By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

DeAnna Gibbons | Milliner

Often in the beginning of a career, especially as a self-employed person, working 6-7 days can be necessary for staying on top of everything. About 9 years ago I stopped selling my hats to stores and started offering hats directly from my studio. It was the right time in my career to slow down, stop traveling for work and spending all of my time in the studio designing and producing hats. It has made a huge difference in terms of having more personal time to spend with friends and family plus now there is more time for professional costume projects and art making! Read more>>

Coral Mizrachi | Actress

Well, as an actress it’s hard to have a work life balance because most of the time, the profession consumes you. You think about it when you go to sleep and when you wake up in the morning. It’s hard to have a balance when you don’t have a 9 to 5 workday, and the common trap for actors is either work too much, or not working enough. There are constant things you need to do behind the scenes as an actor, and it’s not solely about the craft. Read more>>

Claire Harlin | Fashion designer and brand owner

When I first started my business I was working nonstop, sometimes pulling all-nighters! I was so determined to make it work. But what I have realized is that taking a step back can actually help you grow the business. In my case, for example, I had my first child a little over four years ago, and I had no choice but to delegate the bulk of the day-to-day operations. Read more>>