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

Hi Caroline, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I am a mom to two boys so work life balance is very important to me. Life has many seasons, sometimes this allows me to be with the kids more and work less and vise versa. I do not think there is ever a perfect day to day balance. I have had times in my life where the store needs a lot of attention and I have to sacrifice my time with the kids. These times are tough! I try to make a rule to let work wait once I pick the kids up. From 3PM until bedtime is my time with the kids and work can wait! Everyone will always have a different balance you have to decide what is most important to you and find a way to prioritize those things. Being a small business owner will consume you if you don’t have a working and evolving plan to prioritize things!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I opened Pearls and Plaid in November of 2014, I was pregnant and recently graduated college with a degree in American Studies. On paper I was 100% the wrong girl for the job! I don’t want to say my journey has been hard but it has certainly been uncomfortable. There has been many days I do not know what I am doing but I am the one who has to make the final decision. You cannot give in to the day to day challenges you will face as a small business owner. I have made many mistakes but I have learned from those mistakes. My journey as a small business owner has been amazing I have learned something new every single day. You cannot give in to the uncomfortable, if you are willing to be uncomfortable you can achieve anything!!!

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.
Old Saybrook is an amazing shoreline town. I would start off with a workout at Iron House Fitness and breakfast at Mirsinas or the Old Saybrook Diner. If it were warm I would definitely hit the beach and stop for lunch at Johnny Ads for my all time favorite Cheeseburger and onion rings. We would of course stop at Pearls and Plaid and Post Road Supply to do some shopping! Sip wine bar is a great place to grab a glass of wine and some snacks! I would be home by 7PM and in bed by 9PM!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my Husband, Alex! He is my biggest champion and supporter. My journey as a small business owner would not be possible without him. Alex is involved with the day to day behind the scenes of the store. More importantly he is always there for the pep talk and advice I need. He pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and to always dream bigger! His greatest piece of advice has always been you cannot buy success. Success is found in doing the hard things money cannot buy.

Website: WWW.SHOPPEARLSANDPLAID.COM

Instagram: PEARLSANDPLAIDS POSTROADSUPPLY ANCHOREDAMERICAN

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

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