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

Hi Shalyce, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the past few years, my thoughts on balance have evolved just as I have. I’ll be the first to say, a perfect 24/7 balance is a myth to me. However, I do wholeheartedly believe that working to maintain a good rhythm with the priorities in our lives is essential. The critical part is effectively determining what our priorities are and then safeguarding them. For example, some of my top priorities are my overall well-being, my family, doing things I enjoy, working towards my goals and adding value in my business, circles, and more. While the priorities of each day may look different, overall my key priorities shouldn’t be comprised, otherwise my balance is way off. I recognize that there will be days when everything is running like a well-oiled machine, and others where I might be stressed. I’ve simply learned to embrace the good with the challenges, rather than fight it and have the unrealistic expectation that every day is supposed to be perfect or resemble a stranger’s highlight reel. I aspire for most days to reflect productivity, peace of mind, and being present. To minimize the moments where I’m on the struggle bus it comes down to a few key things: 1) planning, prioritizing and pivoting when necessary, 2) asking for help when needed, 3) incorporating weekly self-care practices, and 4) giving myself grace. Balance is what we make it, so let’s put our best foot forward and not beat ourselves up on the days we might fall short.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a natural encourager and cheerleader, my entrepreneurial pursuits have aligned seamlessly with those innate attributes. In 2012, I set out to pursue my passion for planning by establishing Sensational Soirees. Since a child, I have not only loved special celebrations, but also celebrating others. With the belief that all of life’s special moments and events should be celebrated, I give my all to help my couples and clients celebrate their big moments! One of my biggest accomplishments with Sensational Soirees was not quitting when faced with challenges. I distinctly remember being so proud when I filed for my LLC and launched my first website. I just knew I would be an instant success. Well several months went by, and I had zero clients. Instead of allowing my disappointment to cause me to give up, I used it as fuel to do the work needed to attract and retain my ideal clients. I invested in business education, networked, ramped up my design portfolio and more. When I put in the work, I began to see results. Now, 8 years later, I feel like a proud mama of my first business baby, which has grown up so nicely. My work has been featured on Pop Sugar, Washingtonian Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, and more. This year, I had the humbling honor of being named as one of the most influential event professionals in the U.S. by BizBash. None of my accomplishments would be possible, without my amazing team who works alongside me and the many clients who took a chance on me to create magic for their special events. I’ve always been multi-passionate, so it was no surprise that a couple years ago, I began feeling an inner nudge pushing me to share more of me and begin building community outside of events. After telling myself no for a while, I finally said yes in 2019 and officially launched my personal brand and blog this year. As a content creator, I share the behind the scenes of my life as I navigate motherhood, business, personal growth and everything in between. I’ve always had a big heart for encouraging and celebrating other women, so my platform allows me an amazing opportunity to build community with other glow getters – women committed to growth, achieving their goals and glowing from the inside out. I also seek to inspire through my motivational apparel line, Glow Getter Gear, Fourth Fridays with Friends events, and more. The past 8 months have shown me the importance of starting and leaning into your purpose and all of its layers. After all, our pursuits are not just for us, but also for those who we’ll impact along the way. My blogging journey is off to a great start, and I’m excited to see where it all takes me. When asked what sets me and my ventures apart, I’m reminded that no one is me and that’s my superpower. There are tons of amazing event planners and lifestyle content creators out there. I celebrate them all, while celebrating myself, and confidently knowing that my gifts will always make room for me. A big part of my success has been focusing on my own race and what’s for me. My goal is always to add value to my clients and community, while letting all things Shalyce shine through and through.

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’m a proud Marylander, and I love the surrounding DC and Virginia area. There’s no way you can visit the area without enjoying crabs! Dining at Harris Crab House and Jerry’s Seafood when in Maryland is a must. Aside from seafood, there are tons of amazing restaurants in the area, from getting the best chili dog in town at Ben’s Chili Bowl to brunch at Hen Quarter, Busboys and Poets, Four Seasons or Founding Farmers. Site seeing in our nation’s capitol is also great to do when visiting. I highly recommend checking out the national mall, cherry blossoms (when they’re in season), National Museum of African American History and Culture and more. Places that are great for a night out or an evening stroll are National Harbor, Olde Town Alexandria and downtown DC. Alternatively, during the day, visiting City Center DC, Annapolis or Maryland parks like, Allen Pond, are perfect. For the wine lovers, we have quite a few wineries such as Robin Hill Farm and Vineyard in Brandywine. There is so much to do and see in the area from sports to live concerts, shopping, entertainment, dining, attractions and more. I recommend staying in downtown DC and staying an entire week to enjoy all the area has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am grateful to so many, who have supported me on my journey in life, business and more. My faith in God has played the biggest role in who I am, my mindset, abilities and all I have achieved. God is the greatest – period! I’m also grateful for my husband, who has been an amazing partner as we journey through love, parenthood and life together. Our children are my biggest motivators and raising them is my life’s greatest honor. They push me to keep going and to be a role model they can be proud of. Their interests and needs have also inspired me to dream big dreams and to focus on the legacy I want to leave. There are so many people I’m grateful for that I wouldn’t be able to mention them all, but I’ll simply close by saying I’m thankful for all of my supporters! From my family and friends, to every single person who has ever hired or worked with Sensational Soirees, purchased from the glow getter gear shop, read my blog, connected with me online, shared a positive message with me, shared expertise that I’ve learned from, prayed for me, or supported me in any small or big way – thank you!

Website: https://www.shalycetyson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalycetyson/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalyce-tyson-1724001a1/?trk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shalycetyson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shalycetyson/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxchBUmiqvXtlTX8FPC392w?view_as=public
Other: https://www.sensationalsoirees.com/ https://www.pinterest.com/shalycetyson/

Image Credits
Amber Iris Photo Belle Imagery Portraits Chip Dizard Judah Avenue Photography

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