We had the good fortune of connecting with Maira De Leon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maira, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Hi, my name is Maira De Leon. I am a multi-passionate business owner, international artist and CEO & founder of Ella Society. I am based in North Georgia but I travel the world yearly for work and pleasure. With over 10 years of entrepreneurial experience, I have come to the realization that my biggest passion is connection with others; the relationships that are built along the way. I have learned so much throughout my journey, I now want to use this knowledge to help other women who also have a calling, dream and are eager to find their life’s purpose.

I think work/life balance is such an important topic of discussion. It is also a very hard thing to understand, much less uphold! But, as multi-passionate entrepreneurs, like myself, we need this. It is essential and crucial. Four, five, or six years ago, I would have laughed if someone asked me about my work/life balance. What is that? I sure didn’t know how important it was until it became the reason why I hit burn out in 2021 and 2022, BADLY. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, I hit rock bottom in all of these areas and it cost me a tremendous amount of time, effort, energy and even money to get back to feeling normal again. First, I had to realize what was happening in my life. I took a step back and re-evaluated everything that was causing my disorders, stress and chronic issues. I needed to understand that the panic attacks, dizzy spells, loss of energy, anxiety and feelings of doom were caused by my mind and not by my body itself. I was living in constant chaos in my head. I had taken on too many projects, work, commitments, etc. and didn’t even realize it until it was too late.

I had some of the closest people in my life tell me that they were concerned, because they saw I was acting differently and some could sense my low energy/vibration. But, I didn’t really take it seriously. When it hit its peak, I decided to reach out to a holistic/alternative medicine doctor and my life changed ever since. She started pulling back the layers and working with me in every area. I started to implement mindfulness, meditation, and Chinese medicine practices. I learned about a human’s internal clock and how our body can literally heal itself while we sleep and with proper nourishment. I learned many amazing tools that helped me change my life permanently. Towards the end of 2022, I was using all the tools and resources given to me and they started dramatically improving my life!

I took on less work. I started saying “no” to the projects I knew I was not going to have time for or was not able to be fully present in. I meditated twice a day, journaled, prayed and became still to listen to my inner self. I tried Reiki and Akashic record reading. I sought out the sun in the mornings. I started a regimen with supplements and herbs. I started doing the things that brought me joy. I learned to have quiet mornings and even quieter evenings. I used my phone less. I went out in nature and intentionally made time for outdoor activities. I made time for my loved ones and for myself. I made my self-care a priority! I started cognitive behavior therapy. I read books and articles and decided I wanted to learn more about the mind and how it’s connected to EVERYTHING. I became a student of the wonders of the mind, body and soul connection. I went on a journey of self-discovery and self-healing that I am still on today! Because, healing is not linear and it does not have a timeframe.

Now, I know what work/life balance really means and how important it is to have this in my life. I am on a journey of teaching other women what I learned so that they too can turn their life around and reach fulfillment and peace in their lives.

If you are a woman and you know you have God-given gifts and talents and you feel like there is so much more out there for you, but you’re barely hitting the surface, join us on our journey to self-discovery, self-love and soul renewal! Visit www.instagram.com/ellasociety, a community-based organization created for modern women of all walks of life to connect, learn, grow and prosper together through the power of knowledge, connection and empowerment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After years of being in the business world, from my very first business launch ever at 15 years old to know, an owner of multiple successful businesses, with more to come in the near future – I just want to share this…

I have learned one very important lesson that I wish I knew sooner and that’s “turn within for the answers”.
Meaning, do not turn to society, your friends, co-workers, peers, partner, family, pet, etc. Turn inward. Ask the universe, God (if you believe in a higher power), your divine guides, your SOUL, to guide you and help you find your life’s purpose. This will save you years of trouble, hurt, pain, re-dos, etc. We each have a mission, a purpose and a destiny. Most importantly, we have so much to contribute to make the world a better place. We must remember that when we transcend to the other side, we do not take anything with us but we do leave a legacy here and that is the impact and imprint we’ve made on other souls. I think the key to living a happy, fulfilled, successful and peaceful life is in the finding of our 3: mission, purpose and contribution.

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.
If a friend was visiting North Georgia, I would take them to:

– Tallulah Gorge
– Toccoa Falls
– Brasstown Bald
– Helen
– Any mountains with a stunning view like Sawnee Mountain
– Yonah Mountain Vineyards
– Downtown Dahlonega, GA
– The outlets
– Avalon
– Jumping Goats Coffee in Cleveland, GA
– A boat ride in any of the decent lakes lol

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?
So many people deserve credit! Here are a few:

– GOD
– Dr. Truc form Conscious Medicine | Integrative & Functional Medicine Atlanta in Duluth, GA
– Peg from YoRei Life Reiki
– April from Reiki by April
– Ms. Julie from Three Rivers Counseling in Rome, GA
– Jose Algarin (my husband) for all the support, love and patience
– My family for always being there
– The members and volunteers at Ella Society!

Website: www.ellasociety.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellasociety

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hellomaideleon

Other: www.instagram.com/goodstudioco www.instagram.com/deleonfineart www.instagram.com/goodstudioagency

Image Credits
Good Studio Co. LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.