We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine Arian-Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Justine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I think balance is a myth. The reality is that we are constantly juggling multiple things at any given time and it’s nearly impossible to be in a state of balance. However, I believe that when we are honoring our values and priorities, we can feel balanced. As a mom to four children, a wife, a business owner, Vice President of a non-profit and employee, I am constantly trying to find a sense of balance and harmony. I have learned that when I give my full attention to one area of my life, that area thrives. It’s a constant choosing and re-choosing what to give my attention to at any given time, based on what my current priorities are. I’ve learned to answer the inner call which has helped me feel more balanced and has increased my satisfaction. I used to think I had to achieve balance which had me feel like I was always doing things wrong because it felt impossible. I held myself back from being effective in any given area because I spread myself thin trying to achieve a state of balance, and I judged myself harshly for it. Once I learned that I could achieve a sense of balance not because things actually were balanced, but by changing how I perceived balance, it gave me peace and the ability to reach more of my potential.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business as a women’s empowerment coach has evolved over the years. I began by working with expecting women, then new moms, mompreneurs, leaders and change-makers and today work with teens and young women in building their confidence and leadership abilities. I work with women in a variety of modalities and offer one on one coaching, group coaching, women’s circles and masterminds, teen groups and workshops. Every phase of my business has followed my personal journey becoming a mom, entrepreneur, leader and currently mom of teenagers. I can relate to my clients wherever they are because they are me a few years earlier. Now more than ever we need to know we are not alone, we have community and we are understood. I find great joy in providing this for women and girls. The challenges of building a business and growing a family, while focusing on my own personal growth and needs, have been plenty. I have overcome self-doubt, time constraints, unrealistic expectations, lack of know how, financial constraints and more. Through it all, I have come to know myself on a much deeper level and busted through previous limitations I had placed on myself. I feel I was able to overcome it all because of my deep commitment to my purpose of empowering women to strengthen their sense of self, embrace their gifts and use their own passions to make a difference. I want women and girls to know that they are powerful and when they understand their power, they will use it to change the world. This is our time.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, depending on the time of year, I would take her to Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs to enjoy the spa for a couple days, or to our cabin in Big Bear, or down South to San Diego to see Old Town and the Gaslamp district. Locally, we would visit a few of my favorite restaurants including, The Red Table in Huntington Beach where they have great food and drinks, Ryokan sushi in Seal Beach, 320 Main Street where they also have great food and unique drinks and where I happened to have my first date with my hubby. I would take her to Solita at Bella Terra for margaritas and drive along the coast to Laguna Beach where we would enjoy the beautiful views.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Having a supportive partner is everything, and I want to shout out to my husband Ethan for being my number one fan. He is part of my secret to success. I also want to shout out to The Women’s Journey Foundation team, including founder Patty Turrell who provides a platform and loving space in which to contribute my gifts and has helped grow me as a leader. Finally, I give many thanks to my parents Dave and Roxanne who taught me what courage, passion and commitment to standing up for what you believe in looks like. I believe I am here to make a difference because of them.
Website: http://www.justinearian.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinearian_edwards/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinearian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinearian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/554905784532412
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/themamacoach/videos?view_as=subscriber