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

Hi Monica, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
There is no balance. Work & Life priorities will ebb and flow. Instead I like to focus on what is priority in that very moment or day. Sometimes work will need 80% of my energy so my home life gets 20%. Sometimes life and family needs 100% of my time and energy so they get it all. I take it day by day. This has helped absolve me of any guilt or insecurities that come from feeling like I can’t get a grasp on balance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a creative person through and through. Since I was a child I loved to take things apart and put them back together. While doing so I have figured out how to optimize my living/work spaces to be the most functional for my family while being beautiful. I’ve learned along the way that I am capable of making things with my hands. Adopting the term “professional beginner” keeps me failing forward, learning new skills, and continuing to create for myself, my family, and my home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am fortunate enough to live in Northern California in the Bay Area. Surrounded by big, beautiful, and diverse cities. San Francisco would absolutely have to be one of the first stops! Golden Gate Bridge for scenery, Fishermans Wharf for food and souvenirs, and a walk on the beach would be in order. We could spend the entire week in San Francisco with how much there is to do. There is also Oakland and Sacramento where lots of other creative people reside. My good friend Shavonda Gardner is in the area and she would absolutely be a must visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shout out Shannan Monson. I have learned from her over the years on how to build a community on social and launch business ideas while staying true to myself. She is active on social and provides mentorship, courses for entrepreneurs.

Website: www.houseofesperanza.com

Instagram: house.of.esperanza

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.