I have two Facebook accounts: one for work and one for personal use. When I am off work, I log out of my work Facebook account.  This way, I’m not distracted by messaging back and forth making appointments (I do make appointments for people who call my cell, however). I am never really away from work, though, because I have a passion for nails— everywhere I go and in everything I do, I see an idea for nail art or a nail product that I like!
Yanin Moreno, La Isla Bonita Nail Salon, Sarasota, Fla.

I honestly believe that having a great work/life balance is achieved with good scheduling. Keeping a regular schedule and pre-booking clients helps me keep everything under control. I also schedule time for myself to work on my business while I’m at the salon so I’m not distracted by everything at home. I can be much more productive with my time if I have laser focus at the salon during business hours. By doing this I also make dedicated time for family and friends. It can be tricky as an entrepreneur to keep from working 24/7, but if there isn’t balance between work and play then it’s extremely easy to get burned out. Work hard, play hard.
Rachael Waggoner, Dazzlin’ Digits 3D Nails, Lakewood, Colo.

As a workaholic and control freak, it took me nearly 12 years to learn the secret to achieving a work/life balance: delegation. I have spent the vast majority of my career believing the old saying, If you want something done right, do it yourself. Strict adherence to that philosophy is what made me such a successful salon manager and owner, but it was stressful and compromised my personal life. When I had children, I realized that my micromanaging methods couldn’t continue. If you can find a responsible personal assistant or salon manager to share your responsibilities with, you’ll find yourself with far more time to spend with your family and friends. Start small, and your trust in your “co-pilot” will grow over time.
Tina Alberino, Bentley Hair Salon, Moline, Ill.

In the beginning it was difficult to achieve a good work/life balance, as I was building my business based out of my home. Thankfully, my husband and family understood this. Since then I have learned to say no, which for me is hard!  As a nail technician I never want to turn clients away, but I need days off just like anyone in any line of work.  I have set hours (Monday to Friday and every third Saturday) for my business and I rarely deviate from those hours unless absolutely necessary.  In fact, I don’t even do my own nails on days off; I do them in-between clients or before my workday starts. I spend five days a week in the salon so weekends are exclusively for me, my husband, and my family.
Melissa Steppler, Impressions of Brilliance Esthetics Services, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

I make time every night and weekend to be with my family and separate myself emotionally. No Salon talk, just family time!

Jennie Brown, The Velvet Nail Lounge, Troy, Michigan  

I am always on a very busy schedule. I often work almost seven days a week. However, the balance for me comes with silence to try to block out the noise of the outside world. Listening to smooth jazz also helps to relax my mind, giving me that inner peace to be grateful for the small things that lead me to greater things. I wouldn't trade my schedule, but it’s so important to have “you” time so you can enjoy the benefits of your hard work. Working to achieve your own personal growth and goals begins and ends with you.

Kenyetta Coaxum, Kenya Nail Creations, Bronx, NY

Next question: If you had an extra $1000 to spend on your business, what would you purchase and why? [Answers will be printed in the January 2015 issue.] Share your opinion on the topic by e-mailing your response by April 15 to tracy.rubert@bobit.com. Please include your name, salon, city and state, and a highresolution headshot with your response.

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