We had the good fortune of connecting with Laurie Steele and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Laurie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I started working for myself 5 years ago it initially didn’t seem so daunting. I had just finished college so I was used to working in a “home office” so to speak and juggling an ever changing schedule. However, when my financial security, romantic relationship, and anxiety finally bulldozed their way into my brain that home office became everywhere I stood.
Over time, through talks with friends, and advice from the internet I have finally learned tools to start to separate my work from my life and free time. One of the best decisions I have made was to just speak with my husband about office boundaries. For example, if he comes home and I am still in my office working, he is allowed to say hi, but he’s not allowed to sit down and start talking about his day. We both have needed to learn to be respectful of my work time, so for me that may look like shutting my office door an NOT thinking about the dishes in the sink, or NOT responding to friends in the middle of the day.
I have also spent a lot of time analyzing my happiness, and not equating it to my work. There are absolutely lots of things I love about my work, but I don’t have to love all of it! This was a big mindset shift for me. For a few years I was so anxious about being great at filming everything, or having the best customer service, or even just telling myself that if I didn’t love all of it then maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. Yet, I have found more happiness is accepting certain things won’t be perfect or even enjoyable. Now I don’t feel so bad that I don’t like bookkeeping, and I don’t feel so bad if I don’t respond to a customers email at 10pm because I have realized that doesn’t equal “the best costumer service” to me and surprise surprise I no longer wake up in the middle of the night to check the emails via my phone.
Balance is an ongoing battle, but as long as I can measure my work success beside my life successes and see progress in both, I truly feel better.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is called Local Motion Productions, and I actually bought it 5 years ago and a lot has changes since then. The original owner was doing video and photography for Ice Skating competitions. I did not grow up Ice Skating, but I did grow up dancing so I felt familiar with the events. When I took over it wasn’t easy, I had a lot to learn about the competitions, and a lot had to change with just our offerings and equipment to keep up with the times.
Once I felt a little more settled I started to reach out to dance studios to film their recitals, this felt like going home to be honest. Then, eventually, I started offering wedding videography, and band concerts, and more. I’ve really had to learn what I and my equipment can handle and do. Especially since I run about half of my events or gigs alone, and that means sometimes I have to say no, or pass people on to a friend or competitor, and that doesn’t mean I have failed, it just means I know what I’m worth and I know what I can do right now. Every year that changes, every month I feel like I learn more, and I am always looking to upgrade my equipment based on the needs of my gigs.
I am really passionate about a few things in my work. One is supporting young creatives, such as young dancers, actors, band members. I often discount and donate extra time to film performances for them. For example I have been working with Pikes Peak Home School Band in Colorado Springs, and I love seeing them twice a year and hearing their progress, then I get to know that the video I made of them give grandparents all over the country a chance to watch and engage with family they can’t see, especially these last few years. I also support local women in business. I have discounted time video, and photos to other women in Colorado Springs. Sometimes we just need those promotional photos but maybe we can’t afford that cost right away. Videographers and Photographers are worth their price, no doubt about it but I needed a little help to brand and get my name out once and I thankfully got it so I truly believe the more success I can help create for others the more success I will have as well.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting we would probably do a couple days eating our way through downtown Colorado Springs. For a laid back brunch, Shugas, cocktails and a cheeseboard plus AMAZING servers that sing like you’re at broadway, ICONS, drinks and my favorite fries covered in crab and sauces, COATI and make sure to get those fries at the Luchals vendor hopefully on a Latin Night dance session so we can dance all those calories off. If I want fabulous dinner then my favorite places are Cerberus Brewing for elevated American Eats or Till downtown for upscale dining choices and amazing service. If my friend had never been to the area we’d also check out Garden of the Gods of course, but I grew up here and it kinds gets old so I often look for events during the summer at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic site that is tucked in by Garden of the Gods. Hiking at Red Rock Canyon feels like a must, and a visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo including a drive up the the Shrine. Lastly, look for shows at the ENT Center, La Burla Bee, or 3E’s Comedy Club.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my Mother and my Husband. My mother Susi was who got me started in this business and as a business owner herself the advice and celebration of milestones with her have been really important. I also wouldn’t still be doing this if it wasn’t for my husband Lazlo. He’s creative, supportive, reads over my emails when I’m nervous about sending them, and steps in when I need him to.
Website: www.localmotionproductions.com