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

Hi Kristina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I must always think about balance. My family comes first and then my new baby which is my business. A typical day in a life is wake up, workout, kids wake up, make sure they are fed, dressed and teeth are sparkling clean. Then we head to school, I take my youngest to mommy and me gym, tucker her out. While she naps I work for two hours, pick my son up from school, take him home for a late lunch or to the park and then hockey. After that I take a deep breath! Bath, dinner, stories, mediate with the kids, watch a show with my husband then work for another 3 hours in the evening!

You may ask if I ever get time to myself snd the answer is yes. I have an incredible husband that comes home from Football practice to clean the dishes and do laundry while I go do something for me. We also always try to make sure the weekends are filled with no work snd strictly fun family time and a date night.

Being busy is what makes me, me! Harlow Events is a successful business because, I have an entire squad that supports what I do. My kids can look up to their daddy and I one day, knowing that we did it all. Life is always going to be challenging and busy but it is all about what you make of it. The second I am unhappy then I will change things in my life to ensure balance for myself and my family is on point!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My husband and I are lucky to have jobs that let us travel with our kids and live in different parts of the country. Some people see it as a tough lifestyle but, we see it as an opportunity. My husband is a coach in the NFL and with his job we move every 2-5 years. With every move I seek an opportunity to grow my business and open up another storefront. Right now I manage a team in Washington, Colorado and New Jersey. We are growing faster than ever and I am taken back every single day by my clients from all different areas of the country. They are all so different and it fuels my soul. I travel 6 months out of the year on the weekends for my clients wedding. After each wedding I return home with so much love and gratitude towards my husband and kids. I get to do what I love, I get to witness love, and I return home with my love tank full and excited to just be present with my loved ones. I know this sounds cheesy but through all of the tough times managing childcare, dinners etc. when I am gone, it is and still is always worth the small headaches.

Harlow Events is a company named after my great great grandfather from Norway who had a can do, hardwiring attitude. This attitude is instilled in the entire family. I always knew I wanted to do it all. I finally at 32 feel that I am following his footsteps. This company is is more than just a name but a legacy. I hope that my clients know that I will always work hard for them, barely ever say no and that they will feel like family after all of this planning! They are apart of my legacy so let’s keep growing!

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?
Well! I have so many answers to this. So I will give you a weekend in each city I office out of!

Seattle:
We would start at 10am and get mimosas on the waterfront, head to The Farmers Market where the fisherman throw the fish to the audience to see if you can catch them! Then we would eat clam chowder in a bread bowl at Ivars. Go home to get ready and finish the evening at Camp Canlis! The next day we would rent a boat to explore Lake Washington, stop for a drink on one of the many docks, return home and have my mom make us one of her famous dinners over a ton of wine and laughs!

Colorado:
6am wake up, drive out to a hike where we would go see waterfalls and lakes! Then come back to the house, make a margarita, get ready and head to Linger to taste small bites from all over the world. Their menu is FANTASTIC!
The next day, we would attend a concert at Red Red Rocks because, you haven’t really visited Colorado unless you have had that experience. Then we would eat a large meal at Pasta Jays in Boulder because, they are family and who doesn’t love Pasta! On the last day Saturday, we would wake up at 8am, Tailgate and cheer on our CU BUFFS!

Madison, NJ:
We would take a stroll down to my favorite coffee place called Sunday Motor. They are known for their lavender coffee and old classic car shows every weekend. After the walk I would take my friends one of these places each day, Hoboken for an afternoon of food trucks and fun. Take the train to New York City to explore the upper east side or Brooklyn. The next day we would go see the Statue of Liberty, then eat at Huntleys Tavern in Summit. On the last day Sunday, we would wake up at 8am, get ready to tailgate and go cheer on the JETS!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The boss mamas!

Website: www.harlowevents.co

Instagram: @harlow.events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planwithharlowevents/

Other: Pinterest : @planwithharlowevents

Image Credits
@courtneybowlden

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