There are only 24 hours in a day.
Let’s consider an average person who sleeps eight hours daily and spends three to four hours eating and taking care of their business. Since most people live in urban areas, we can add an hour of commuting and eight hours of work. This comes to a total of 21 hours. And if a person gets caught up in distractions like social media for a couple of hours or more, that’s an entire day that has slipped away.
When did that person spend any time with their family? When could they listen to their son rant about his day at school? Or talk to their mother about their day?
Most people living in urban areas, caught up in the commotion of life, have little to no time for forging intimate relationships with their families. They are always facing a choice between their careers and their families. As Stephen Sondheim famously puts it: “Is it always ‘or’? Is it never ‘and’?” We are always prioritizing one thing or another in our lives.
This is true for most people, at least. However, there are some who manage to achieve the perfect work-life balance. Their lives aren’t a constant juggling act but rather a harmonious blend of family and career.
Virginia Salem is one of those accomplished individuals who skillfully integrates work-life balance. As a single mother of four and the founder of VSS Body Sculpting, this SDSU graduate excels in managing both her family and her business.
Specializing in advanced non-invasive body sculpting and cosmetic procedures, she has established her clinic as a leader in the cosmetic surgery industry. This professional success mirrors her personal life, where her effective management style seamlessly integrates both realms, creating a cohesive and fulfilling life.
Now, let’s explore the unique philosophy that guides her practice and life.
The Philosophy Behind the Practice
Virginia has always sought guidance from her personal life while making professional decisions. She does not believe in living life in separate compartments, such as “work life,” “personal life,” and “social life.” Instead, her philosophy is that integrating these facets creates a powerful synergy, allowing a person to live life at their full potential. This belief in integration was profoundly influenced by personal challenges that reshaped her outlook.
At only 17, a significant event marked Virginia’s life: her eight-year-old brother was diagnosed with lupus. This pivotal moment profoundly impacted her career direction and personal philosophy. Adopting the mindset to “bend so you don’t break,” Virginia learned early on to embrace life’s inevitabilities, focusing on what she could control rather than what she couldn’t.
This approach has not only guided her through personal trials but has also shaped the compassionate and holistic way she runs VSS Body Sculpting Lab.
Balancing the Role of a Mother and a CEO
Virginia is at the forefront of the cosmetic industry, expertly managing the VSS Body Sculpting Lab in El Cajon, California. Specializing in non-invasive cosmetic surgery, her dual background in surgery and business has been pivotal in the lab’s rapid success since its inception in 2022.
Operating the spa from eight in the morning until nine at night, Monday through Friday, Virginia’s schedule is a testament to her dedication. Her typical 13-hour workday involves not only attending to clients but also strategizing with business partners and leading her team.
Despite these demands, Virginia masterfully balances her professional responsibilities with her personal life.
Her philosophy that integrating various life roles creates a fulfilling existence clearly influences her daily routine. This approach allows her to not just manage but thrive under the pressures of being a business owner and a mother to four children.
Her Instagram showcases this blend beautifully, filled with moments of professional achievements alongside snapshots of family celebrations, such as her children’s birthdays and significant family gatherings.
Virginia shares, “It’s about making every moment count, whether it’s in a boardroom or at my child’s soccer game. Success is more than leading a business; it’s about nurturing the relationships that matter most.”
Moreover, Virginia extends her nurturing beyond her family to her social circle, consistently celebrating life’s milestones with friends and loved ones. A touching post on her Instagram commemorates her goddaughter’s 29 birthday, highlighting the close bonds she maintains outside of her immediate family.
Follow Virginia Salem as she challenges the perception that women can either be good mothers or excel in their careers. She believes they can be so much more and proves it through her own example.
