We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rebecca, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance has changed for me a lot since purchasing my business in 2019. As a new entrepreneur, I dedicated myself 100% in my first year. I did very little outside of work, including caring for myself. The fire and desire I had to succeed surpassed any other desires I had. After 6 months, I burned out and started getting frequent migraines that would keep me in bed for most of the day. My body was telling me it was time to slow down. Luckily I was smart enough to slow down and take care of myself. That soon turned into realizing that I needed help in my business. I hired my first employee at a salary that my business wasn’t currently even netting, knowing that this was the only way to actually grow and survive. This employee took a chance on me and my business and quit her full time job with benefits to help build my business, she was hired in February of 2020, with a start date of April 2020. As March of 2020 unfolded, I wondered how this timing could be any worse. I still brought on my new employee with a promise we would get through it. I own an outdoor event venue that does mostly weddings and our 42 weddings for 2020 dropped to 20. Luckily we had an outdoor venue and were still able to help people celebrate their big day. We rebuilt in 2021, gained big traction this season and have a very busy 2023. I now have a team of 4 full time employees, and I have had a fear I have had to fight with each new salary added. I have also become a wife and a step mom so I have added 2 more wonderful people to my personal life. The best piece of advice that has stuck with me is this- there is no such thing as a perfect work life balance. There is no possible way you can give 100% to your work and 100% to your family and 100% to your health and hobbies. It is about deciding what is important and how you want to divide your time. Once I decided my health was important I was only able to give 90% of myself to work. Some things didn’t get done as timely. I had to learn to be okay with that. I hired a team who helps fill those gaps, most of the time. In 2021, I decided to give a percentage of my time to my soon to be husband and step daughter, while still maintaining my health. So even more things slipped at first. I adjusted my workload appropriately and sometimes I accept that I might miss out on a sale because I can’t take a 7pm appointment 5 days a week. I no longer put the pressure on myself to be 100% on in all areas of life. I have built boundaries that I am unwilling to cross even if it means selling one less wedding a season. In turn I am able to give my best self to those clients we have and still honor my family time and well being. This week 2 vital players in my office put in their notice to take opportunities of growth, my first ever employee is going on to run her own business. I couldn’t be prouder of her and know that my workload just doubled. I have let my home team know that I need to work one more night a week to help cover during this transition and have told our clients we are available two less evenings a week. My family is understanding of me giving away more of my percentage towards work, knowing it is for a limited time and my potential clients still do not get to cross my set boundaries and because of that everyone who works with us gets the best version of me and my team. I have carried these values into my team building and make sure my employees are getting the time that they need off, also. I often remind myself it is not a balance but a intentional decision to focus my attention and time in certain areas and own that choice when things aren’t 100% perfect in either area.
What should our readers know about your business?
Pine Creek Escape Co. operates three business. The Canyon at Pine Creek is a seasonal outdoor venue that hosts 50+ weddings a year, social events, live music, yoga and retreats. The Canyon is a unique 5 acre property in an old limestone canyon. The limestone walls, combined with the lush greenery of the grounds, waterfall and pond make it a beautiful backdrop for any event. We specialize in weddings and our attention to detail and commitment to the planning process make our couples day smooth and enjoyable. The Cabins at Pine Creek are home of three family cabin rentals. This property is intentionally crafted to invite a disconnection to outside distractions and a place to find reconnection to oneself, family or friends. The two acre property sits on a cliff above the flowing Pine Creek amongst the towering pine trees right across the street from White Pines State Park. Just down the street is our third business, The Rink at Pine Creek. The Rink is a 66 year old roller skating rink. The skating rink has a full arcade, the largest skate floor in the area, a live dj every weekend and dedicated party space. In all of our spaces, we aim to create places for our guests to disconnect from the daily stress and grind. We intentionally craft each location to promote this goal. Our guests leave our spaces feeling refreshed and at peace.
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 Oregon, IL (90 miles west of Chicago), I would plan to show her all of my favorite spots. Sunrise at Pine Rock with breakfast at Spring Valley Restaurant. A kayak trip down the Rock River with White Pelican with a picnic lunch along the river at Castle Rock State Park. We would most likely see an eagle or two and if it were fall, the falling colored leaves would create an amazing backdrop. I would stop along a roadside farmers stand and get sweet corn or whatever veggies were in season for dinner. Have a campfire at The Cabins and grill locally sourced foods. We would grab a drink at Cork and Tap and then get coffee at Sweet Bean the next morning. Jump on a bike and hit the trails at Lowell Park and grab ice cream at Jay’s Drive In. I would want to catch a sunset at the top of Castle Rock lookout or at Byron Forest Preserve. Browse the shops in downtown Oregon and grab some candy at Sparkle Fox.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have been a part of my success! I am so grateful for all of the people who believed in me and also for those who didn’t, each have helped me become who I am today. I am very thankful to my team, current and past, who have helped me through these tough years while we are building a strong foundation and for taking a chance on me. I want to shout out to my mentors who spent years helping my develop skills that helped me go on to be a successful business owner and leader. To my family that shows up every time I need help, no matter what the task is and who then turn around and sacrifice their time with my so I can build my dreams. To my cousin, who has mentored me since I was a young child, by her actions of strength, courage and mental toughness. To my closest friends who support every event I have and keep calling when I haven’t answered for weeks. And a huge shoutout to my home team, Aaron and Harper for coming into my life and accepting this life of running a business and for cheering for me for every single small step and supporting me when I am down. You are the true hero’s of this dream and none of it would be worth it without you!
Website: https://pinecreekescape.com/
Instagram: @pinecreekescape
Facebook: @PineCreekEscape
Image Credits
Danielle Marie Photography