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

Hi Gessie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve definitely gotten much busier with running my business and working two jobs as a nurse. It’s pretty hard trying to juggle everything but I’m a busy body and I don’t like to stay put too much anyway! I am definitely working on my scheduling though because I want to have adequate time for everything, not just my jobs but my family too.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a nurse for a little over 2 years and it’s definitely had its ups and downs. In my free time I usually relax and unwind by painting and listening to music, though I’m not exactly an artiste. I also love doing DIYs which is how I got started making my own hair and body mixtures and candles. While I’m fairly new at making candles, I’ve been making my own hair and body butter for a few years- ever since I cut off my permed hair and let it grow naturally. I’ve always tried to be cautious about what I put in my hair and wasn’t too trusting of some of the big name brands and decided it would be healthier to make my own! Fast forward 5 years to today, I make and sell my butters, candles, and wax melts while maintaining 1 full time and 1 part time nursing position at 2 different hospitals. My hardest challenge has been scheduling and balancing this all while still being present in my personal life. I’m still working on this and I’m just so grateful to everyone that has been patient with me, especially my boyfriend! It’s tough juggling everything but what pushes me forward each day is that I wouldn’t want to let anyone down- not my patients, my customers, or family, and definitely not my future self. So I push through! One thing I want the world to know about me is, despite how hectic my schedule may be, when I put my mind to something it has 100% of my focus and I try to instill my love and light into everything I do.

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?
Chateau Elan’s wine tasting is a great way to unwind!

Or even a spa day at a local spa. I’d love to spend off days pampering ourselves-from massages, facials, and mani-pedis to brunch and mimosas. Maybe even get some shopping done! When we’re done with all that, probably go back to the house and hang out, watch movies, do karaoke, maybe even paint while listening to music. That would be my ideal day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be who I am without my family. My parents and siblings motivate me to be my best self, work hard, and to persevere through the hardship.

Website: EbiByGessie.com

Instagram: Ebi.By.Gessie

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