Meet Willow McElroy

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

Hi Willow, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has definitely evolved over time, and I’m not sure “balance” is even the right word to describe it. I’ve come to realize that balance isn’t about equal hours of work and rest—it’s about being intentional with the time I possess. As someone who constantly pushes productivity, I often find myself on the computer after a full day of work, whether it’s to learn, organize, or work some more. While my schedule might not fit the traditional idea of balance, I’ve created synergies between everything I dedicate my time to, ensuring that even my “off” hours contribute to the bigger vision I have for my life.

I do believe balance is essential for anyone to operate at their best, both mentally and physically. Although my work-life ratio may not be the most ideal right now, I try to maintain balance for my well-being by prioritizing a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and setting boundaries where needed. The discipline I cultivate today will lead to a future where I can enjoy a more fulfilling life, with the flexibility to pursue both personal and professional passions. Knowing that these investments are not just for me, but for my family, friends, and those around me, helps me maintain a mindset that there’s so much to look forward to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe exploring different realms of marketing has led me to where I am today. Currently, I am the Practice & Marketing Coordinator for my mom’s acupuncture and functional wellness clinic, Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Wellness in Carlsbad. Before stepping into this role, I worked at one of the nation’s fastest-growing digital marketing agencies and held a sales position at Yelp. After gaining experience in both corporate marketing and sales, I made the decision to help grow my mom’s business, applying what I’ve learned while continuing to refine my skills in a hands-on environment. What excites me most about my position is that it allows me to merge my expertise in marketing with my passion for making a real impact on people’s well-being. This role has given me the opportunity to strengthen my communication skills by stepping outside of the work-from-home space. Engaging with patients daily and forming new relationships has reinforced how much I value meaningful connections and how excited I am to continue making them—whether they be in the practice or halfway around the world. Navigating the corporate environment, transitioning between roles in a short time, and learning to balance personal and professional relationships all came with their own challenges. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of effective communication—whether with a lead, client, or manager. The way you craft your message can be the difference between losing an opportunity or taking a step closer to your goal. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact—whether on a large scale or in small, everyday moments. Whether it’s helping a business grow, supporting someone’s wellness journey, or simply offering kindness, my goal is always to leave people better than I found them. To me, that’s a true measure of success.

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.
There is no better way to begin a day in San Diego than a walk along the Rail Trail to admire the ocean while getting some movement in. On a Saturday morning, we could go to the Little Italy Farmers Market and I’ll show them my old stomping grounds where I used to sell Hopkins AG almonds every weekend. Or if we wanted to spend time in North County, we could start off our Sunday morning at the Leucadia Farmers Market and get the best sugar cane juice and pad see ew. Going to the beach is a must, so we could go to Swamis or Stonesteps to get tan, throw the frisbee, and play in the water. To give the tastebuds an experience, we would go to Taco Stand for some carne asada fries or an incredible burrito, or El Pueblo for some awesome fish tacos. Brunch at Honey’s on the 101 would also be on the list since it’s a spot I grew up going to with friends. Even after the remodel, it still holds the same nostalgic charm, and the food is just as good. A sunny day in La Jolla calls for checking out the seals, walking around, and grabbing a meal with an ocean view. We’d also stop by La Valencia Hotel to visit my best friend at work. At some point, we’d need to grab a good matcha, either finding one at a new coffee shop or heading to Omomo Tea in Del Mar, for a highly rated matcha in my book. With high hopes the Padres would have a home game, we’d take the train down to Petco Park, grab some Seaside Market tri-tip nachos, and have a day. I’d also take them through Mission Beach, where I spent my senior year of college and ride bikes or rollerblades along the strand. To wrap up that outing, we’d try to use a friend’s employee discount at Cannonball for sushi at sunset. Another viable option for a sunset activity would encompass a Buona Forchetta reservation or getting a slice of pizza from East Coast and then heading to the Shanty for a drink or two. If we were in the mood to keep things going, we’d head to The Roxy for the best espresso martinis and if we didn’t want the night to end, we would make our way to the Lafayette Hotel to admire its ambiance and hopefully get a lane to bowl. No visit would be complete without a trip to Convoy for some quality Asian food, finishing off with Somi Somi for dessert. After all of that, collaborating on a home-cooked meal and participating in a game night would be an ideal way to wrap up the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve endless praise for shaping who I am today and for their constant guidance as I pursue the trajectory I have for my life. When I was eight, I watched my mom go back to school to complete a full-time, four-year college program. At the time, I didn’t fully understand why she missed soccer games or family TV nights, but looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I got to witness her journey. Her dedication to mastering a practice that would one day help so many—at the cost of time with her loved ones—taught me the true meaning of sacrifice, perseverance, and the power of using your skills to help others.

My dad has also never stopped pursuing a life of learning. Despite the countless books on his shelves still waiting to be read, his curiosity and dedication to personal growth have always inspired me. His passion for business—whether it’s brainstorming new ideas, analyzing marketing tactics, or discussing industry trends—helped ignite my own interest in the field and laid the foundation for me to pursue it. He is one of the smartest people I know, and I feel incredibly lucky to call him my dad.

I’ve watched my parents navigate the ups and downs of their entrepreneurial journeys and everyday life, facing setbacks with resilience and celebrating victories with gratitude. Through it all, they are driven not by personal achievement, but by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. They’ve shown me that the harder you work to reach the light at the end of the tunnel, the more rewarding it is when you get there. Their example has shaped my perspective on success—not as a final destination, but as a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and striving to become the best version of myself, not just for my own growth, but to serve those around me as well.

Website: https://aviaraacupuncture.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willow-mcelroy-4a6788226/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@willowmcelroy

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@windowsrcool