FINDING BALANCE

Sixteen years ago, Molly Harper and her husband Brad decided to make Lake Bluff their home. Today, as the busy mom to three teenagers— Jackson, Reese, and Brady—Molly can’t imagine her life anywhere else. Fitness has long been a passion of Molly’s—26 years to be exact—having been an aerobics instructor while in college and a BodyPump teacher at the Lake Bluff Recreation Center for nearly 10 years. But her dreams of owning her own business came true when she opened a yoga studio—SunShala Yoga (“Sun” is for her dog Sunny and “Shala” means home in Sanskrit). “I remember the feeling I had when I first discovered power yoga and I love seeing others fall in love with it the same way,” Molly says. “I feel so lucky to do what I do and work with all the amazing people I get to see every day.”

Top 3 favorite things in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff? The beach, SunShala Yoga, and the people. How do you find balance between work and family? Owning my own business has given me the freedom to be available to my family almost all of the time. Plus, I absolutely love what I do, so it never feels like work to me. Beach, mountains, or city for vacation? Saltwater beach in the winter. Lake in the summer. We have a place in Canada that we have gone to since I was born. It’s exactly the same as it was when I was little (no electricity), so my kids get to experience the same vacation I did when I was younger. It’s truly magical. Favorite color? Pink. Favorite music? ‘80s pop and ‘90s alternative rock. I can pretty much win any music trivia from these eras. Favorite dinner to make? Taco/burrito bowls. I put out all the ingredients and everyone makes their own plate, easy peasy. Favorite mom hack? I have started scheduling weekly walks with all different people from my past and present. Scheduling these walks has become so meaningful to me. We both get exercise and uninterrupted time to catch up and talk. Favorite beauty product? Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Primer, I get asked all the time if my lashes are real. Favorite designer? Shoshanna—I buy all of my holiday and dressy dresses from this brand. Last book you read? Lessons in Chemistry. Last TV series you watched? Ted Lasso. I love feel-good shows! And sadly, I’m also a big Real Housewives fan … any city! Favorite workout? Power yoga. Coffee or tea? Coffee, black. Typical Starbucks order? Very basic. Grande Pike Place, no room for cream, with a couple of ice cubes (I like to drink it right away). Sweet or savory? Sweet. I am every chocolate chip cookie’s best friend, or maybe worst enemy if you are the cookie. Go-to snack? Cheese and crackers. Cocktail or mocktail? Cocktail—Tito’s and soda with a lime. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Super early bird. I teach at least three classes per week at 6:30 a.m. and I like to get up at least an hour before to get my Zen going. Paper planner or digital? Digital—I would be lost without my iCal. I have a million alarms set on my phone so I don’t forget things. Greatest source for inspiration? My family. They make me want to be better and live a healthy life. Also, my parents—they have been married for 57 years and still have fun together. Best advice you’ve ever been given? My parents have always said, don’t ever be anything you aren’t and don’t take yourself too seriously. Those who know me know that I’m a goofball. Your words of advice to a new entrepreneur? Listen to your customers. Don’t let your ego lead your way. Be willing to shift gears and switch directions if necessary but be sure to stay true to you. Two things on your bucket list? I want to visit Europe and be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, or maybe just learn a dance from Derek Hough. Favorite time of the year? Fall! I love sweaters, jeans, and football games. Are you a dog or cat person? Dog! I love cats, but I’m allergic. Best thing about being a mom? I love absolutely everything about being a mom. If I had to pick the best, it is watching them grow into amazing young adults. Suggestions for keeping a consistent workout/yoga routine? Schedule your workouts like meetings and put them on your calendar. If you do this, you will have time blocked off for you and will be less likely to cancel it or decide not to do it. Make it a priority and you will start to notice changes in yourself, physically and mentally, right away.