By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Averri Simone Liggins

I actually don’t believe in the traditional idea of work-life balance. When I hear that term, I think of a balancing scale, where one side has to give in order for the other to rise. That constant back-and-forth feels unrealistic, especially as an entrepreneur. Instead, I strive for work-life harmony.

For me, harmony means building systems that support the life I want to lead. That includes automating repetitive tasks, streamlining my client processes, and intentionally structuring my calendar so that I have the freedom to focus deeply on work—or to step away completely when I need rest. Over time, I’ve learned that it’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about designing a business that runs even when I need to pause. Read More>> 

Marcos Luis

Work and Life balance is a hard for some people and easy for others. For some people their career is their work which is different from working on your passion or purpose which makes it easier . My work is as a storyteller and and artist. Initially only as an artist who through my medium I make and tell the stories and now as time evolves I have also become a conduit for others to tell their valuable stories and journeys on my podcast and platform. It has increased my personal growth and provided a means of learning and educating others. Read More>> 

Ashley Martinez

Work-life balance has evolved into something much more intentional for me over the years. Early in my career, especially while building my therapy practice, I felt a constant pull to be available, responsive, and driven around the clock. I was working ten hour days! Like many entrepreneurs, I equated success with sacrifice—and often, that sacrifice came at the expense of personal time and connection. Read More>> 

Brenda White

As an Unfranchise Owner with Market America Worldwide/Shop.com, I am proud to be able to help people with challenges that fall in categories from self care to home care by offering great, exclusive life enhancing products for all of their daily needs. As a product of my products, I am convinced that I have gained a higher quality of living, as a result. I simply want others to experience the same. I want to be able to help alleviate hardships in people’s lives through each product that I offer. Read More>> 

Monique Glover

My favorite quote is actually a lyric from the song “Risin’ to the Top” by Keni Burke: “Let’s keep rising to the top, give it all you got.” It’s a powerful reminder to stay self-empowered and committed, no matter the season or circumstance. To me, it means trusting yourself fully, staying focused on your vision, and consistently delivering excellence every time. It speaks to the drive to keep moving forward, even when things get tough. That energy of pushing through and staying consistent is something I carry with me in all areas of my creative journey and in how I navigate life overall. Read More>> 

Supreme Nova

I define success as living a life aligned with your values, passions, and purpose. It’s not a fixed destination but a journey where you’re constantly growing, learning, and finding fulfillment. Read More>> 

Samantha Mixon

I think the most important thing that I’ve done as a parent is getting my child in church before I was diagnosed. Therefore by the ageof seven, I was able to talk to her about heaven although she really didn’t understand but she knew from Church it was a good place. Read More>> 

Claudine Clarke

Deciding that I needed help was probably the most important decision. I was raised fairly independent and like any other person, I hesitated to identify my own flaws. So, recognizing those, and also identifying areas that I could be better, led me down the path of self improvement and healing. I went to therapy, I reached out to friends, created new healthy friendships, I read books, I watched YouTube videos and listened to podcasts. I recognized I needed help and I sought out the means to get it. Read More>>

Josh Caldwell

Choosing an area where i had some tangential knowledge, a small amount of initial success, then singular determination that the company would be successful no matter what. Read More>>

RichieRich TopDolla

Remember me as someone who is passionate about my art. Someone who strives to be a pillar for humanity; and a positive example for my community. Read More>>

Tanuj Samaddar

I refuse to give up. This habit has been the foundation of my journey as an artist & beyond. I turn setbacks into blueprints. Hailing from a geographically and socio-economically sequestered part of the country, my willpower coupled with sheer resilience has paved the path for me to achieve some of the most reputed accolades globally. Growing up, I realised that opportunities wouldn’t be served to me on a golden platter, rather I’ll have to forge my own destiny. And so, I did. Resilience is something that has become an indispensable part of my soul. Since the day I became mature to enough to understand the stark realities of my life as someone who hailed from the lower middle class strata to this day when at times my efforts don’t translate into competition victories —  Read More>> 

Nina Carter

One of the values that matters most to me is alignment—being in sync with purpose, people, and the season I’m in. When I’m aligned, there’s peace, clarity, and momentum. But when that alignment is off, even good things can start to feel heavy. That’s why I try to listen when my spirit feels unsettled—it’s usually pointing me back to what matters. Read More>> 

Nikeem Quinn-Jenkins

The values that matter most to me are integrity, empathy, and understanding. Integrity guides my actions I believe in doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. It builds trust and defines character. Empathy allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, to truly listen and care about their experiences. And understanding is what bridges differences it helps me remain open-minded, patient, and willing to see from someone else’s perspective. Together, these principles shape how I treat others and how I navigate life. Read More>> 

René Shoemaker

I’ve always wanted to be a professional artist. Even as I started my career at age 4, I knew what I wanted. But the journey has been long!

My end-goal is to be financially stable with income from my art and related activities, and to help the next generation of artists thrive.

I absolutely love to exhibit my artwork and to reach a wider community through exhibitions, receptions, teaching, publications and social media. Read More>>