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

Hi Dale, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work Life Balance: Truthfully, work life balance is always a balancing act. As a small business owner it is a must to separate the two to keep your sanity. When I started my business at the age of 23 I was all in as most small business owners however, this was life before children and life really set in right out of college I will still very much on a college lifestyle so early mornings and really late nights that just seemed to be a must trying to get my business off the ground. When I also started my business I was a one woman show for a while utilizing all of my families help in all ways I could so work life balance was really just work life. Up until my 8th year and being somewhat “burnt out” my family and I said let’s pause this and re-evaluate our business structure. This of course was after our first son was born and having to sacrifice a lot of time with him before we made this essential decision. At that point we moved our small business from a Store Front “Brick and Mortar” to a Studio set up out of my house. Still keeping true to our business platform just scaling back tremendously to make “work life balance” more of a focus for our family. Now scooting back to today, I have very strict self awareness of making our work life balance more of a priority going back into our “Brick and Mortar” storefront now.

 

What should our readers know about your business?
All in Bloom Studio was created to continue my love of floral design. It started as All Occasion Flowers that I opened when I was 23 years old right out of college. We had a beautiful storefront in downtown Clarkesville that has been such a great place to work and live. After years of having that business my husband and I started a family. This put a pause on how crazy the flower shop was and when we moved our storefront home I rebranded as All In Bloom Studio that it is known as today. We have expanded into a storefront again and it is growing rapidly as we are working to build back our loyal customers. Since the rebrand I have went into this new opportunity with more patience, open to trying new things, reaching new audiences, and being “All In” while maintaining a work-life balance that I severely lacked before.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Downtown Clarkesville has so many things to offer. I would definitely recommend some of my favorite restaurants: Frescos, Old Town Pub, The Attic, The Copper Pot. There is a local bowling alley that is a personal favorite of my son Clarkesville Lanes. Splashe Pottery Painting is so fun to do on a rainy day! If willing to drive a little hiking the Tallulah Gorge, or visiting a local favorite Helen, GA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Who deserves a little recognition in my story is hard to pin point because I have always had such an army behind my success. Let’s start from the beginning- My husband, son and family. Of course as a small business owner you are all in but what most people don’t see is all of the sacrifices that you and your family make day in and day out. This includes but definitely not limits vacation time, family time, are you going to make every ball game for your kids, can you go to birthday dinners for friends, play dates with your kids friends, the list goes on.. but my family has always stood behind me. My parents initially helped me open my store right out of college…. what faith they had in this 20 year old is beyond me but forever thankful for them putting their neck out to help me start my dream. Friends, whew without loyal and true friends I wouldn’t definitely be here today. They lift you up and carry you when you go through some of the toughest days but then celebrate so hard for your wins in between. Friends are huge in my success. SO thankful for my family and friends everyday.

Website: allinbloomstudio30523@gmail.com

Instagram: @Allinbloomstudio

Twitter: @Allinbloomstudio

Facebook: @Allinbloomstudio

Yelp: yelp.com/allinbloomstudio

Youtube:

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