Thrive Mode Activated: Balancing Business and Wellness
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
By Karen Aucoin
As a business owner, designer, venue operator, and mom, I’ve learned that protecting your energy isn’t a luxury, it’s the strategy. If you're building something that matters, alignment isn’t optional. You don’t just balance business and wellness, you fight for it, and you build systems that make it possible.
On the best days, I wake up around 5:00 a.m., before my two kids are up. That’s my time to stretch, pray, and have a moment with God. I usually follow that with a short hypnosis session to clear my mind and stay centered. I try not to check my phone right away. It’s hard, especially as a business owner, but I’ve learned how important it is to give my brain a moment of peace before jumping into the day.
After that, I grab a notebook, not a phone or laptop, and I write out what needs to happen. Some days I focus on immediate tasks. Other days, I zoom out and plan the week or even the next 90 days. I do a deeper version of this once a month to keep my goals clear and my thinking grounded. If I still have a few minutes, I’ll fit in a quick workout. Even ten minutes helps. Yoga is my favorite because it blends breath, movement, and strength. It brings me back to center.
I also time-block my week. Certain days are for meetings, and others are protected for deep work. I take one full day each week as my CEO day. I don’t go into the venue, and I keep outside communication to a minimum. That’s my space to think, plan, and stay connected to the bigger vision. I also block time for creative design work, where I can focus on larger projects without interruption. These protected pockets of time help me lead with intention, not just reaction.
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause. Five minutes of stillness or fresh air can completely shift my mindset. Trying to make big decisions in a state of stress never works. In my line of work, when your mind is scattered, you make mistakes and that can lead to injury. You have to be clear and present to lead well.
One thing that helps me stay motivated is the people I surround myself with. I look for people who challenge me. If I’m the most experienced person in the room, I lean into teaching and mentoring. That’s how I’ve built the culture at Studio 131 and JoBelle. Community matters. I’m not interested in doing this alone. Collaboration brings energy, momentum, and growth.
JoBelle is actually named after my kids, Joseph and Isabelle. They’re the heart behind everything I build. My husband, Bubba, helps me run the business, and he’s the only person who can match my energy without ever making me feel like I’m too much. We lead together, and I’m beyond grateful for that.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that burnout doesn’t care how successful you are. You can be making great money and still feel completely depleted if you don’t have the right systems and support in place. There will always be new problems, new fires to put out, and a hundred voices competing for your attention. But when you have a plan, and you stick to your core routine, you can weather anything. Your team needs that clarity from you. Otherwise, they start working hard in all the wrong directions.
To me, thriving isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s knowing when to lead from the front, when to pause, and when to listen. I lead with heart and go with my gut. As Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible.’” That’s how I live, lead, and grow with purpose, with people I love, and with a vision that keeps expanding.
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