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

Hi Bethany, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has shifted from one extreme to the other. In my previous career, I was a high school band director for seven and a half years. The lifestyle in that field is one of the toughest out there. I was working 60+ hours a week year round on top of a 2 hour commute every day. Though teaching, especially my line of teaching, was fulfilling and gratifying in so many ways… It was equally as draining. The long hours, late nights, long days, and the state of education in general was starting to really take a toll on me. I thought about starting my own family one day and knew I wouldn’t be able to pour into their lives along with my students. Someone was going to get the short end, and I decided that was unacceptable. I started baking as a hobby and quickly learned that I had a knack for it. It was quickly growing as more and more people were requesting for me to bake for them. This past year has been my first being at home and not in the classroom or in rehearsals. I wake up every morning and get to decide my schedule for the day. I can take as many orders as I want in a week. I can take a week off if I chose to. I’m my own boss and have zero quotas to fill. Since the pandemic, my husband also works from home, so we get to see each other all day, every day. I can visit my mom and grandmother any time I’d like. I am able to prioritize my mental health and get to be selfish on my own behalf. One day I hope to give that time to our children and am unbelievably grateful for that opportunity. I realize that I’m lucky in my situation and that it’s a luxury that most don’t get to experience. As my business continues to grow, I’m learning to adjust my time more and more. I am a firm believer that life is too short to be caught up in work, and I thank God that I’m able to focus on the important things in life!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I get older, I’m learning more and more that quality is becoming a rarity. I always make sure to take time and effort into every single order. It’s why I only take so many orders in a week. If I take on too much, I can’t utilize the extra skill it takes to make something special. I have a very high standard for my work because that’s what I expect from anyone I ask of their services. My customers are essentially asking me to make them a core memory. I want them to say “I remember my 5th birthday cake!” when they turn 30. I plan on always making this a priority in my business. I believe my customers recognize this and that’s what is attractive about my product.

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 would keep them in my hometown of Newnan! I live right in between Newnan and Peachtree City, so I have access to all different activities and restaurants. My favorite spots to eat and drink is Meat n’ Greet, Garlic Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar, The Curious Pig, Positano Pizza Napoletana, and Line Creek Brewery. Some of my favorite things to go do is hike at Line Creek nature trail, play disc golf, and shop at The Avenue and Ashley Park. There is also the LINC Trail, Lake Peachtree, Royal Lanes Social bowling alley, movie theaters, farmers markets, attend concerts at Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, and shop in all types of locally owned stores in Historic Downtown Newnan.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest supporter is and always has been my husband! It was a big move for me to make a major career shift. Without his support, I wouldn’t be able to chase my dreams of working from home and running my own business. He also is my bookkeeper and keeps track of my finances, so that is definitely a huge perk! In a close second, my mom has always had my back. She has been my biggest cheerleader and is always bragging about me to her friends and our family. I also have to mention my former coworkers and my students. It was one of the hardest things to do when I told them my new dream. They were nothing but loving and supportive which gave me the courage to make those dreams my new reality.

Instagram: greenecakes

Facebook: @greenecakes.us

Other: bethany@greenecakes.com

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