We had the good fortune of connecting with Fayanne Falotico and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Fayanne, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I was born in Hawaii, and raised in Brazil. Poverty was always around, even though my parents were wealthy. I witnessed my mom work really hard on weekdays so that on the weekends we could enjoy going on getaways, such as traveling to the beach or to the farm. And this is when I first started learning about work and life balance.
Serving the USA Navy for 11 years has also opened my eyes about life balances. Often, my ship would pull in a port after being out to sea for months, and my first thought once I stepped foot out of that ship was, “where can I go to have fun?”. This is probably a common thought for most people in their 20’s after being restricted from doing things they enjoy for so long. Of course, everything had to be with moderation cause we were not only representing the USA, but being back into that ship, it meant business. This is another example of when balance was a very important thing for me to be aware and work on.
Forward some years, becoming a mom while finishing my bachelors degree, and getting married to a very busy police officer while transitioning out of the military all at the same time, was when the word “balance” was definitely put to test. If I didn’t stay focused on what my life goals were and divided my time accordingly, I for sure wouldn’t be where I’m at today. Going thru some jobs after the military years and raising two kids, eventually landed me where I’m at. This month, it’ll be 7 blessed years that I’ve been a consultant for Tastefully Simple. I have not only been able to help many people out with their meal time dilemmas, which everyone has, but I also have helped my family while bringing a full time income while working from home. I love the flexibility that I get. Being successful did not only come from discipline, resilience and working hard. It came from constantly working on a well balanced life. I’m no good for my family or for my business if I don’t take care of myself. I work out, I take care of my kids and husband, I work my business and we enjoy life, specially on weekends and by going on vacations. I do live by this motto that I work hard so I can play hard. And think this is a great example of finding a good balance.
One thing I’ve learned while being a leader in this industry and about life is that we all go thru seasons. And finding the balance in every season is what makes us have that MOJO. If you don’t have that motivation and joy while doing something, then revisit your goals and passions; work on putting your life in balance and try something else.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I often say that being in any type of sales, specially Direct Sales, is not easy at all. But it can be simple. Out of these 10 years in this industry and 7 wonderful years with Tastefully Simple, I’ve learned so much about myself. It truly is a business that is all about mindset with a compensation plan. It makes me feel good that I work for a company that not simply sells consumables, but it also provides an opportunity for others to be better in life. I get to help so many with their meal time dilemmas while helping my family’s and earning a full time income. This type of life has taking my family and I to numerous vacations in and out of the country, it has giving me a sense of purpose and mainly the privilege to help others with creating the life they love.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Antioch, IL. It’s a suburb between Chicago and Milwaukee. I’m a block away from Wisconsin. The possibilities to have a good time are enormous, well, maybe not so much in the Winter or compared to my beloved Brazil. My little town has some awesome restaurants and stores. Definitely check out, Station 51 Truck Company Bar & Grill, which is an unique fun full-service restaurant and bar with a rotating menu, amazing firehouse-inspired decor, Then do some shopping in our vintage and stylish stores along the main street. A few towns over, we have an amazing Mexican restaurant with the view to the Fox Lake Chain. Dine at El Puerto and you won’t regret. You can see I’m a foodie uh?! Need a relaxing spa day? Then book your whole day to spend at the Salt of the Earth in Libertyville.
We are surrounded by many little towns with each unique styles. All are worth visiting and spending some time.
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?
My shout out for being in this season that I’m at in life would go to my loving husband, my kids (Isaac and Isabella), my family and friends, clients/hosts/event organizers, our company CEO and Founder Jill Blashack Strahan, our TS headquarters staff, my team members of The Meal Solutionistas and my fellow tastebuds.
Website: www.delicioustsfay.com
Instagram: yourmealsolutionista
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fay.falotico
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourmealsolutionista