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

Hi Tanya, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a business owner, there’s no clear division between life and work—they’re more intertwined, like a swirl, rather than neatly side-by-side. My approach has always been about managing that swirl, ensuring it stays well-blended so neither life nor work dominates the other for too long. Running my business isn’t just how I earn a living—it’s an integral part of my identity and how I choose to spend my time.

Having my branding and design firm since 2004, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a wide range of ways entrepreneurs approach work-life balance. Interestingly, some of my clients’ best ideas often come to life while they’re on vacation, showing that stepping away can fuel creativity. Personally, my greatest challenge is that I turned something I’m deeply passionate about into a business. This gives me a strong sense of ownership and responsibility, making it difficult to fully disconnect from work because I’m so invested in my clients’ success.

That said, I’ve learned that neglecting self-care ultimately takes a toll on both personal and professional fulfillment. Balance is essential to me, so much so that it’s one of my company’s core values. If you’re interested, I’ve shared more about this philosophy and how it shapes my approach here: https://missdetails.com/its-a-balancing-act-why-miss-details-embraces-balance-as-a-core-value/

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder and principal of Miss Details, a branding and graphic design firm based in Scottsdale. Our firm is recognized for our ability to distill a brand’s unique differentiators and personality into visually compelling, emotionally resonant designs. One of the lessons I have learned in my 20 years of owning Miss Details is that saying “no” to project that aren’t a great fit helps you focus on your excellence. It was challenging (and still is) to decline projects and revenue but the more I do it the more space I open for the projects and clients that I can really help.
Lately, we’ve been focusing more on brand strategy, developing creative direction and guidelines that businesses can use in-house. We provide clients with different levels of brand guides and toolkits, empowering their internal design teams to execute consistently and effectively. We have developed our own synthesized version of a brand guide called a Brand Snapshot™.
It’s incredibly rewarding to offer a solution that not only elevates a small business’s branding but also allows them to stay within budget while maximizing their existing resources. This approach helps ensure they maintain a high level of strategic thinking and consistency while working with their own team.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a spa girl, so we would definitely be spending much of the time on self-care and relaxation. The Camelback Inn Spa is a classic and gives visitors a taste of authentic classic Arizona style. I love that their spa is seperate from the hotel and has it’s own pool and restaurant. The Phoenician is also an Arizona must-do, their spa is a 5-diamond facility and their services are great.

We might also stay a few nights in Tucson at Miraval, one of my favorite wellness resorts. The food, drinks, spa services, and activities make for a perfect stay in a very Arizona experience.

Ocean 44 would be on our list for dinner because the services it top notch as is the seafood.

Of course I would take them to Sedona, those red rocks are beautiful and the restaurant Mariposa has one of the best views.

During their stay I would definitely take them to one of my favorite clients, Ling & Louie’s and Lings Wok Shop, they offer a fun atmosphere and beyond fresh and flavorful eats and drinks. It’s always fun to share a brand that I have been so involved with.

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?
The people who support me the most are my husband and my mother, they are my cheerleaders and my support system. One of the most inspiring and supportive organizations I have been a part of is Entrepreneurs Organization Accelerator program, the community and resources are invaluable.

Website: https://missdetails.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missdetails/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/missdetails/

Twitter: https://x.com/missdetails/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miss.Details.Design

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/missdetails

Image Credits
The Hearnes

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.