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

Hi Alyson, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
By starting my own business it has allowed me to have a much better work life balance. I can now spend time with my family when I want, I can enjoy life again and do the things I have dreamed of. My family is much happier and so am I. I work harder every day, but the payoff is the memories and time I have with my family now.

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 have always had a passion of being expressive and creative. It goes back to the days of when I was a little girl, working hours in the garage next to my dad, building and creating things with all his scrap pieces of wood. Then I started walking the neighborhood with my best friend, going door to door selling our art. As I grew into adulthood, life happened and I started a family. Later, I had a very dear friend go through a divorce and we decided to refinish all her old furniture, for her new apartment. At that time, my spark for creativity came back and it fueled a passion I hadn’t felt for years. It has completely evolved from there and now is a constant in my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are so lucky to live close to the coast, Monterey and San Francisco. If I had friends visiting me, we would just start driving and explore the local areas. I am a free spirited, get up and go person who loves not having an itinerary. We would stop at the local places that get the best reviews, and just make ourselves a local where ever we needed up.

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?
I started this business as a dear friend was going through a divorce. Because of her, my passion came to life, and it’s evolved ever since. As it continues to evolve and grow, my husband and son have been my biggest support. Because of them, I have had the time and energy to grow the business and become successful.

Instagram: @newlifecreationsandco

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/newlifecreationsandco

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona 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.