Meet Emma Bailey

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

Hi Emma, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I am so passionate about this. Work life balance is important in any career, but it’s especially important in artistic fields because overworking can disguise itself as increased creativity or commitment to the craft. I am a relatively young professional, and this is already something I am working to be on guard against every day.

There is almost an unspoken myth in the arts that the harder you work, the more committed you are. Obviously, that’s true to an extent, however, I believe that the best artists are the ones who allow themselves time to experience life outside of their work. It’s this experience of life that enriches the creative process, both by inspiring the artist and allowing them precious margin. The most incredible work is vitalized by our experience of the natural world, our investment in relationships, our varied and unique hobbies and interests, and most importantly, our storehouses of renewed energy that can only be filled through rest. That is why overworking is so dangerous–it is a direct threat to the creative process and the components that make it so rich and rewarding.

One way that me and my husband (who is also a working artist) implement this into our lives is by committing to one 24-hour period of time every week that we don’t do any work. We spend time together, with friends, and in solitude, enjoying our hobbies and the world outside of our jobs. Often, natural creativity emerges during this time, but not because we worked for it. It’s an extra gift that prioritizing work-life balance gives us!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a multifaceted theatre artist. Throughout my life I’ve worked as an actor, vocalist, group theatre educator, and private acting coach, and have even dabbled in short script writing. I got my BA in Theatre from Harding University and then moved to Atlanta in 2024 for a professional apprenticeship program with Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, GA. My year with Aurora Theatre was so crucial to my artistic development, and I would absolutely recommend the apprenticeship path to anyone interested in a career in professional theatre. Shout out to Aurora; I love you all!

I think the biggest challenge and biggest lesson thus far in my career is this: I am always the thing that is most likely to get in my way. Any time I choose to count myself out, tell myself I can’t, or remove myself from any opportunity, I am handicapping myself creatively and professionally. I’ve experienced this in so many different situations. Whether it’s been an audition, a skill that I felt incapable of, or when I’ve just lacked motivation, it has always boiled down to getting out of my own way and continuing to move forward. I believe wholeheartedly that that’s what separates successful artists from aspiring artists. Successful artists repeatedly decide to root for themselves, advocate for their place in the room, and refuse to be the thing that stops them from forward momentum. As I continue to move forward, I hope that my artistic career is colored by this idea, and that I’m seen as a creative professional who is never afraid to learn, to grow, to challenge herself, and to champion others along the way.

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.
I actually just did this this past weekend!

By far, my favorite spot to eat in the metro Atlanta area is Fellows Cafe in Roswell. The food is unmatched, and everything is house made and farm fresh. Not to mention it’s inside an old house, so the atmosphere is the cutest! Make a Saturday morning reservation, get a table on the patio, and order the seasonal coffee and sourdough cinnamon roll.

After a Fellows breakfast, we would definitely have to hit up Chastain Park. I love to walk, run, and play pickleball, and Chastain park is the perfect place for all three! If it’s the dead of summer, my alternative option is Morgan Falls in Sandy Springs. My husband and I love to take the paddle board out and paddle up the Chattahoochee River. If you don’t have a paddle board, Murph’s Paddle Shack has them to rent onsite!

If there’s a show going on in the city, we’re definitely going. I love to take friends to see live theatre when they’re in town; bonus points in we have a friend working on the show!

After the show, we would wrap up at Cafe Intermezzo. They’re an Atlanta classic, and they’re open late, which is a huge plus. Get the Tiramisu and a French Press and enjoy the European atmosphere!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life that I can point to who have helped me walk this path. If you’ve ever taught me, encouraged me, worked alongside me, or contributed to this ongoing journey, thank you!

A couple of special acknowledgements to my parents and siblings who have always believed in my dreams; sometimes even more than I have. They have been such a strong foundation.

And a special shout out to my husband, Hayden Bailey, who is my biggest champion. I love you.

Instagram: @emmabaileycreative

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmabaileycreative

Image Credits
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