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

Hi Jen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My family and I loved travelling specifically to the desert. We wanted to eventually move to Arizona from Minnesota after our boys all graduated from High School. We thought the best way to set up our future dream was to buy property and start to build a business around having others enjoy our property until we were in a position to make the move. This dream came alive when we purchased our first property in 2019.

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 been in consulting for 20+ years and have managed to raise a family while having a full time career and a side hustle. I take pride in balance, and balance is my mantra! I have not always had balance, but I have found how through many tribulations that the more balanced I am with boundaries the more successful I am in my career and most importantly in my personal life. My work and life are blended and I find that I’m most at peace when all of my buckets are filled. Starting a side hustle, Happy Harbours has helped my creativity and balance as it has helped me find joy in building something for me and my family along with my day job of being a connector. Fitness, meditation, family, friends and my husband are all areas of my life I keep top of mind as I’m finding balance as I build my career and continue to grow my side hustle. You can have it all if you have boundaries and ensure you are clear on what your boundaries are. My balance continues to change along with my boundaries as I change and evolve and my world continues to change. Following our dream to get to the desert has helped create the peach and balance I need in my life.

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?
We would sprinkle in mediation, fitness, great food and nature!
Day 1: wake up and have coffee by the pool to enjoy the outdoor space. Yoga by the pool with meditation with my calm app (10 Minutes). Usery mountain 3 mile hike up and down with beautiful views. Whats crack’n for brunch and go back to have appetizers, music and wine by the pool on the patio. Dinner out at Buck and Rider in Gilbert – amazing oysters!

Day 2: Morning walk with coffee in hand. Reconnect for an hour of compression therapy, cold plunge, red light therapy and infrared sauna to start the day. Ohm Fitness for a strength workout! Come back to the Oasis for lunch by the pool with a swim and glass of wine. Dinner out in Scottsdale Chelseas Kitchen patio.

Day 3: Lifetime class at the Biltmore, grab a bag of your going out clothes as well. Hit a class and pilates, lunch by the rooftop pool, enjoy the locker room and get ready to find afternoon Happy Hour with a stop at Captains Cabin Speakeasy. Come back to the oasis for dinner by the pool and music. Maybe add in a night swim!

Day 4: Pack up the car for a day trip to Sedona! Pack your swim suit and find the creek to go hang out in for the afternoon. Check out the vortexes and bring your yoga mat to enjoy the natural energy.

Day 5: Morning walk at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Lunch in Gilbert – so many options!

Day 6: Saturday morning is a must stop at Garage-East with morning music on the patio, mimosas and fresh ground coffee. Grab breakfast and start your day with the beautiful ambiance. Downtown Mesa Farmers market, find fresh veggies to make a fun dinner back at the Oasis by the pool. Always take in a swim and don’t forget the music!

So many more options depending on what you love to do! We have it all in the desert from great restaurants, amazing hikes and nature – and don’t forget to take in a sunset every chance you can get!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family: Shawn, Cameron, Blake and Jacob for their continued creativity, support and ideas around launching the business and continued growth

Instagram: happy_harbours

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-granner

Facebook: Happy Harbours

Other: https://www.airbnb.com/hosting/listings/editor/34223449/view-your-space

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