Lindsay Wallstrum is a Merchandiser at Athleta, an activewear company, and the Owner of Leaf + Lolo, a full service interior plant design firm.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
Currently, I run my own business, Leaf and Lolo, an interior plant design firm and also work as a Merchandiser for a corporate HQ in San Francisco.
I’ve had over 7 years of experience in a corporate Retail environment, as well as several years in the medical and health field. All of this experience has led me to where I am today, creating a company that infuses the beauty and wellness benefits of plants into client homes and businesses.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I have a unique work schedule as my days involve juggling running my own business as well as working in a corporate setting. My day usually starts at 5:30am. I prefer to start my mornings slow, enjoying my coffee and mentally preparing for the day.
I typically start my work day by focusing on Leaf and Lolo. This can vary from client emails, connecting with nurseries and various other tasks relating to the business. I shift my focus around 8am to my job as a Merchandiser.
Days are always varied as I work in multiple seasons at a time. We might be working in season to review photography, pre-season reviewing Marketing messages or post-season hindsighting our learnings.
Pivoting back to Leaf and Lolo, on my way home, I might stop by a client’s space for a consultation or walk through. Every day is different and keeps me on my toes.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Thankfully, yes. Working remotely helps me be productive during my prime hours which I really appreciate.
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your workload and schedule?
My tips and tricks might be old-school but they work for me! Simple things such as writing lists of priorities or tapping my calendar with deliverables always helps me manage my workload.
I also make a habit out of completing tasks that take 10 minutes or less. I sometimes find that I spend longer dreading a task than it actually takes to accomplish it. I try to get it done before it becomes a pain point.
Another game changer was creating a workspace at home that inspires me. I personally work better in an organized, clean, visually pleasing space. Creating an oasis that I wanted to work in each day helps keep me motivated.
5) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
To me, work-life balance means both areas are thriving and I’m not prioritizing one at the expense of the other. One way that I find balance is by doing what I love.
Creating a business that was based out of my passion of sharing the health and wellness benefits of plants has kept me engaged and motivated. Work doesn’t quite feel like when you’re doing what you love.
6) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
Getting 8+ hours of sleep a night has been a life changer. I wake up energized and ready to tackle the day.
One of my best habits is working when I know I’m most productive. For me, that’s early in the morning and it feels great to start off my day with my best work. I believe productivity has a lot to do with work-life balance.
Any efficiencies I can implement into my life are always welcome and freeing up time that could be spent being productive is always my goal. I recently transitioned my closet into a more minimalist wardrobe. Simply eliminating the time spent choosing an outfit each morning helps me spend more time on the things I want to be doing.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Work out. No matter how long the days are or how tired I might be, I always feel better after hitting the gym. If I’m exhausted, I have to trick myself by saying I only have to go for fifteen minutes (which I know is a lie but somehow still motivates me at the thought of being done after fifteen!)
8) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Set a goal and write it down. Put it in a place you see every day. I’ve done this with some pretty major life milestones and am amazed at what can happen when you focus your thoughts, energy and gratefulness!
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