them back their voice. That’s the work I’m most proud of.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

It definitely wasn’t easy. I started out designing beats and recording songs — I’ve always been a builder and a creator at heart. Over the years, I evolved into someone who builds entire systems — for businesses, brands, communities, and even educational institutions. I’ve helped launch everything from online academies and wellness brands to schools and senior living communities. But my path was filled with seasons of waiting, doubt, and pivoting.

Being the wife of a working actor and a mother of two, I had to learn how to design my life around both purpose and flexibility. There were moments where I had no blueprint, so I built my own. That’s what led me to create the GET IT DONE system — it’s the method I wish I had when I was trying to figure it all out.

I overcame challenges by staying committed to clarity. When things got hard, I simplified. I asked better questions. I stayed accountable. And I always leaned on my faith. Every setback sharpened my process — now I teach others how to turn theirs into progress, too.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
• Structure is spiritual. Designing your life with intention allows your gifts to flow freely.
• Clarity is kindness. To yourself, your team, and your audience. If people are confused, they can’t say yes.
• Creativity needs boundaries. Vision without execution is just a dream — I’ve learned how to turn ideas into action.
• People matter most. Whether it’s clients, students, or team members — I don’t build brands, I build people. The brand is the byproduct.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that you don’t have to stay stuck — not in your job, your creativity, your story, or your life. I believe you were born with ideas worth building, and my mission is to help you structure them into something real. I’ve lived through the waiting seasons, the identity shifts, the reinventions — and I turned all of that into a system that helps others build a life of clarity, confidence, and direction.

I’m not here to teach fluff. I’m here to teach people how to get it done.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve had a front row seat to both the grit and the glow of Los Angeles. Now that I’ve found a peaceful home base in the Valley, I lean into the balance of creativity, calm, and a little bit of luxury. If my best friend were visiting for the week, I’d curate the kind of experience that gives you the real rhythm of LA: style, soul, and good vibes only.

Day 1: Calabasas + Sunset Slowdown

We’d start easy with brunch at Blue Table in Calabasas — it’s charming, tucked away, and a local favorite. Afterward, we’d stroll through The Commons — grab a coffee at La La Land, window shop, and maybe bump into a celeb or two. In the evening, I’d take them to The Topanga Social for dinner — it’s like a food hall meets rooftop energy — great food, cool ambience, and perfect for kicking off the trip.

Day 2: Topanga Canyon Escape

We’d drive up to Topanga Canyon and do a light morning hike — Eagle Rock or Red Rock Canyon are stunning and not overly crowded. For lunch, we’d stop at Inn of the Seventh Ray, a dreamy outdoor restaurant tucked into the woods. Afternoon tea back at The Village in Woodland Hills — maybe a little shopping at Anthropologie or Vuori. Chill night in with wine and planning the rest of the week.

Day 3: Artsy DTLA Throwback

We’d head back to my old stomping grounds in Downtown LA. I’d take them to The Broad Museum, then walk over to Grand Central Market for tacos or ramen. We’d stop by The Last Bookstore (you have to see the tunnel of books) and end the day with rooftop drinks at Perch for sunset and city skyline views. If Woodspoon was still around, we’d definitely stop by.

Day 4: Malibu State of Mind

Beach day. We’d cruise up the coast to Malibu for brunch at Malibu Farm on the pier, walk along El Matador Beach, and maybe do a slow drive through the canyons on the way back. Dinner at Geoffrey’s or something low-key at Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine — feet in the sand kind of day.

Day 5: Design + Discovery

This would be our creative day. I’d take them to ROW DTLA for design inspo, coffee, and curated shops. Then maybe a visit to The Getty for some art and views. Dinner in West Hollywood — I love Catch LA or Gracias Madre for the vibe and the visuals.

Day 6: Spa + Studio Vibes

We’d do a self-care day — Burke Williams Spa in Woodland Hills for massages, then back to my place for a little vision boarding session or creative workshop. Maybe we do some content creation for her socials, talk goals, sip matcha, and just breathe.

Day 7: Sunday Reset

We’d finish the trip with a quiet morning walk around Lake Balboa or the trails near Upper Las Virgenes Canyon, then grab breakfast at Joan’s on Third. If there’s a farmer’s market or pop-up, we’re there. Then maybe an early dinner before sunset — Nobu Malibu if we’re feeling fancy.

I’ve found LA to be full of interesting people and layered stories — You don’t have to chase the noise to find the magic. Sometimes, it’s in the curated conversations, the soulful spaces, and the slow mornings. That’s the LA I’d want my best friend to experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Husband William Catlett has been an amazing blessing to me. He’s helped me face the things that kept me from becoming my best and challenged me to find Joy in the midst of the painful parts of life. He’s a visionary, leader, wonderful teacher and exceptional actor. He touches the hearts of all those he meets and make sure he takes the time to let people know that he sees them.

Website: www.hanacatlett.com | www.catlettacademy.com

Instagram: @hanacatlett @catlettacademy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-catlett

Image Credits
James Davis
Devin Hudson
Mikaiella Jones