We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Rosinski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance has been a moving target for me. I’ve always been a driven, goal-oriented person — constantly striving, constantly pushing toward the next thing. And while that mindset has served me well in many ways, it can also push me toward burnout.

When I was unemployed, I actually worked harder than ever — trying to prove something to myself, trying to figure out my next move, trying to build something meaningful out of the unknown. I did manage to make some beautiful memories with my kids during that time, but I was also constantly exhausted.

Now that I’ve found my groove — both in my corporate marketing role and through Lotus Grove Marketing — I feel much more grounded. My corporate role is lower stress than roles I’ve had in the past, which gives me more capacity to show up fully in both work and life. And in my personal marketing business, I’m doing work that lights me up and supports real people, which has created more space in my life for joy.

I’ve learned that happiness takes intentional focus. It’s not something that just happens — you have to make room for it. Unfortunately, that’s not intuitive for most of us. We go through life wondering why we aren’t happier, without realizing that we rarely pause to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for.

For me, that means carving out time to appreciate the little things, to be fully present with my family, and to step away from the grind when I need to. I’ve come to believe that making space for gratitude is one of the most important things we can do for our well-being. And that, to me, is a key part of finding true work-life balance.

 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in a small upstate New York town with a name that’s hard to spell — Schuylerville. We didn’t have much money, but my parents made sacrifices so my sister and I could participate in competitive gymnastics, go on school trips, and be part of everything. Gymnastics is a demanding sport — I was training 20 hours a week, even as a kid — and it gave me discipline and drive from a very young age. I was also fortunate to be selected for a gifted program at school, which built my confidence and showed me that hard work and learning could level the playing field.

Those early experiences shaped who I am and set the tone for everything that’s come since. I became the first person in my family to graduate from college and went on to build a nearly 20-year career in tech, holding roles in software engineering, operations, program management, and product management. Looking back, I realize I had always gravitated toward marketing — whether it was finding ways to attend customer conferences or launching a podcast to connect with our audience.

Then I lost my job due to an acquisition. It was humbling and incredibly hard — especially for someone who had always excelled in school and work. But it also gave me something I hadn’t had in years: time. Time to reflect and realize that I didn’t want marketing to be a side project anymore — I wanted it to be my main focus.

After months of doing freelance marketing behind the scenes while letting others decide my worth in job interviews that led nowhere, I finally got brave enough to officially start my own business – something that had once felt impossibly daunting. And that’s how Lotus Grove Marketing was born.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d plan a fun mix of family-friendly adventures, outdoor time, and a few of our favorite local spots that really capture the spirit of our community.

Since I usually explore the area with my kids, we’d definitely spend a day bowling at Centennial Lanes, jumping around at Get Air, and swimming or rock climbing at the amazing Longmont Rec Center. We’d grab frozen yogurt at Twisted Roots afterward — it’s one of our favorite treats.

For time in nature, we’d visit Union Reservoir for paddleboarding or a walk by the water, explore the trails at Golden Ponds and Roger’s Grove, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Dickens Nature Preserve. These spots are so accessible and perfect for a reset in a world that is increasingly in need of the healing and grounding that nature can offer.

As our kids are getting a little older, we’ve been branching out more to local coffee shops and breweries — and it’s been such a fun way to connect with the community. Places like Meco Coffee and Best Day Ever have great vibes and even better drinks / snacks. And we love all the local breweries that host trivia, bingo, game nights, yoga, dancing, live music, and more.

These places do more than serve coffee or beer — they create space for people to come together, unwind, and feel part of something. Wibby Brewing is a go-to for fun events and outdoor space, and Ironwood Golf Sim & Sports Bar is another favorite — it’s such a unique spot for golf lovers and anyone looking to hang out somewhere that feels welcoming and different. We’re lucky to live in a place where so many small businesses are helping to build that sense of connection and belonging.

There’s so much to love here — not just the places, but the people and the way these local businesses bring everyone together. I think that’s what I’d want my friend to experience most: how community shows up in all these little ways that make Longmont feel like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my family.

My childhood family gave me a foundation for working hard and aiming high. My husband loved and accepted me during some of my most difficult years, giving me the space to figure out who I really wanted to be. And my kids are at the heart of it all. They remind me every day what matters and why I want to build something meaningful, not just successful.

Even in my business, relationships are at the core of what I do. I work with small business owners who care deeply about their communities and their customers — and that resonates with the way I try to live my life.

Also, I’ve been reading Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly, and it’s been life-changing. While it’s written to help couples understand and support each other better, I’ve found it just as valuable in all my relationships — especially with my mom and my kids.

It’s helped me recognize how childhood experiences still influence me today. It’s allowed me to show up more compassionately in my family — not only healing old wounds with my mom (who lives with us), but also learning how to avoid passing those wounds on to my children.

This book is helping me to become a better partner, a better daughter, and a better mom. And honestly, I think it’s made me a better business owner too — because so much of what I do is about understanding people, building relationships, and showing up with empathy. I recommend it to everyone.

Website: https://www.lotusgrovemarketing.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellesrosinski/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207203949

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