She's a mom at my school, and I didn't even know it! Maybe I need to open my eyes more, look up in the hallway and make an effort to know the parents around me. Many of us are so much more than what we see on the surface. Not only are we balancing the biggest job of raising kids, but some of us are keeping massive companies thriving, a family legacy alive and a mindset of both progression and tradition.

 Listen as this Southern Illinoisan talks about the importance of challenging yourself, how volleyball goes from sport to business, marrying an Abercrombie model and professional beach volleyball player, the utility of a stay-at-home husband, homeschooling and running the 5th generation of furniture stores. Most commonly known as Ashley Furniture, Ellen walks us through the evolution and success of this now household name. Glad to meet you, Ellen, you are a shining example of how to create a balance between professional and personal success.

Emily Harrington, here! Mom, wife, retired communications liaison and host of the HyperLocal(s) Podcast. Each week I bring you a pod where townies and transplants share their tales of tears and triumphs, losses and wins. In an effort to provide a way for those that don’t want a public podcast, but still have a story to tell friends and family, I’ve created, In Retrospect: A HyperLocal(s) Project, a private podcast. Visit hyperlocalscu.com/in-retrospect

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