We had the good fortune of connecting with Michaelene Sandberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michaelene, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Achieving work-life balance is a topic I often hear discussed, particularly as a wife, a mother to three young boys, and a business owner. Early in my career, I was fully dedicated, pouring all my energy into building my dream. However, as my life evolved and my roles shifted, I began the quest for what we commonly call “balance.”
I realized I was chasing an elusive idea of equally distributing my time and focus between all aspects of my life. Yet, the truth is, there’s no such equilibrium. Some days, I must arrange for a sitter to dedicate uninterrupted hours to work, while on others, I don’t even open my computer. Over time, my perspective on balance transformed into a pursuit of harmony.
I discovered that harmony and contentment came when I strategically planned my tasks and productivity. Batching my work and personal responsibilities brought about a sense of alignment that made me genuinely happy. Strangely enough, when my family started growing, I worried about working from home and the potential detachment it might create from my kids.
I wrestled with the idea that they might perceive me as always behind a screen, which led to feelings of resentment when work deadlines loomed. To find peace, I needed to shift my mindset and discard the notion that our boys growing up around my entrepreneurial journey was detrimental.
As the studio expanded alongside our family, my boys observe me working in some capacity every day, despite being just 6, 5, and 9 months old. They’ve already formed affectionate opinions about it. When asked, our older boys proudly describe how their mom helps people get married, a description that resonates deeply with me. They witness the purpose and significance of my work, surrounded by love, but they also know they can ask me to “push pause” and play outside.
For me, I’ve come to understand that balance isn’t about equal efforts but rather achieving a sense of harmony in the different facets of life. That’s what I aim for – a harmonious blend of work, family, and personal fulfillment.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets QueenBee Design Studio apart is our unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling. Our primary focus has always been on the magic of sharing couples’ love stories through their wedding details, such as save the dates and invitations. We go beyond the surface and dive deep into the essence of each couple’s journey. We ask for their backstory and listen to their dreams for their wedding because we believe in crafting designs that are deeply personal.
Our mission is to infuse every piece of stationery with the unique bits and pieces of their personalities. We want every couple we work with to not only see but also feel heard, valued, and understood. Our goal is to create a wedding stationery experience that reflects the complexity of their love story, ensuring that it’s a truly bespoke and unforgettable journey when we collaborate together.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I hail from the charming Cherry Valley, a quaint small town in Southern California. While life here tends to move at a more relaxed pace, our little corner of the world offers a wealth of experiences to savor.
Nestled nearby is Oak Glen, a picturesque area dotted with family-owned apple farms. These orchards graciously welcome visitors to wander through their groves and hand-pick ripe fruits from the trees. In addition, Oak Glen boasts a recently renovated town center known as Oak Tree Mountain. Here, you can treat yourself to the famed Mile High Apple Pie, indulge in handcrafted candies, unwind at Common Place for a drink, and enjoy the thrill of the west coast’s longest slide. For families, there’s a delightful petting zoo, a vast playhouse for kids, and live music performances on weekends. What’s more, this enchanting destination is just a short 7-minute drive from our town, making it a perfect spot for anyone to explore and enjoy.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am always quick to acknowledge the unwavering support of my husband, JT Sandberg, when it comes to nurturing my aspirations. His love and encouragement are blessings for which I am sincerely thankful.
Furthermore, I extend this gratitude to my family as a whole. Given that my husband’s duties as a firefighter often keep him away from home for days, and sometimes even weeks, the support and affection from both of our families become invaluable. It truly exemplifies the concept of a “village mentality,” where everyone steps in to assist in various ways, enabling me to continue pursuing my dreams.
In addition, I can’t help but express my appreciation for my mentor and dear friend, Danielle McCleery. She has played a pivotal role in both the expansion of my business and the development of my mindset. Her kindness, business acumen, and boundless energy are qualities I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime, as they are truly transformative.
Website: https://www.queenbeegraphics.com
Instagram: @queenbeedesignstudio
Linkedin: Michaelene Sandberg – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelene-sandberg-5b772245/
Other: Pinterest @QueenBeeDesignStudio