Welcome to THE BALANCE PROJECT: a series of relevant and refreshingly candid interviews featuring inspiring and accomplished women talking about balance. I’ve always been curious—and maybe a little obsessed—about how women I admire manage the tragically glorified “doing it all” craze. So I asked them. As I suspected, no one really does “it all.” Everyone’s making sacrifices somewhere. And that should make us feel a little better. Every Friday I’ll feature a new interview. Here’s what DayNa Decker had to say…

No. 30: DayNa Decker, Entrepreneur

Age: 44
Where I live:
 Laguna Beach, CA
Job: President of Lumetique, DayNa Decker LLC, and DD Worldwide
Ages/genders of kids: Two boys ages 6 & 7

Is the job you h_DSF7437ave now the same one you had before kids? If not, how and why did you change directions?
Yes, I started my business in 2001 and launched the brand in 2006. My first son was born in 2007.

Do you think having “it all” is realistic or overrated and why?
Well, this concept has been on my mind a lot lately and I could write a lot about this so here are a few of my thoughts…

The statement “it all” really is something we make up in our minds and everyone has a different description of “it all.” I think when we compare ourselves with others, we will never have “it all.” If our expectations are really high, then “it all” most likely will never be accomplished. I am really working on my “it all” being the most important and positive things in my life—my health (yes, I do believe we can be working moms and still work-out); my family’s heath (eating healthy can be achieved with children); having a good relationship with my husband (my foundation), parents, and children; and being independent (having my own career allows me to feel an immense sense of confidence and freedom). HEALTH – LOVE – FINANCIAL SECURITY.

What part of “balance” can you just not seem to figure out?
My problem is that I am an innovator/inventor/creator/strategizer. Therefore, my mind and creativity never stop. I can’t pursue all the things I want to fast enough. The “to do” list never ends. I also manage three companies that have three different strategies so it’s finding the balance in prioritizing. I’ve learned that taking care of me first is the most important thing for me to feel balanced so I have the energy and sanity to be there for my kids, husband, and work.

What part of “balance” are you getting better at?
Over the past year I started working mostly from home and I have found that it is the key to finding a lot of balance in my life. (It saves me an hour during the day of drive time that I can now use to work out or spend with my kids.) I get 300% more done at home with no distractions. Being at home (even though I am working), gives the kids a feeling that I am around all the time now.  And I completely shut off on Fridays at 2:30 when I pick up my boys from school through the weekend.

What was the best advice you ever heard on balance…
From a mentor/co-worker? 
Richard Branson said “Shoot for great not for perfect.”
From your mother?
 “If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.”
From your kids? 
“When your stomach is full, your other stomach has room for dessert.”

If you had one extra hour in each day and you couldn’t work or be with your family, how would you spend that hour?
I would go to Bikram Yoga.

What do you wish you’d known when you were 20?
I wish I would have known to keep a diary and taken more pictures so memories would last longer.

What do you hope to know by time you’re 60?
How to live to be 200.

What one part of your home life do you wish you could outsource?
Cooking!!!

Whose job do you wish you had?
Richard Branson.

Whose job are you glad you don’t have?
The exterminator.

Favorite books?
Last time I read a book was in 2006 before I had kids. Actually I think I probably read some mommy books on “how to raise baby boys” in the past 6 years. I only read non-fiction when I find the time, which appears to be never.

What are you reading right now?
Lots of emails, trashy magazines, and WWD.

Biggest vices…
Activity? An essential oil bath at night (even when I am really clean).
Food? Truffle french fries.
Website? hangwith.com

How many hours do you generally sleep at night during the week?
7.5.

What do you read every morning?
Emails.

Complete the following sentences:
I think I: will create many positive things for the world to experience.
I wish I: was 28 but with my same life.
My kids: mean the world to me.

Do you have a personal motto or favorite saying?
“When you have children, you cease to be the picture and become the frame.”  

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DayNa Decker Jujube Peony Candle

About DayNa:
Style visionary and trendsetting innovator, DayNa Decker infuses everyday life experiences with her inimitable designs of modern sensuality. DayNa created a niche in both the beauty and home fragrance markets after patenting several unique technologies and formulations. Well known as a visionary and tastemaker, DayNa instinctually fuses creativity, innovation, and style into an elusive combination of wellness, elegance, and function. Her ingenious eye for seductive luxury and decadent sophistication evolved over years of traveling the world as a Ford model immersed in the worlds of fashion, art, and culture. Born into a family of entrepreneurs from both the design and wellness industries, creative expression and savvy business sense run through her veins. DayNa, having mastered the art of perfumery in Grasse, France, brings an unparalleled sensorial experience and personal touch to her collections..

Find more about DayNa here:
www.daynadecker.com
Twitter: @DayNaDecker
Facebook: DayNaDecker
Instagram: daynadeckerofficial
Pinterest: daynadecker

Please share your own tips on balance and check back every Friday for another interview from THE BALANCE PROJECT.

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