A Day in the Life of Sarah Benrazek, Co-Founder & CEO of Trilogy Sound Studio
Being a mom and a CEO brings a unique set of challenges and joys. My mornings start early, around 6 a.m., with a much-needed cup of coffee and a quick game of Royal Match to get my brain into gear. In the game, I get a certain number of moves to hit a certain number of targets. Somehow, during the game my mind organizes what I need to focus on for the day, I check my calendar and have a quick glance at my email. These quiet moments before my daughter, Surrella, wakes up are crucial for setting the tone for my day.
Once Surrella is up, it’s all about balancing her needs with the demands of running Trilogy Sound Studio. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I head to the studio, leaving Surrella in the capable hands of my loving and amazing husband, Erin, who works from home. As I drive away, the transition from mom to CEO can be painful, but walking into the studio, I’m ready to tackle the day.
Our team at Trilogy is incredible, and Mondays are all about marketing. We dive into strategies, assess our campaigns, and ensure every room in our studio reflects the vibrant personality we want to project. Tuesdays shift focus to sales and reporting, prepping for our management meeting in the evening. These structured days help maintain momentum and focus for both my team and me.
Wednesdays are our “shuffle days” because they’re full of moving parts. It’s Open House day at the studio, which involves coordinating everything from visitor tours to showcasing Trilogy’s community and offerings. Some days, I choose to stay home with Surrella, trusting my well-trained team to run the show. Empowering them has been key to our success, and it allows me to prioritize my family without compromising business growth.
Thursdays are my personal days, dedicated to recharging and self-care. Fridays are admin and work-from-home days, allowing me to catch up on emails and plan for the week ahead. Weekends vary, but I aim to have at least one or two weekends off to spend quality time with Erin and Surrella, and our dog Millie.
Being a mom has undeniably influenced my leadership style. It’s made me more direct, focused, and efficient. I no longer have time for drawn-out deliberations; decisions are made swiftly, allowing us to adapt and grow. This approach has helped us double our membership this year and create an inclusive, community-centered studio environment.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t easy.
It’s a constant juggle of responsibilities, but having a strong support system makes a world of difference.
Living with my mom and having my in-laws close by provides invaluable help with Surrella, making it possible for me to pursue my music dreams while being the mother I want to be.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to other mompreneurs, it’s this: take your time and build a solid support system. Be it family, friends, or trusted colleagues, surround yourself with people who encourage you, and don’t be afraid to let go of people or things that don’t fit anymore.
Don’t rush the process, and remember to take breaks. Whether it’s a spa day, a walk in the park, or just a quiet cup of tea, find moments to recharge.Your well-being is essential to both your family and your business. It’s how you can pour more love into your worlds.
Motherhood has given me confidence, passion, and motivation. It’s taught me to be a leader not just in my business but in my life. As Trilogy enters its fourth year and we embark on new ventures like raising capital and launching a publishing company, I’m reminded daily when I’m with my daughter, that’s where my heart truly lies. I am doing it all for her and because of her.
To all the moms out there considering the plunge into entrepreneurship: you can do it. Take your time, build a strong support system, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. Your dreams are valid, and with patience and perseverance, you can achieve them. Remember, even in the busiest of times, it’s essential to find joy in the journey. After all, as mothers and entrepreneurs, we’re shaping not just our own futures but those of our families and communities as well.