In xoNecole's Finding Balance, we profile boss women making boss moves in the world and in their respective industries. We talk to them about their business, their life, and most of all, what they do to find balance in their busy lives.
When I think of Karleen Roy, the first thing that comes to mind: Dope AF.
That's because the Howard alum has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry in more ways than one, all while showing what true hustle and grind looks like (while doing it fabulously, of course). And while we live in a time where places like Instagram make the journey look cute, Roy is no stranger to hard work and sacrifice (and she'll tell you in a heartbeat).
Not only has she worked for some of the greatest names in media (hello, she was Diddy's executive assistant for YEARS), but she's also the founder of The Vanity Group, a boutique luxury lifestyle management company specializing in event production, luxury concierge services and talent relations for some of the biggest names you can think of.
Luxury cars and exclusive vendors? That's all Karleen. A tight deadline while accommodating some of the wildest requests from celebrities? Yep, that's also Karleen. Oh, and the Memphis-bred fashionista who still has time to slay on the gram? Yep, you guessed it.
We wanted to know how Roy juggles it all from friendships, to her high-demand job, to finding peace in the down moments, so we chatted with her for this month's installment of Finding Balance.
What is an average day or week like for you?
There is not an average day for me. One day can be a chill day where I'm just catching up on emails, and the next day, I could be flying to Miami without prior notice to plan a party for Migos.
What do you find to be the most hectic part of your week/your work?
It's a challenge for me to find balance between my work and personal. Honestly, if I had a better handle on managing my clients, I could probably be more efficient in my day! I try to "design" my day with my day planner (I use the notebook DAY DESIGNER) — it's really helpful because when you fall off track, you can go back and read what you need to accomplish for the day, week or month. That's exactly what I need.
Do you practice any types of self care?
I have a routine in the morning and at night. My morning routine usually consists of: wake up, watch/listen to short motivational videos, check the Bible verse of the day, and then I'm off to workout by 7:30am. I try to start my work day by 10am. And in the evenings, I read a book to wind down.
How do you find balance with:
Friends?
I believe you should show up to the moments and life milestones that count. Text, GroupMe, and Marco Polo groups. My friends are my village.
Love/Relationships? Dating?
I have a boyfriend. Most days, he's amazing…other days, I want to strangle him. He's great at understanding my crazy and being very supportive.
Exercise?
I workout faithfully. Health is wealth. I want to be strong, lean, yet juicy, and live a long fruitful life. How we treat ourselves now will determine our bodies later in life. I workout maybe five times a week, usually at SoulCycle. In the summer, I run in Central Park.
What about health? Do you cook or find yourself eating out?
I eat out mostly, besides breakfast. I try to make breakfast every weekday morning. My evenings are usually up and down, so I'll cook, depending on where the day takes me! But cooking takes too much time and preparation, I'd rather order out if I had to choose.
Do you ever detox?
Yes! BluePrint cleanse usually after the holidays or an exhausting work project.
When you are going through a bout of uncertainty, or feeling stuck, how do you handle it?
I remind myself that I'm the shit!! (*Kanye West vibes*) I made it this far…God don't bring you to leave you!
And honestly, what does success mean to you?
Success is achieving the goals you set to achieve in all areas of your life. Not someone else's life or goals, but what you designed for your own life.
For more Karleen, be sure to follow the inspiring experience curator on Instagram and check out her luxury lifestyle management agency The Vanity Group.