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

Hi Natalie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balancing is a serious juggling act and I found myself getting burnt out very quickly. One major lesson I learned is about how to spend your energy. Time does not matter, your energy does. What is the point of giving someone your time if you are emotionally drained? The answer is simple, you will not be fully present. That lesson took me a while to learn. I would try to juggle it all at once and I had to learn how to be fully present for one task at a time. Now, I can shift through tasks a little differently. Simply by prioritizing, organizing, and being fully present. I am currently juggling 3 Businesses, school, and fitness all while trying to date and be a good friend. Balancing does get tough. The key is learning how to spend your energy not your time.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of Primed & Pretty LLC a beauty lounge in Phoenix Arizona specializing in Lashes, Brows, Spray Tans & Body Sculpting. and Lash Friend LLC an online coaching program for current and inspiring Lash artists or people in the beauty industry wanting to level up professionally and individually. My journey to where I am today was far from perfect. I had many dark hours but with Faith, love and hope I was able to really bring myself to a healthy place. My brand is all for beauty. But not the superficial, surface type beauty. I choose everyday to inspire, motivate and encourage those around me including my clients to show up and be great for themselves.

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 definitely hit Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge on Grand Ave and get some yummy tea and vegan pastries. Then head out and explore the city grab some food at Flower Child then take them to the mall maybe Fashion Square in Scottsdale or in the Biltmore area. We the would relax grab some hookah at either Hubbly Bubbly in Tempe or Trilogy in Glendale. on other days we would probably hike and get active at Piestewa Peak. Get a relaxing reflexology massage at Pegasus Foot Spa on Northern followed by a yummy açaí bowl from Berry Berry Best Acai Bowls on Northern

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Name: Otis Fitness trainer – @nochoicefit instagram email: nochoicefit1@gmail.com Keeps me physically & mentally strong Jimmie instagram @jimmielee_the_body he is one of my mentors that has pushed me

Website: www.vagaro.com/primedandpretty and www.yourlashfriend.com
Instagram: @primedandprettyaz and @lashfriend

Image Credits
Bathing Suit Photos: Nadia Monique Lauren Tobias Photographed by: Steven Shutters

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.