Welcome to the third edition of H+L. As ambitious creators ourselves, we have often fallen victim to "Hustle Culture." We noticed early on that it can become a double-edged sword, especially amongst professionals of color aiming to live life on their own terms. 

While the drive to achieve goals and success is essential, the all-encompassing nature of constantly going for the bag leads to burnout, stress, and neglect of personal well-being. Toasted Life celebrates individuals who prioritize wellness while making strides in their careers and personal lives.

This month, we're featuring Katrina Jo Balbuena - entrepreneur, marketer + so much more! She lets us into her world as a newbie to NYC and discusses what helped her get to where she is today and how she focuses on self care. Katrina’s profile will leave you inspired and wanting to do more for yourself and the community, enjoy!

Born and raised in Fremont, California, Katrina Jo has decades of experience in the Entertainment Industry between dance, choreography, hosting and marketing. She has worked with numerous brands and clients such as the NBA, NFL, McDonald's, eBay, Hennessy Black, Grand Marnier Titanium, Reebok, BLOC Dance Agency, Glee, Missy Elliott, Ultra Music Festival, Erewhon, Dr. Ghavami, HBO Max, BET, Moët Hennessy USA, and more. Katrina is currently the Brand Activations and Experience Manager at Moet Hennessy USA.

Outside of her extensive experience in the Marketing industry, Katrina also wields a healthy entrepreneurial spirit and is the Co-Owner of the podcast FEDWORK which focuses on relationships, careers, and empowerment. She created the platform: "How To Create a Successful Pitch Deck" to help entrepreneurs secure funding for their businesses and she sits on the Board of FACE (Filipinos Advancing Creative Education) where she is able to drive initiatives and conversations around the Filipino community to help make a change and impact.

We connected with Katrina to get more insight on how she spends her days managing it all.

How would you spend 24 hours in New York City?

I'm still a newbie in NYC but, if I had to give someone a 24hr itinerary I would have them do the following:

While getting ready in the morning, play my "Morning Mix" playlist on Apple Music

Head over to Prospect Park to walk a lap (5 miles) for a low impact workout but also to ground yourself to start the day

After your walk, head over to an amazing black-owned restaurant: Aunts et Uncles for brunch and vibes

Once you're done there, hop back on the 2 train and head over to Dumbo to dine at one of my favorite restaurants: Cecconi's for dinner and drinks! Order all of the apps you'd like, a pizza and the eggplant parm! You won't regret it.

Stop in the Time Out Market after to see if you'd like to pick up any goodies and then spend the rest of your evening enjoying the beautiful view of NYC, walking along the water, and maybe even ride the carousel to feed your inner child if you'd like :)

Top 3-5 things that helped you get to where you are today?

A few things that helped me get to where I am today are:

• My Mother, I wouldn't be the woman I am today without her

• My experience in the NFL and the NBA - I truly feel this helped groom me as a woman mentally and professionally

• The book: Return to Love by Marianne Williamson - I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone

• A solid community of friends that may not always agree with you, but challenge you to become your best self

• Listening to podcasts in the morning - this really helps me ground myself and start my day on the right foot. Sometimes, even kick some new inspiration

• Reframing "Work / Life Balance" into "Work / Life INTEGRATION" - this has really changed my perspective and even relived some pressures that I was putting on myself

• Making time for SELF CARE. I used to burn myself outtttt and it was not healthy. Now, I make the time to take care of myself first because I know that if I'm not 100% nothing around me works at 100%.

What does self care look like for you?

To me, self care looks like making time to pour into yourself daily. It could be something as little as the coffee you decide to have in the morning, or the spa appointment you decide to make. To me, a clean house = a clear mind so cleaning my home and organizing is a part of my self care process.

I recently shifted my morning Matcha process into more of a meditative process and it has made a huge difference in my mornings! I also love setting up Lymphatic Massages with @bodyvisionlab - I saw a huge different in my body, skin and energy after I started these massages. And long walks in the park and mediation are also a part of my self care.

What can’t you leave home without?

Laniege lip balm and my AirPods

What does celebration look like for you? How do you celebrate your wins? 

I celebrate all wins over here! Big or small! Life can be so short that I think it's important to celebrate ALL WINS. Sometimes I like to celebrate with a nice dinner or by buying myself a nice gift and sometimes I like to celebrate at home in my pjs with a bowl of ice cream. What ever you need in that moment to feel good about yourself and your accomplishment, do it!

What, in your opinion, makes for a Toasted Life?

To me, a Toasted Life is a life that is full of community and celebration! Celebrating the excellence that you hold within yourself but also in those around you. Always aspiring to elevate and evolve while elevating the community around you.

Keep up with Katrina on IG: @katrinajo and LinkedIn: Katrina Jo Balbuena

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