Our community is filled with hard-working, high achieving entrepreneurs and creatives and so work-life balance is a complicated, but highly relevant topic. We’ve shared some responses from the community about work life balance and how their views have evolved over time below.

Cathy Johnson

When I began my first business back in 1995, I was a mom with 2 young children – and a 3rd would be on the way in less than a year. As a young mom, I had to be very intentional with my time. I worked while the kids were sleeping or at pre-school and by 2pm, work was done.

As the business and my children grew, I started spending more time in the business but lost my balance. I felt like a bit of a crazy mom running between all things – answering emails while waiting at ballet and returning phone calls from the car at soccer practice. Read More>>

Jess Um

When I first started out in the hair industry as an assistant, I never stopped working. Honestly, I LOVED it. The days would go by faster, I had more money in my pocket, and I learned a lot about the industry. I continued to work this way until I started to rent a chair at my next salon. Naturally, my days slowed as I went out on my own, so I was scared! I hustled to fill my books and maintain this same level of non-stop work days. Read More>>

Nadia Commodore

I used to think that success could be measured by how hard you worked and how little time you had to yourself. While working hard is a necessary element, so is self-care. To strike a healthy balance, I’ve started making it a point to give myself something to look forward to every day. It doesn’t have to be something grand like a shopping trip or treating myself to a fancy, though those things are warranted from time to time. I’ve learned to find joy in the little things, so my excitement comes from winding down with an episode of a good show at the end of the night or blocking out time in the day to read a few chapters of a book. Read More>>

Megh Patil

I don’t think I’ve ever had balance—and honestly, I love that. I’m incredibly persistent, especially when it comes to proving myself. My family isn’t from the film world, so I’ve always felt the need to show them I’m not just chasing a dream—I’m building something real. Somewhere along the way, that persistence turned into passion, and then obsession. I couldn’t think of anything other than developing scripts. Read More>>

Erin Cooper

Since my diagnosis with stage 4 breast cancer, my perspective on work-life balance has transformed significantly. It prompted me to reeavaluate my priorities, leading me to enter the Mrs. California United States pageant in 2024, where I won the title and launched my nonprofit, Queens Against Cancer, to raise funds and awareness for those affected by this disease. My role as a 911 dispatch manager provides the flexibility I need to pursue a career I love while also spending quality time with my family and taking care of my health. This journey has taught me that true balance is about being intentional with my time and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Read More>>