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MIA AND LINCOLN FALKNER
example, Signature Grill was open six days a week upon inception. After nearly two years, the Falkners decided they needed more time off to recharge and spend with family. “We wouldn’t have been able to make those calls if we were working for someone else,” said Falkner, nor would the couple have had the freedom to open their second restaurant. It can be nearly impossible to compartmentalize work and home life, with most conversations including talk about the restaurant. Since evenings and weekends are spent at work, the couple makes time for Monday lunch dates with minimal discussion about work. Falkner describes she and Clay’s personalities and talents as complements of each other. “I am a terrible cook,” laughs Falkner, “but I can run a great front-of-house and really connect with people. Clay cooks for them really well; he connects with people through his food.” Work-life balance Falkner handles administrative and operations tasks in the mornings after dropping her kids at school, picks Mia and Lincoln up after school and returns to the restaurant five evenings a week to greet guests and oversee service. With a schedule that differs from many other working moms, she’s often plagued by mom guilt. “I think that is the biggest thing I live with every day, and I know it’s inevitable, but sometimes I still let it get to me,” said Falkner. When Falkner can’t attend her kids’ events
or chauffeur them to activities, she is thankful for a supportive village of friends and family who step in to help. Falkner has become adept at carving time out for herself, friends and family when and how she can, focusing less on blocking hours of time or making elaborate plans and more on making the time spent meaningful. Sundays are reserved for family, attending church together, going out to lunch and spending time outdoors when possible. “Meals together are few and far between in our household because we are gone during dinner,” said Falkner. “That time we get on Sundays to sit around a table is precious.” To recharge, Falkner makes time to hit the gym, play the piano and catch up with girlfriends. Looking forward The kindness guests experience upon entering Signature Grill is not happenstance, it’s Falkner’s top priority in life and parenting. “Kindness is the foundation of what my parents taught me, so I try to carry that on,” said Falkner. “Even as babies we would tell [our kids] as they were sleeping that the most important thing to us is that they are kind.” The affirmation Falkner strives to put out into the world has returned to her on countless occasions for more than a decade as a business owner. “We are part of this community that has really supported and encouraged us through 11 years,” said Falkner. “Everything has been worth it.”
Lil’ Kickers at SoccerCity OKC is the perfect developmentally-appropriate activity for ages 18 months to 9 years. Classes are held Mon.-Sat. in the morning and Mon.-Thurs. in the evening. Start anytime! Winter Session 2 runs through Mar. 14
Call TODAY! soccercityokcity.com 4520 Old Farm Road, OKC (west of Meridian, south of 122nd) 405-748-3888
38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2020
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