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

Hi Abigail, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance took me years to implement from the time I decided it was necessary to today. Prior to a healthy balance, I was answering texts, calls, emails, social media comments and messages 24/7 – even on vacation or on dates with my partner, Dave. My relationship with Dave holds me accountable with the balance because when I feel irritable or like I can’t have any fun, it’s a sign that I’m working too much. I value my relationship with Dave and I value my business so I have to show up for both equally. The first step for me was to unplug. I bought a work phone that can only be used during business hours, I logged out of all social accounts on my personal phone and the most important thing I did was sign into my email on only the office computer so that I would only work during business hours. The second phase was hiring a virtual assistant to do the tasks that were taking up the most of my time. She also showed me so many ways to automate a lot of the work that I was doing which has saved me hours a week. Once I separated work and life more clearly, I blocked days on my calendar that were just for me and the people I want to spend time with to enjoy. My productivity actually improved with these changes and it is important to me that my team has the same balance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Abby Dew For You is a collection of social programs serving the disability community in Douglas County, Colorado. We are more than a business – we are a community. The members of our programs go to school together, ride the bus together, participate in sports and camps together, are neighbors and most importantly, they are friends. Our team works hard to work together with members and their families to continue meeting goals and setting new ones outside of the school system. We value independence, community, relationships, inclusion and a high quality of life for all of our members. I am most proud of the friendships between the members that didn’t exist prior to joining our programs. I will never forget attending a birthday party for one of the members and realizing everyone there was from our group and wouldn’t be there without our programs… lots of happy tears when no one was looking! In 2020, I was doing in-home respite care and the demand grew to be too much for one person. I love being their friend and wanted them to have friends that related to them as peers. Our programs started with two young women hanging out with my supervision and has grown to 80 members in 2 years. Growth came naturally and I have loved learning along the way despite some lessons being really, really hard. Overcoming challenges throughout the business growing was only possible because of the support of the people close to me and the dedication of the Abby Dew For You team. We are only getting started….

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Glenwood Springs is where I take all out of town guests! I love to hike, soak in the hot springs, relax at the vapor caves and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Cave of the Winds, Scileppi’s in Castle Rock, and neighborhood trails are all musts for visitors. If it rained, I would take visitors to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Festive Cup Coffee in Highlands Ranch and Brewability in Englewood. All guests always end up spending time with me and the members of our programs as well which is always the highlight of anyone’s trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Who DOESN’T deserve recognition in my story? I will never be able to thank the women in my life who encourage, support, mentor, push and teach me enough. Moms, teachers, clients, neighbors, friends, authors, team mates, peers… a few people who I would like to shout out are Shannel Ryan and family, Jennifer Roitz and family, Abby Kellams and family, Dawn Sullivan and family and my partner, Dave, for being with me from the beginning and supporting me in the unique way that each of them do. To Max, Quinn and their mom, Alison… thank you for being the firsts. To Morgan Miller and Hikiola Kahikina, thank you for being the best coworkers I could ask for as well as your kind hearts and passion for the disability community. To the members of Abby Dew For You, all of my heart and soul is with you everywhere you go and YOU are who make the program what is today. Thank you for being you and loving me back!

Website: abbydewforyou.com

Instagram: abbydewforyou

Linkedin: Abigail Dew

Facebook: Abby Dew For You

Youtube: abbydewfoyou

Other: TikTok: abbydewforyou

Image Credits
Aspen Trails Photography

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