Meet Corina Bair | Wixom’s Whimsies Shop Owner & Licensed Mental Health Therapist

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

Hi Corina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started by business, I was working full time in the mental health field, while also making handmade items for dogs and their owners. I was essentially working two full time jobs, so as you can imagine, my work-life balance was pretty much non-existent! I realized over time, that if I didn’t change something, I was going to burn out in both fields, and I ultimately wouldn’t be successful in either endeavor. My career job came to a point where I was able to cut back on my hours, while at the same time my shop, Wixom’s Whimsies, was bringing in enough money to help cover household expenses. Slowly, things began to shift, and I was able to start prioritizing myself again.
Now, about 6 years later, I am at a happy balance between two different businesses, with time set aside for myself as well.
I think about work life balance as a necessity for our wellbeing, but also as a privilege. I know what it is like to work 80+ hours a week, and the bone grinding struggle of moving forward day after day without enough mental or physical rest. I also know that to obtain that balance, it takes perseverance and determination. It doesn’t just happen on it’s own, it has to be something we prioritize and intentionally work towards. Manifest it! (as the young ones these days say!)

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 make really fun dog accessories – from waterproof/adventure proof collars and leashes for all your wild pup’s most adventurous adventures, to super soft and lush velvet bandanas and collars (with matching scrunchies/headbands for the humans!). I love finding unique fabrics and textures to use, testing out new designs, and creating one of a kind accessories that people love! My adventure collar collection is one that I am especially proud of. I was one of (if not maybe the) first in this field to start stamping custom names/images onto leather-alternative collars. This material is waterproof, stinkproof, mildewproof, etc and it actually came to me as just a random thought one day – why isn’t anyone stamping these materials to make custom collars for people?? I had to do A TON of research to figure out what equipment to use, what settings it works best at, how to use it, and all the ins and outs of creating custom images and transferring them onto this material, and then making them into safe and functional collars/leashes.
This process is my favorite part about owning a creative business. I love brainstorming unique and original ideas to put out into the world, and even more when other people love these ideas too!

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?
Oh gosh, this is actually a pretty personal question I think as it can really tell you a lot about a person! I would love to show people some of my favorite places, which include plant shops and garden centers, book stores, the dog beach, coffee shops, and some of my favorite hikes. If I had to plan a weekend, it would definitely include visiting Hillcrest – Bread and Cie for scones, Little Nap Cafe for milk tea, Green Fresh Florals for some pretty flowers or a plant, and of course we can’t miss a walk around Balboa Park!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh gosh, my husband deserves ALL the credit! During the first startup years of my business, we definitely had some tough times in our marriage. I didn’t have the time or energy to prioritize our relationship, and that is something that I do regret. Despite how draining it was for both of us, he supported me the whole time and stuck with me, believing in what I could do and why I was doing it. I appreciate him so much! I do also have to give a shoutout to my mom, who taught me how to sew and has also helped me with making products and supporting me throughout this endeavor.
Lastly, none of this would have happened without my dog, Wixom!

Website: www.wixomswhimsies.com

Instagram: @wixomswhimsies

Image Credits
Corina Bair