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

Hi Khadijah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’ve always thought of the term “work-life balance” as this seemingly distant, yet highly sought-after goal, that I once I achieved it, life would be smooth sailing from thereon. I thought if I could just start doing more of this and less of that, that I’d be able to master the work-life balance “formula”. Then I realized there is no one-size-fits-all formula–it just doesn’t exist. When I reflect on how I used to view work-life balance, I’ve always envisioned being able to work hard and play hard equally. There was really no balance. I would work hard until I burned out and then I would completely shut down to the point of not wanting to do anything…at all. Previously working in corporate America, my work-life balance looked completely different from what it looks like now. I would work from 9-5 and then at 5 PM, I wouldn’t have to answer to anyone. I would unwind after work or on the weekends, and that was the balance for me. Now, as an entrepreneur and full-time business owner, it has been quite a challenge trying to figure out the new “formula” for my work-life balance–but again…it doesn’t exist. I’ve learned that it’s less about balance (because when something is balanced, it has to be even, right?) and more about time proper management. Someone once told me, “you have to learn to manage up.” I’ve learned that my work life and my personal life will almost never be even. As an event planner, our industry is all about hospitality, so I inherently take on the lives of my clients. I become their therapist, accountant, advisor, prayer warrior, assistant, manager, friend and family member, just to say the least. I usually have multiple clients at once, so assuming these roles for everyone at the same time can be quite inundating. Seldom do I celebrate myself because I’m usually celebrating others. I started to treat everyone’s requests like a 911 emergency, and while my clients are my priority, I’ve had to realize that I AM my first priority. If I’m burned out, I’m not of good use to anyone. There were times when I would sit in one spot on my computer all day and not make the time to do the essentials: like eat, shower or come up for air (I highly do NOT recommend.) I would be so burned out from work that I couldn’t find the energy to answer a call or text message from a friend or family member who just wanted to catch up. I used to hate when people would say, “you have the same 24 hours in a day as Beyoncé”, and I would respond, “yes, we all do, but Beyoncé has a gazillion team members who help her get the job done and a gazillion dollars to pay for it!” So, I’ve learned (and I’m still learning everyday) to be more cognizant and intentional with my time management, and that can look very differently each day. I’m learning to set aside designated times for work and personal life. I’m learning to take breaks, eat healthier, pray more, get adequate rest, check in with loved ones, do something different on the weekends, and switch up my working environment. I’ve also prayed that God would help me be more aware of how I can better manage my time. As my company and personal life expands, I’m going to have to reevaluate what works for me. I’ve learned to stop putting pressure on myself to achieve this “total zen moment” everyone thinks of when they think about mastering their work-life balance. It’s challenging and it takes strategic work, but it is not impossible. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all formula and it’s less about balance and more about managing the time you have.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

The Superior Collective is a full-service, bicoastal, special event planning company based in Los Angeles, CA. We pride ourselves on developing and maintaining authentic relationships with clients and vendors alike. We are fully committed from inception to completion, serving diligent detail and distinct design. No detail is left untouched as we work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide our clients with a tailor-made experience. We work with a team of specially selected, professional vendors to bring our clients’ visions to life. The Superior Collective offers a diverse array of services categorized into three components: Event Management & Production, Event Design & Decor, and Bespoke Concierge Services.
I’ve gotten to where I am today by faith, persistence, consistency, hard work, and the support from others. It has been far from an easy journey, but amidst the challenges, I know that giving up is not an option. I’ve learned many hard lessons about time management, discipline, financial stewardship, efficiency, managing various client personalities, and what it takes to bring The Superior Collective to the next level. As I’m growing personally, so is my business and I’m so excited to see where we will be next year, five years, and even ten years from now. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Although The Superior Collective is currently a small event planning company, our value, work ethic and results aren’t. We produce quality events and anything attached to The Superior Collective brand has to be done in a Grand way! I want the world to know that anything is possible. If I could become a full-time entrepreneur and business owner, move 3,000 miles away to LA to expand The Superior Collective with no pre-existing clients on the West Coast, and have successfully made it to year TWO…nothing is impossible for you, too!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in LA for a little over a year and a half now, so I’m still learning the city. However, anyone who knows me, knows I’m an itinerary guru. Although I have yet to scratch the surface of everything LA has to offer, there are some places I’d highly recommend. EP + LP, Mama Shelter, and Broken Shaker for fun, rooftop happy hour vibes. Laurel Hardware for drinks and food, and Gracias Madre for amazing Mexican, vegan food! Castaway in Burbank has the BEST views of the city for dining (highly recommended for brunch). Visit Malibu beach (or Santa Monica) and call Bliss Beach for a fancy, beach day set up. My 2 Cents LA/Tacos Negros is Black-owned and has delicious, health-conscious soul food and tacos. Also, be sure to check out the Malibu Safari Wine Tour.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
S/O to everyone who has encouraged, prayed for, showed up, invested, and supported me in some capacity. It truly takes a village and mine is truly something special!

Website: https://www.thesuperiorcollective.com
Instagram: @TheSuperiorCollective

Image Credits
Trell Visuals Taylor Rickens

Nominate someone: ShoutoutLA 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.