Work Hard, Play Hard: Lessons from My Vacation as an Entrepreneur.

I just returned from a vacation where I immersed myself in the things I love—skiing, exploring, and disconnecting. But, as an entrepreneur, even in those moments of pure joy, I found myself reflecting on SWOOP, my business, and the balance we all strive to achieve. Here are three key lessons I learned during my time away:

1. SWOOP is part of who I am, wherever I go.
   Standing on top of a mountain or walking through a forest, I found that SWOOP was never far from my mind. But not in the stressful "to-do list" way. Instead, it felt like a reminder that SWOOP is more than a business—it’s a community, a reflection of the values I hold dear. I realized how grateful I am to have built something that is aligned with my passion for the outdoors, adventure, and the quirky, fun vibe SWOOP is all about. It’s a part of me, no matter where I am.

2. Delegation isn’t a weakness, it’s a necessity.
   Entrepreneurs, you’ll get this: we feel like we need to do everything ourselves. I’ve struggled with this, and during my vacation, a few orders ran late. I felt awful about it. But it hit me—this is why we need to delegate. It’s not just about making life easier; it’s about ensuring the business continues to thrive while we take care of ourselves. So, I’m finally bringing on an assistant to help keep things running, so you can always count on SWOOP, even when I’m off finding my own balance.

3. Work hard, play hard, and most importantly, live fully.
   My time away reinforced this simple but powerful truth: you can’t be your best self if you’re not making time for what fuels you. Whether it's building a business, hiking a mountain, or spending time with loved ones, it’s all about living fully and wholeheartedly. We only get one life, and it’s up to us to make it count. I know if you’re part of the SWOOP community, you’re already living this way—and it’s why we connect.

So, here’s to finding balance, following our passions, and living with intention. Thanks for being part of this journey with me. More adventures—and new SWOOP surprises—are coming soon!