Work Hard, Life Hard

In today’s episode, I’m BACK with a Tee Talk focused specifically in our work bucket because I feel like we like to focus on the life bucket because we don’t normally spend a lot of time there.

So, if we look at our work bucket, we all know that summer is FINALLY here, which typically can mean a very busy time in your life bucket. So, I want to ask you a question–Have you ever experienced lower motivation during the summer months?
I’m sharing with you today my one tip on how to avoid a summer slouch and what to do when you’re feeling like your motivation is low on a work day. You’d be surprised by how effective you can be even with low motivation if you understand where you can focus that energy.

Key Takeaways:

• Summer is here!
• Don’t slack off
• Enjoy your summer
• Find your focus

I want to THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU who are a part of this gang and along on this journey with me. The show has officially hit 2,000 downloads since we started, which is an amazing win for me! I couldn’t do it without you all. Thank you for wanting to learn and grow how to better balance your work and your life.

Thank you to our sponsor for today’s episode, The Cardinal Farmhouse. The Cardinal Farmhouse is a family-owned home decor boutique that was born out of a desire to embrace a simple lifestyle, curate a French-inspired home, and find joy in the mundane. This company is a woman-owned business and a Canadian business and I'm so excited to say that listeners of the show can use code "WORK15" to receive 15% off their order! Check it out at cardinalfarmhouse.com!

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

If you’re looking for inspiration, then today’s episode is for you! Today, I have entrepreneur and financial expert Whitney MacKenzie on the show. I was pumped when Whitney reached out to me asking to be on the show. Then, after learning even more about who she is and what she balances, I quickly realized that Whit is a POWERHOUSE.

Her perspective on life, balancing her work + her life all while managing her relationships and taking care of herself is truly inspiring. Also, the fact that she is a money guru instantly got me excited to hear what tips she could share because money is such an important factor in both your work + life buckets.

Key Takeaways:

• Being present
• Life isn’t always sexy–but the work is worth it
• Trust yourself + be independent
• Money awareness
• Spend your money on what you value

These are just some of the key takeaways from today’s episode. I know all of you listeners are in for a real treat, as Whit shares some amazing perspectives and life stories from her life so far. Whitney–thank YOU for putting yourself out there and getting uncomfortable with me! It was such a treat to have you on the show!

If you’re interested in learning more about Whit’s thing she can’t live without, check out BrainFM!

If you want to connect with Whitney, find her here:

• Whitney’s Instagram: @with.whitm
• Azure Salon Spa Instagram: @azure.ssm
• Azure Salon Spa Website
• All Star Auto Glass: @allstarautoglass.co
• All Star Auto Glass Website

If you haven’t already checked it out, head on over to the Work Hard, Life Hard Amazon Storefront! I share some of my fave Amazon products and tools that I use every day to help me manage my work/life balance.

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

About Whitney:
Whitney Mackenzie started with the Floreani Group in 2007 as Treatment Coordinator for Dr. Kent Floreani. She then moved up to office manager while the practice grew and welcomed 2 more Orthodontists, Dr. Michael O'Toole & Dr. Carly Dool. While on Maternity leave Whitney completed her bookkeeping certificate through Sault College. When Dr. Floreani founded Azure, Whitney was asked to be involved from the beginning and it gave her first-hand experience with what it takes to start a business from the ground up.
Whitney then played a significant role in building the Azure brand and the merging of Azure Medispa and Headlines Hair Salon & Day Spa. She began as the Business Development Leader at Azure and recently took over as General Manager in 2020. She loves creating a work environment where the team feels empowered to do what they love and guests leave looking and feeling their absolute best!
During the pandemic, her love for personal finance and teaching was calling. She, along with her husband Justin, had spent the previous 3 years making some financial changes and paid down a lot of debt while still feeling stress-free and loving life. She wanted to teach that to whomever she could by posting tips and sharing information on social media.
She and her husband most recently purchased All Star Auto Glass, a long-standing business in Sault Ste. Marie. So, work-life balance is even more of a focus than ever as she juggles managing the team at Azure, owning a thriving business, being a present Mom, wife, sister, daughter - you name it!

Happy Wednesday, gang! I’m back with ANOTHER Tee Talk this week. Can you believe we’ve been doing this together for 7 months now?! I know… me neither!

Today’s episode is short and sweet because I have an insanely busy weekend last week and my balance is feeling completely off. I need to spend some extra time recovering and resting. But, I wanted to catch you all up on the FIRST KEYNOTE that I presented last week–so pumped about this! Then, I recently read a passage that I needed to share with you all because I think it’s VERY relevant to what we do here on the show and an important reminder.

Key Takeaways:

• Rest is productive
• What your soul needs.
• Balance is the highest priority

To get my favourite Brianna Wiest books, you can shop for them here:

• The Pivot Year
• 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think
• The Mountain Is You
• This Is How You Heal

As promised, here is the passage I share in today’s episode:
On the days when it hurts too much to dream, to hope, to think of anything beyond the line of sight ahead of you–just rest. You were raised in a world that believes your productivity can only exist in outward measure, that the only things watch doing are the ones that others can consume. Your soul cannot be fooled by this, no matter how much your mindset can try to superimpose such rigid beliefs upon you. Eventually, you give way to the guidance of your inner being, the part of you that knows how vital it is to recover, to reintegrate, to reflect, to balance all doing with the simplicity of being. There is nothing wrong with you for needing to take life at your own pace, in your own timing. In fact, there is something emerging from deep within you that is so strong in its conviction that it is making balance your highest priority. Your unwillingness to press forward in outdated ways is not a sign of your noncompliance, but that the spiritual freedom you have cultivated from within is finally beginning to take root. - Day 38, The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest

Thank you to the sponsor of today’s episode, Level Up Desks. Level Up Desks is your place to go for office desks, chairs, gaming desks, chairs, and accessories like keyboards, mice, mousepads, standing pads, and more! They are a Toronto-based, Canadian business that's changing the game because they are promoting the importance of having a functional and ergonomic workspace. All listeners of the show can use the coupon code "WORKHARDLIFEHARD" for a special discount on select items. Check them out! I purchased a standing desk from them and I'm obsessed with it!

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

Happy June, everyone! I’m BACK this week with a Tee Talk since we are officially halfway through 2023–how the heck did that happen?!

My Tee Talk this week is short + sweet, and I’m bringing you back to the basics. I wanted to check in with you all on your current scale (1 to 5) of where your work/life balance is. Then, I wanted to remind you about what your OPTIONS are from there. But, you can’t have options if you don’t reflect on where you’re at!

Key Takeaways:

• Happy June!
• Back to basics
• Scale check-in
• Time is precious
• Be intentional

I hope you walk away from today’s episode with INTENTION on your mind, and ready to crush your work/life balance for the remainder of 2023!

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

Thank you to our sponsor for today’s episode, The Cardinal Farmhouse! This company is a woman-owned business Canadian business and I'm so excited to say that listeners of the show can use code "WORK15" to receive 15% off their order! Check it out at cardinalfarmhouse.com! I literally cannot stop shopping here--I've ordered prints, one of the wool blankets, the berry dishes, some vintage bowls, and her special french dish soap is AMAZING.

We’re back this week with a new guest talk featuring Toronto small-business owner, Monica Khalil. I kept seeing Monica come up on my FYP on TikTok, and after checking out her store, I knew I needed to reach out to her.

I was inspired by Monica’s passion and drive to succeed as the owner of SnaptureThis, a woman-owned paper goods, gifts and dried floral shop located in the heart of Downtown Toronto. In our conversation, we chat about her work/life balance, her transition to opening her storefront, how she balances it all, and her newest venture–her podcast!

Key Takeaways:

• Find time for yourself every day
• Support local when you can
• Take the leap!
• Use your support system
• Get your to-do list done
• Launch then perfect it!

These key takeaways are just the tip of what we talk about on how Monica is able to balance everything that is going on in her work bucket and life bucket that are transferable in so many elements of life!

Monica, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to come on, connect with me, and be so open to talk about your work/life balance. To listen to the quarterly check-in episode I mentioned in the intro of this episode, check it out here.

To connect with Monica, you can find her at:

• Monica’s Instagram
• SnaptureThis Instagram
• SnaptureThis Website
• Sip It Podcast

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com


About Monica Khalil:
Monica Khalil is the proud owner of SnaptureThis, a boutique gift shop located in downtown Toronto. As a young girl, crafting was always a passion of hers. From painting to photography to creating gallery walls in her dorm rooms and rented apartments, she’s always had an eye and passion for creating art. She discovered Etsy as a platform in 2013 when she was looking for a customized gift for a friend of hers. A year later in 2014, she moved from Hamilton Ontario to the big city of Toronto. She was working a full-time job but had an itch to do more. She decided to take a leap of faith and opened SnaptureThis as an online Etsy store. She started the shop off with prints featuring her photography and digitally created designs. Over time, the shop has grown and she began expanding her products. In 2020, she began working with local illustrators on commission to develop some of her most popular items to date beginning with the Toronto Coffee Shop V1 Print. This print featured local cafes in the city and became a best seller quickly. In 2022, she took the biggest leap of faith, quit her full-time job and opened up her storefront in downtown Toronto! She works closely with her best friend, Dunya, and the storefront includes all her products, dried florals, and also features incredible local makers and female-owned businesses.

I’m BACK this week with a Tee Talk on a matter that’s deeply important to me–mental health. In case you didn’t know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I thought it was appropriate to speak about it and its impact on work/life balance.

At the end of the day, everything affects your work/life balance including your mental health! Like your physical health, mental health should be treated like a muscle + something you build habits around to keep it operating in your favour.

In today’s episode, I share 4 tips that you can implement to support your mental health + your work/life balance all at the same time.

Key Takeaways:

1. Take regular breaks
2. Start + end your day with a walk
3. Create a self-care routine
4. Check in on your loved ones

To listen to the episode I mention with Mike White, go to EPI 023.

For a few mental health resources, please visit:

• AODA
• CMHA
• Canada.ca
• BetterHelp

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

Note: I am not a mental health professional. This episode is to spark information, learning, and knowledge purposes only.

A new guest talk is here this week with my friend, Shelby Kammerer! FUN FACT ABOUT ME + SHELBY - we were duet partners at the age of 6 + 7! Our very first jazz duet was to the song Swingin’ on a Star, and we won 1st place at every single competition we did that year. This led to us being duet partners for YEARS!


I was so excited she wanted to come on the show to catch up on life with me and chat about her work/life balance now that she’s balancing her business and 2 babies at home! She’s achieved so much success in her life, and I wanted to know how she balances it all!

Key Takeaways:

• Map transitions around your kids
• Flexibility is OKAY + encouraged!
• Fitness contributes to a balanced life
• Where is your energy allocation?

Shelby, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to catch up with me. This was such a full-circle moment for both of us! I know your key takeaways and what you share on the show!

To connect with Shelby, you can find her here:

• Shelby’s Instagram: @skammerer905
• SC Fitness Instagram: @scfitness905
• https://www.scfitness905.com/

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

About Shelby Kammerer
Shelby Kammerer is the owner of SC Fitness, a fitness and nutrition coaching business. She’s also a mom to a toddler and newborn, a Registered Nurse, and a wife. After having her first baby 2.5 years ago, she decided to step down from nursing full-time and turn my side gig coaching business into my full-time job. She now coaches men and women all over the country online on top of being a full-time stay-at-home mom. At SC Fitness, they focus on individual client needs, personal coaching, and connecting to each client on a personal level to really get to know them. They offer individualized training for workouts, nutrition guidance, and recently have expanded into postpartum care and core correction. Shelby’s life and business are ever-changing and evolving–both take a lot of work but it’s worth it at the end of the day because it’s Shelby’s passion!

We’re back this week with another Guest Talk featuring the entrepreneurial guru herself, Kristina Hudson!

Kristina and I grew up dancing together, and we’ve been connected ever since! When she wanted to come onto the show, I was ECSTATIC to talk to her about her work/life balance and how she balances it all!

In today’s episode, Kristina talks about her life changes over the last ten years, which include many businesses, a husband, and two babies! We talk about the impact this has had on her work/life balance, and how she’s able to accept changes in her balance through different times of the year.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn to let go
• You can’t do it all!
• Shifting your priorities
• Finding your own success
• Push for your passion

We finish the episode talking about social media and Kristina shares her advice which will guarantee hit close to home. Thank you, Kristina, for taking time out of your wild schedule to chat with me today and share your thoughts!

To connect with Kristina and her businesses:

• Kristina’s Instagram: @kristinahudsonn
• Krush Clothing Boutique: https://krushssm.com/
• Krush Clothing Boutique Instagram: @krushssm
• The Trading Post: @thetradingpostssm
• The Big Moose: @thebigmoosessm

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

Thank you to our sponsor for today’s episode, The Cardinal Farmhouse! This company is a woman-owned business Canadian business and I'm so excited to say that listeners of the show can use code "WORK15" to receive 15% off their order! Check it out at cardinalfarmhouse.com! I literally cannot stop shopping here--I've ordered prints, one of the wool blankets, the berry dishes, some vintage bowls, and her special french dish soap is AMAZING.


About Kristina Hudson:
Kristina Hudson is a busy Mom of two, wife and entrepreneur owning four different businesses. She opened her first business - Krush Clothing Boutique – at just 18 years old and has now successfully built it into a worldwide online boutique. Kristina and her husband also own 3 separate businesses together – The Trading Post and Frontier Village – which includes a gas bar, fishing and tackle shop, hunting store, ice cream parlour and fish and chips restaurant. Although these businesses keep her busy Kristina places a huge value on family time and has managed to find the perfect balance for her and her family.

If you feel like you are on autopilot, this episode is for you!

It’s May–and this new month is bringing me to talk about being stagnant.

Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions? Another day comes and goes just like the one before and you don’t necessarily feel like you’re in control? Acting on autopilot is something that we ALL need to be aware of and check ourselves from time to time. It’s easy to go about our everyday life and not spend the proper amount of time truly REFLECTING. So, in today’s episode, we’re going to talk about just that.

Then, I’m going to remind you about the importance of challenging times. Challenging times are exactly that–challenging. But, there’s always something to learn. And at the moment, it might seem impossible that any good can come from a situation, but shifting your perspective and learning to pivot can propel you forward instead of staying in the same place.

Key Takeaways:

• Autopilot is normal
• More reflection is needed
• You have the choice
• Pivoting leads to growth

Thank you for being here! If you haven’t yet already followed the show, find us below! Also, if you’re interested in Glennon Doyle’s Untamed, you can get it here!

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

Thank you to our sponsor, Level Up Desks! Level Up Desks is your place to go for office desks, chairs, gaming desks, chairs, and accessories like keyboards, mouse, mousepads, standing pads, and more! They are a Toronto-based, Canadian business that's changing the game because they are promoting the importance of having a functional and ergonomic. All listeners of the show can use the coupon code "WORKHARDLIFEHARD" for a special discount on select items. Check them out! I purchased a standing desk from them and I'm obsessed with it!

In today’s episode, mental health is talked about in a way that has never been seen on the show so far. I have my friend, the talented + fabulous, Jeannette Orazietti with me today. She is the owner of Jeannette’s Custom Cakes + JCC Sugar, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.


I’ve known Jeannette for a long time and we’ve always been able to stay connected one way or another. I first met her when she was my gymnastics coach when I was 10! I’ve always admired Jeannette for her ability to be transparent and open the conversation when it comes to mental health as an entrepreneur and business owner.

In today’s episode, she does JUST that… and more! We talk not only about mental health and developing your toolbox, but we also talk about the importance of proper work/life balance especially through transition periods.

Key Takeaways:

• Create your toolbox
• We are all human
• Carve your own path
• Focus on yourself

Jeannette–I always love the time that we spend together because I learn something new from you every time! Thank you for doing what you do, you are an inspiration!


If you want to connect with Jeannette, you can find her at:

• https://www.jeannettescustomcakes.com/
• Instagram: @jccjeannette @jccsugar

Thank you to our sponsor for today’s episode, The Cardinal Farmhouse. The Cardinal Farmhouse is a family owned home decor boutique that was born out of a desire to embrace a simple lifestyle, curate a French inspired home, and find joy in the mundane. I'm so excited to say that listeners of the show can use code "WORK15" to receive 15% off their order!

Connect with The Show:

• Tiktok: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Instagram: @workhardlifehardpodcast
• Tee’s Instagram: @tkoms
• Shop the Amazon Storefront

www.workhardlifehard.com

About Jeannette Orazietti:
Owner and custom cake and cookie designer, Jeannette Orazietti was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A graphic designer by trade, Jeannette’s talent and passion for all-things creative led her to the world of cake design. Her result includes competing on Cake Walk: Wedding Cake Edition in 2011, a premier’s award nomination in 2016, and multiple local awards from her hometown. More than anything, her greatest accomplishments are her husband Anthony and daughter Elizabeth.