s.  Here, Harman tells Inside Retail what a day in her life looks like and the advice she would give to the day one version of herself on her entrepreneurial journey.  Inside Retail: How did you first come up with the idea for Studs? Anna Harman: The idea came from my own experience trying to get an ear piercing in my early thirties. I struggled to find a place that combined an approachable environment, an expert piercing experience and jewelry I actually wanted to wear. My co-founder, Lisa Bubbers, and I saw an opportunity to bring those elements together. We wanted to make piercing feel welcoming and accessible, while treating it with the expertise and care it deserves. We also saw that the piercing and the jewelry were part of the same experience.  Earscaping became our way of expressing that: helping people create a combination of piercings and earrings that feels personal to them. IR: What does a day in the life look like for you? AH: My days usually start with my two young children and getting everyone ready for school.  From there, I shift into the business: time with our executive team, working through priorities and making decisions across our studios, merchandising and expansion plans. I also try to make room to visit studios and stay connected to the customer experience. Evenings are centered on the kids and time together as a family. Being a founder and a mother means the days are full, but it has also made me much clearer about how I want to spend my time.  I try to be present for whichever part of my life I’m in. IR: What are some strategies you use to maintain a work-life balance? AH: I think about it as being intentional with my time. There are periods when the business needs more from me, and periods when my family does. I try to recognize that and make deliberate choices. Protecting time with my children, being realistic about what I can accomplish in a day and having a team I trust all help.  Motherhood has made me a more focused leader. It pushes me to prioritize, delegate and distinguish between something that is urgent and something that truly needs my attention. IR: What are the items in your business toolbox? AH: A well-organized calendar, a clear list of priorities and people whose judgment I trust. With a business and two young children, being thoughtful about my time is essential. I also value a good sounding board. Having a co-founder who brings a different perspective has been one of the most useful parts of building Studs. Lisa and I can challenge each other, work through decisions and keep each other focused on what matters. IR: What is one piece of advice you would give the day-one version of yourself about your journey as a brand founder? AH: You don’t have to have every answer yourself. Your job is to establish a clear direction, bring great people around you and stay open to what you learn. Early on, it’s easy to feel that being a good founder means being involved in everything. As the business grows, you have to become more intentional about where your time makes the greatest difference and give others room to lead. IR: Outside of work, I’m passionate about… AH: Spending time with my family. My children are at ages where their personalities and interests are developing so quickly, and I love getting to experience the world through their eyes. I also enjoy staying active and making time for friends. Those parts of my life give me energy and perspective, and I want my kids to see that it’s possible to care deeply about your work while also making room for the people and experiences you love. IR: What has been something surprising that you’ve learned along the course of your retail journey? AH: How personal and emotional a piercing experience can be. Someone might be celebrating an achievement, coming with a parent or friend or marking a change in their life. What looks like a small purchase can carry a lot of meaning. That has shaped how we think about hospitality, training and the studio environment.  Customers remember how they felt during the experience, and our teams have a real opportunity to make that moment special. Further reading: Tomorrow-Today Beauty’s Indianna Roehrich discusses building a brand with community