If you haven’t heard of Brickyard Buffalo yet, you’re missing out! It’s one of our favorite sites right now. They have the most amazing deals on tons of items for all of your fashion and party needs (they even have stuff for the littles!). You need to visit ASAP! They showcase and offer steep discounts on some the best goodies out there… and it’s all for you! From balloons, to headbands, to bow-ties, they really do have it all, and they rightfully earn their title of the flash sale divas. Brickyard Buffalo is another one of those creative and inspiring companies that we look up to, and today we’re going behind the scenes to see how it’s all done! Blair, Kami, and Karlee are the lovely ladies behind the brand, and we couldn’t wait to catch up with them about their day-t0-day life. Kami and Karlee are working moms, and Blair has a day job on top of her work at Brickyard Buffalo. Needless to say, they’re all experts at juggling multiple responsibilities! We’re so inspired by them, and know that you will be too! They’re sharing the best business advice they’ve ever received, and their tips on how to balance it all!
What does a typical day in your position look like?
Blair: I have a day job that keeps me busy from 8am-5pm (and more often than not 5:30 or 6). Once I am home from work, I get back to it with Brickyard Buffalo. It can make for some really long days, but I always try and sneak in some quality time with my husband and dogs, of course.
Kami: My day is full of constant homemaker and motherly duties around the house. In between I find time to send emails, get creative and have a little fun with Brickyard Buffalo.
Karlee: A typical day for me can be quite unpredictable. I get to work from home while I take care of our 3 year old daughter. Between little tea parties and playing dress up, I usually squeeze in several hours of work before my husband gets home. After our daughter is down for the night, I will usually work for another hour or so before getting to spend time with my husband.
How do you balance your work + home life?
Blair: It’s always a struggle, but I make my best effort to be present in the moment. It is so important to me that when I am with my family or at work that I am 100% there. It often happens that my time with family is limited, so I want to make sure that I make the most of every minute we are together. I admit that I am often pretty terrible at this, but it’s definitely something I try to work on daily.
Kami: Lists! I try to stay organized and plan ahead. If I stick to my plan and lists I’m more efficient and effective in my work and personal life.
Karlee: I most definitely don’t have this one down yet. I do, however, try and work heavier during nap time and while my husband is away. I’m able to be more present when I’ve accomplished my work for the day. I’m also lucky enough to have a husband that loves to hear about what’s going on with Brickyard Buffalo and is always more than willing to help.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Blair: I love the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I did my very best. It is such a great feeling to see something succeed for which you worked so hard.
Kami: Making goals as a team and working together to achieve them. Doing something as a team is a lot more rewarding than doing it alone.
Karlee: Hands down the people I get to work with! (Specifically Blair and Kami.) Our Tuesday night meetings seem more like a GNO than “work”. I’ve also been able to make so many new friends and get to know so many truly talented and inspiring women.
Best Business advice you’ve ever received?
Blair: Hire help. I am the type of person who likes to feel like I can take care of myself and my tasks, but I have quickly realized that I need others to help. If I refuse to allow others to help me out, I end up just running myself ragged and I inevitably crash and burn.
Kami: Stay passionate. Passion brings your best work out.
Karlee: “Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway!” It’s not (necessarily) business advice, but I often think of this quote when I need that extra push while working. It’s relatable in all areas of life from relationships to setting goals or helping others. The advice is from the author Susan Jeffers who wrote a whole book titled, Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway. I strongly recommend reading it.
Have you ever wanted to quit and what got you through?
Blair: Absolutely! Truthfully, I have never really been a quitter and my desire to succeed keeps me moving through the hard times.
Kami: Absolutely! Pressures at work come and go and it’s the good times that get you through the bad ones. Keeping a positive attitude always helps me stay focused and happy.
Karlee: Sure thing! There have been several really rough days…WEEKS! But once the dust settles, Kami, Blair and my husband are what piece me back together and we keep plugging along. Being surrounded by supportive people makes all the difference.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Blair: Successful and happy.
Kami: A mother.
Karlee: Besides wanting to be awesome, I remember aspiring to be a Marine Biologist. Thank goodness I changed my (10 year old) mind.
Beauty secret?
Blair: Don’t wash your hair everyday. It takes a while to get used to it, but it is the greatest thing ever. Your hair becomes softer and healthier and looks great longer.
Kami: Lashes! A good pair of lashes is a game changer. Your face is always 50% ready!
Celebrity style crush?
Blair: Kate Middleton, Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Olivia Palermo, Blair Eadie
Kami: Serena Van DerWoodsen
Karlee: Blake Lively and Zooey Deschanel
Secret talent?
Blair: I’m a total geekatron when it comes to computers and electronics.
Kami: I’m a crazy good napper.
Karlee: I’m pretty good at getting out of speeding tickets!
I can’t live without…
Kami: My husband, kids, cell phone and gel pens.
Karlee: Kit Kat Minis and my loved ones.