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

Hi Deanna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the years my work life balance has definitely changed. It is important to recognize with life’s changes, you need to make the necessary adjustments to have a good balance. When my children were younger, we had two incomes coming in which allowed for more family time in the evenings and weekends. Later in life I became a single Mom and had to work a lot more, therefore some adjustments needed to be made. With going to school and working several jobs, it was very tough to make time for myself let alone my children. I was very lucky to have the help of my older two with my youngest. Work life balance has its challenges, but if you can learn to roll with the punches, you will do just fine! My work life balance right now is the best it has ever been. I have the privilege of working from home as well as going into the work place. I have the best of both worlds! Having this flexibility allows me to be home with my family more, set my hours and get out into the workplace. I have time to exercise, my favorites being Jazzercise and walking. My children and I are both health conscious, so we have fun cooking together or for each other. I think the key is to make a conscious effort to create the life you want. Your work should be rewarding! I can honestly say I am in a place in my life where I do not dread Mondays or live for Fridays and that makes me so happy! 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born and raised in Seattle, WA and I am the youngest of 6 children. In 2004 I moved to San Diego for business and later pursued my passion for music. A layoff from an accounting job in 2015 pushed me to pursue some other passions of mine, photography and graphic design. The satisfaction of my customer is of the utmost importance to me as I pride myself on giving each of my clients the best service possible. I am able to work one-on-one with you or I can take the reins and design a product that will make you happy. I am passionate about the work that I do and very fortunate to be doing what I love. It has been a long journey getting where I am today and I am excited for what the future holds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my sister or a friend comes to visit, our first stop from the airport is Miguels in Old Town for some cocktails and their Queso dip. It’s to die for! A visit to Seaport Village would be next. After this we would head over to Coronado for some beach time and to see Hotel Del. Oceanside Pier is a favorite of mine and walking along the strand. 333 is so close, so we would head on over for some cocktails and my favorite dish, the 333 Filet Trio. There are so many beautiful places in San Diego, so it is hard to choose where we would go next!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Janet Russell with the Singers workshop was my vocal coach and helped me start checking off my goals in the music world. All of my teachers at Mira Costa college helped me with my Photography and Design skills as well as inspiration. Last but not least, all of the band members I have worked with and still working with have provided me with the ability to keep growing as a vocalist. Forever grateful!

Website: https://www.deannahaala.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haalatime/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deanna-Haala-Photography-Design-Studio-841405612670103/

Image Credits
Deanna Haala

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