FEATURE
coffee talk
: k l a t e e f f co A Sit-Down Chat with KAT ECKLES, Co-Founder of Clean Juice and freecoat nails in Cornelius
Our First Cup
The pandemic was such a crazy year for everyone that I feel like so much is new, yet so much has been brought back to basics! My husband and I purchased a new business concept called freecoat nails to add to our portfolio, so we’ve had an awesome few months getting that brand off the ground. Our flagship store opened in Myers Park in the spring, and we have a new location open in Cornelius. Also, our flagship Clean Juice store in Birkdale Village (where the award-winning brand started) has opened up new digs in a “store of the future” featuring self-ordering kiosks, digital menu boards, and more!
KAT ECKLES CLEAN JUICE & FREECOAT NAILS
Sip and Enjoy … There’s A-Latte Going On!
We have five kids (ages 14, 13, 7, 6, and 4) so we are at a few different stages in life! The older two are in their teenage years, so we constantly have a house full of their friends. Spending time with my kids is easily my favorite part of life right now. I think the teenage years can get a bad rap, but I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my kids turn into young adults and have conversations about their perspectives and thoughts. We have so much fun and laugh all the time. The little kids are so sweet and a joy, and we all just like being at home together—swimming, hanging outside, and enjoying life. I am a homebody and honestly feel the most relaxed and at peace when I am at home with my kids.
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JULY 2021
A Little Cream, A Little Sugar
Balancing work and family is an on-going battle—a journey with peaks and valleys. I was a stay-at-home mom before we opened our businesses, and I am most comfortable in that role. I sometimes need to pull myself out of that and make sure I’m not missing things at work. There have been seasons, though, where I had to really grind at work and I felt like I was neglectful at home; but it is important to remind yourself that balance is going to look different on different days and, for me, during different times of the year because of our on/off seasonal fluctuations. Bottom line is to give yourself a break … don’t be too hard on yourself!
How About a Cup of Kona?
"… balance is going to look different on different days."
We recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, the Big Island, and had the absolute best time! It is gorgeous there and so unique in its beauty. It was definitely one of our all-time favorite trips. w
Kat Eckles is the co-founder of Clean Juice and freecoat nails, a new non-toxic beauty bar in Cornelius. You can reach Kat and her team at 704.918.1217 or visit them online at www.freecoatnails.com.
w OMAN.COM
L A K E NORMAN
My husband and I love watching All American with our teenage kids. I was the biggest Beverly Hills, 90210 fan and it reminds me of a modern version of that, so I get slightly nostalgic! I also have been into using the infrared sauna we purchased for our home. It’s been a great way to unwind at night while doing something for my self-care and wellness.
WRITER LESLIE OGLE
PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN
