Living Your Balanced Life

We are a virtual community of people who want MORE. More balance, more time, more intentional living. We help you escape the traditional 9-5 grind to create fulfillment in your career, your family, and your life.

23: Building a Business with Balance with Austin|Fowler’s Steph Fowler 08/23/2022

23: Building a Business with Balance with Austin|Fowler’s Steph Fowler Wife, mom and CEO Steph Fowler built a business from a handbag sketch - without any background as a designer! In this episode, Steph shares how she came up with the concept for Austin|Fowler, how the brand got it’s start, what the messy middle looked like for her as a working mom of four with a business on the side, and how she made the slow shift from 9-5 to full-time in her start up. Discussed in this episode: How Stephanie came up with the idea for a manufactured product, despite no background in product development or manufacturing How Stephanie built a booming business before leaving her 9-5 How Steph decided it was time to take the leap to leave her 9-5 and go full time with her business Why controlling the growth is really important to Steph, and how it impacts her ability to prioritize work-life balance Why debt-free growth has been a priority for Austin|Fowler What the future looks like for her company and her family Resources: More from Stephanie Fowler: Steph is a wife, mom of 4, former corporate executive and CEO of Austin | Fowler. She founded Austin | Fowler in 2015 with her husband, Vince, when she was frustrated with the lack of bags in the market that kept her organized with her busy family life on the go but was also chic enough to carry into the office. She was passionate that a bag that was able to keep you organized on the go and also chic, could help transform you into a more confident person. Since then, Austin | Fowler bags are carried by thousands of women around the world who have seen the transformative effect of a chic and organized bag. More importantly the Austin | Fowler brand has an incredibly loyal community of customers who regularly build their A|F collection and are incredible ambassadors in telling their friends, family, and strangers who compliment their bag! We would love to have you become connected with us! www.AustinFowler.com @austinandfowler on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / TikTok More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/24141837

22: Creating Adventure and Purpose with IVY Adventures Co-Owner Sarah Line 08/16/2022

22: Creating Adventure and Purpose with IVY Adventures Co-Owner Sarah Line Adventure, community and do-good projects come together at IVY Adventures. Co-owner Sarah Line joins us to chat about how her company helps companies and individuals become changemakers in the global community while creating incredible memories through travel adventures designed to make a difference. Discussed in this episode: How IVY helps individuals and corporations travel more and create change in the global community How these travel opportunities impact corporate culture How travel can create personal change The experiences that drove Sarah to bridge the gap to build a company that is focused on creating life purpose for others How she joined IVY when it was an existing business, what the process looked like, and how she transitioned out of the corporate world to find success as an entrepreneur What success looks like for Sarah, and why she believes it’s a fluid, evolving aspect of business How to focus on the things that give you energy, and delegate the rest Resources: More from Sarah Line Change-maker enthusiast Sarah Line started IVY Adventures after leading world wide humanitarian trips, and observing people facing fear, gaining insight, and watching incredible relationships form in a way that created functional teams from highly diverse backgrounds. Recognizing travel as a powerful tool, Sarah left the corporate Employee Benefits insurance industry to go full time with IVY. It has doubled year after year in growth, even as COVID ravaged the worlds of travel and gathering. Sarah brings a unique perspective, built from living such an unconventional life and working through the challenges and frustrations that come with being a changer. Sarah's core beliefs are: the messy middle is where magic happens, embrace every situation and refuse to let go until you have learned something from it, and using science & fun to get sh*t done. And here are a few upcoming IVY humanitarian & leadership development trips that are open to anyone: Thailand January 2023: Costa Rica 2023: Alaska leadership development July 2023: More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/24068898

21: Using Passive Income to Build Your Dream with Daniel Felt of Kura Homes 06/28/2022

21: Using Passive Income to Build Your Dream with Daniel Felt of Kura Homes Daniel Felt, CEO of Kura Homes, shares his journey to entrepreneurship - from his parent creating a business on accident to his first foray into passive income, to founding Kura Homes with two passive income streams as his safety net. We discuss mindset and attitude, along with being intentional about who you surround yourself with as a business owner, along with you multiple income streams can help you create more financial security as an entrepreneur. Finally, we chat about how you can streamline operations within your business and delegate better to build a stronger business model and create more work-life balance. Discussed in this episode: How Daniel changed his path from elementary education to entrepreneurship How he found his footing with passive income streams, and how those streams enabled him to start his active business Why mindset and attitude - and the people you surround yourself with impact your trajectory How an accountability partner - paid or unpaid - can help you stay on track to your vision and goals Why multiple income streams are important as an entrepreneur - and how to set yourself up for success Why Daniel chose the recurring home maintenance business model and how this has helped him to build a more balanced life The passive income stream that Daniel would start today if he were doing it all over again How you can streamline operations and delegate well, so that you can accomplish everything you set out to do The impact of consistency on your future trajectory Resources: More from Daniel: Daniel Felt is the Founder and CEO of Kura Home. Since starting in 2016, Kura Home has grown from Daniels garage to four different states and 32 employees. Focusing on high quality work at a fair price, Kura Home services over 600 homes on a quarterly basis completing their routine maintenance needs. In his free time, Daniel enjoys being a husband, father, camping, hiking, marathons, ultra marathons, and Ironman triathlons. He is also a private pilot and certified home inspector. www.kurahome.com https://www.facebook.com/kuramaintenance https://www.instagram.com/kurahome https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rKDatE51PpSaNbhuPVjTQ More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/23564981

20: Work-life balance: How Katie Heruth Bought an Existing Business to Build Her Dream 06/21/2022

20: Work-life balance: How Katie Heruth Bought an Existing Business to Build Her Dream Katie Heruth is the owner of Minnesota Parent Publications, a digital-first magazine that she purchased as an existing business in 2021. After spending most of her career in early education, Katie’s direction took a 180-degree turn during the pandemic when things slowed down for her family, when she also realized she wanted to pursue a new passion. In this episode, Katie shares how she made the shift from employee to entrepreneur, how she decided to buy an existing business and what the process looked like. She also shares how the business has evolved since she purchased it, how she is balancing business growth with life, and how to take your time building a business to make it what you want it to be. Discussed in this episode: How Katie decided to buy an existing business and what the process looked like Tactical advice for understanding what your target market wants to see from you and how to implement it Why analytics are important and how to use them How client surveys can help you target what’s important in your business (and which survey systems to use) How the business has grown differently than she expected - and that’s ok! How the experience plays into your relationship with customers, and how to do this well The balance between running a business and putting family first Resources: More from Katie: Building a business takes time even if it was already established! Listen to your customers. You may go into something thinking this is how it's going to go. You need to be flexible and recognize what is working well and what your customers are gravitating towards and pivot towards those important customers! You can find all our content here: Facebook: Instagram: My LinkedIn page: More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/23494292

19: Be better, do better: Using purpose to drive your business and your balanced life with Anahita Champion 06/14/2022

19: Be better, do better: Using purpose to drive your business and your balanced life with Anahita Champion Anahita Champion is a media producer and communications strategist working with BIPOC entrepreneurs on their communications strategies, storytelling and philanthropic initiatives. She shares how she’s built a business based on community purpose, and how motherhood has changed her perspective on how she builds her business and creates a more balanced life. We discuss how you can start creating a bigger purpose for your business and your life, and how you can build a community of good people around you. Discussed in this episode: How Anahita developed a business plan that she was passionate about after spending many years in the Corporate world How motherhood changed her perspective on business How not knowing the future can be scary, but letting your business evolve can bring great things How perspective in the form of community can help us improve our businesses, our time management, how we relate to people and how we create balance How Anahita uses volunteering opportunities to impact change in the community through her business How purpose can drive you forward and fuel your fire in all areas of your life How to get out of your bubble and build a real community around you. Resources: More from Anahita Champion: Anahita is a first generation Iranian-Immigrant who is passionate about inclusive storytelling. As a Wifey & Mommy, she prides herself on focusing her personal & professional projects around her three-core values: Community, Diversity, and Joy. Anahita spends her work time as a Media Personality, Brand Story Strategist, youth advocate & spends a portion of her time on philanthropic outreach & mental health advocacy. Through her multifaceted projects, Anahita is dedicated to providing uplifting & inclusive experiences as she hopes to touch the lives of those near and far. Media work: www.itsanahita.com & @anahitachampion on all social media platforms MomSquad: www.twincitiesmomsquad.com & @tcmomsquad on all social media platforms More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/23423975

18: Working from home with kids home in the summer 05/31/2022

17: Money Planning for Business Owners and Aspiring Business Owners with Kristin Printon 05/24/2022

16: Building Trust and Connection within Relationships with Butch Zelinsky 05/17/2022

15: How to adjust your workload so that you can enjoy the summer 05/10/2022

15: How to adjust your workload so that you can enjoy the summer Ann and Cortney share a candid conversation on how you can slow down or adjust your workload to enjoy the best season of the year - summer! They discuss how they adjusted for summer with the podcast, and also within their respective businesses, while sharing how you can start your own plan for finding more time in your week. In addition, they chat through the things you should NOT stop doing in the summer months and how to communicate with a prospect that you want to start working with them, but not until after Labor Day. Discussed in this episode: Why Ann and Cortney scale back in the summer and what that looks like for each of them How we planned for summer with the podcast How we adjust for summer wtihin our other businesses How you can apply the same concepts to your own business Conversations you might have with clients and prospects that address your capacity without losing business How to make your summer what you want it to be Resources: Nonnegotiables for the summer: Networking: choosing 1-2 events per month - either digital or in person - to attend LinkedIn: keep consistently posting and engaging on LinkedIn to stay in front of your sphere Existing client work: Adjust down client calls if you can, plan out where you can outsource if needed Use your network: Find contractors/freelancers to pick up some of the workload if you have too much on your plate (we like Upwork for project-based outsourcing) Block days off: Put your time off on your calendar, whether that’s every Friday and/or longer vacations - so that you can visually see when you won’t be working. Hold yourself accountable! Your summer plan: Make a list of the FUN things you want to do in the summer and let that be your motivation to adjust your workload as needed! More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/23069897

14: Creating your brand and working in the cracks of mom life with Ashley Elwill 05/03/2022

13: Put time back in your day with systems and tools that streamline your business operations | Operations Guru Liz Broderick shares her best tips 04/26/2022

12: Starting a business across the country: How a mindset shift led Liz Broderick and her husband Todd to leave their corporate jobs, start a business and move across the country 04/19/2022

11: Boundaries and systems to help you thrive 04/12/2022

10: Transitioning to your own business: how mentorship and mindset can make all the difference with Katie Jamieson 04/05/2022

09: Confidence Sells: The Importance of Branding Your Business with Sheena Schriever 03/29/2022

08: Success vs. Failure, Finding Your Zone of Genius and More 03/22/2022

08: Success vs. Failure, Finding Your Zone of Genius and More Extras from our Conversations with Tiff Hoeft and Dana Hagemann In this episode, we share some of the candid conversations with Tiff and Dana that we didn’t get to share in their full episodes. We chat about it all: what success really looks like (and how failure is part of your success story!), nurturing relationships for the future, and the state of women in the workforce. We talk about some of the recent statistics - how 1 in 4 women left the traditional workforce in 2020, and what people are really looking for in flexible work, along with how you can FIND those opportunities, and also how you can create them (if that’s something you’re passionate about. Discussed in this episode: Success online, vs. success in real life Why failure is part of everyone’s journey and how to embrace it Nurturing relationships, even when they don’t turn into new biz What’s happening to women (especially moms) in the workforce How to find opportunities and how to create opportunities for working moms How to find your zone of genius - get the free download here: https://www.livingyourbalancedlife.com/listen-to-the-show/episode8 More from our guests: More about Dana’s company: https://cureomedia.com/ Connect with Dana on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dana_hagemann LinkedIn: More about Tiff’s company: Connect with Tiff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffhoeft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-hoeft-938bbb4a/ More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingyourbalancedlife/ Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneygalster/ /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/22534133

07: Finding your footing and taking the leap with Dana Hagemann 03/15/2022

07: Finding your footing and taking the leap with Dana Hagemann In this episode, special guest Dana Hagemann shares a candid conversation about her unique journey to entrepreneurship - from her first solo corporate retreat in a cabin in the woods, to her #summerofdreams, to how she found work and built a thriving business. Through her passion for asking questions and meeting new people, Dana was led to a career in journalism. In 2021, she started her own business as a PR and digital marketing consultant, where she's exercising more creative freedom, professional growth, and of course, balance in her life. Dana’s thoughts on taking the leap: “My goal was to volunteer for organizations and build a portfolio out of my skillset, I wanted to work with nonprofits and mission-backed startups, and I figured what better way to do that than work on a volunteer board. And this led to a recurring client that I’m working with to this day. If you have the space to volunteer - definitely set a boundary around that - you will get something out of it, at the very least learning about the people you want to work with and the work you want to do.” Discussed in this episode: How Dana discovered that entrepreneurship was really right for her - and what the #summerofdreams was all about How your past career doesn’t have to be what you build your business around How to financially plan for taking the leap, and what parameters to consider putting around her journey How to find supplemental income if you need it (and why it’s OK to need that supplemental income!) Why following your curiosity can help you find your path Why a realistic plan is so important for your mindset and your success Resources: More from Dana: Book Recommendation: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber More about Dana’s company: https://cureomedia.com/ Connect with Dana on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dana_hagemann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-hagemann-55138420/ More from Ann and Cortney Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get episode updates and exclusive tips and tricks that we share on our other channels! Get added on our website: livingyourbalancedlife.com Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: [email protected] Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingyourbalancedlife/ Ann’s LinkedIn: Cortney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneygalster/ /episode/index/show/88364963-14ce-43c8-ab12-87f27fe09e44/id/22459538

06: Finding boundaries, systems and balance with Tiffany Hoeft 03/08/2022

05: Where to find freelance and contract work now and in the future 03/01/2022

04: Pricing Your Services Now, and Increasing Prices as You Grow 02/22/2022

03: Identifying your services for scalability 02/09/2022

02: What’s your why? Use this to set your goals and your 12 month plan 02/07/2022

01: How we made the leap from 9-5 to entrepreneurship 02/07/2022

Living Your Balanced Life

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