34 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN BUSINESS BALANCING ACT Running a business while enjoying summer BY KATIE FINCH DESIGN YOUR SCHEDULE AROUND LIFE “Charleston definitely has a rhythm in the summer, and I’ve learned that trying to fight it usually leads to burnout,” Sommer begins. She added, “I’ve had to learn to design my schedule around life, not the other way around.” Both women consistently repeat the same word when adopting the seasonal summer mindset: intentionality. We are the creators of our calendars, and “yes” is often the easier option. It takes true intentionality to sit back (in moderation) and enjoy the season. “We have a slower start to our days, and I intentionally plan Lowcountry adventures throughout the summer,” Gerten said. She continued, “Business doesn’t necessarily slow down, but I’m very intentional about putting boundaries around family time.” SET YOUR BOUNDARIES Speaking of boundaries, both women are strong advocates for them. Little things like putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and not feeling the pressure to respond to every message immediately are small ways Sommer and Gerten set their own boundaries. Palm trees, sunny skies, bustling city streets and sea breezes. Charleston is the place we are lucky enough to call home—a place most people plan vacations to. But what does real life look like when our vacation-worthy home is also the place we work? A place with real responsibilities and to-dos. How can we find balance enjoying the beautiful place we call home while also running a business, tending to summer schedules and perhaps altering our schedule just enough to let loose? Angele Gerten, financial advisor with Primerica, and Anna Laura Sommer, founder of Sommer Media and Shine Studio on King Street, are both local, powerhouse women offering their insight on finding the right balance of work and play this summer season. From boundaries to burnout, these ladies are here to share all the details.
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