The Morning Routines of People We Admire to Inspire Your Own

Waking up With Kate Arends—How the Creator of Wit & Delight Stays Inspired and Prioritizes Joy

Isabelle Eyman — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Kate Arends doesn’t want to be put in a box. In a world that encourages marketing ourselves as a brand, Kate is hesitant to constrict herself to a niche. Because what’s the point of trying to encompass our wants, quirks, dreams, and accomplishments to a single elevator pitch if those thirty seconds could never dream of containing our multitudes?

It’s with her many identities—designer, mother, founder, and creative director of Wit & Delight—that Kate has built her brand. In images, videos, and blog posts, Kate captures and exudes the creative grace of a life oriented toward beauty.

And while I find myself audibly gasping, oohing, and awing at Instagram post after post, the experience feels unlike any scroll I’ve taken through an influencer’s page. There’s no attempt as aspiration—to show a life clearly out of reach. Instead, woven throughout the stunning interiors, inspiring words, and intimate vignettes, there’s a quiet knowing that with a simple shift in perspective, we can all uncover the same magic Kate has found for herself.

Shop Kate’s bedroom.

Waking Up With Kate Arends

Of course, this isn’t to discount her originality. Take a spin through Kate’s St. Paul home and you’ll find woodland-inspired wallpaper, velvet tufted couches, and colors only a well-trained eye can coordinate. We caught up with Kate on a snowy Monday in Minnesota. And while we expected spring-like weather when we got off the plane, Kate’s home proved to be respite enough.

I’ve been running a business long enough to realize it doesn’t get easier, you just get more comfortable with discomfort.

Kate is proof that no one’s success looks the same. As one of the original bloggers in the design space, Kate is familiar with the challenges and triumphs of building a career online. With products and collections at some of the biggest retailers (Target, Anthropologie, and West Elm are all on her roster), one might think she logs long hours every day at her desk. But Kate is consistent with exercise and time outdoors, prioritizes play, and carves out intentional time with her family.

Curious how she gets it all done? We sat down with Kate to learn the ins and outs of her creative career—plus the routines and rituals that inspire her work and help her days unfold with ease.

Tell us about your career and starting a business. What has life been like as an entrepreneur?

Crazy? Always evolving? I’ve been running a business long enough to realize it doesn’t get easier, you just get more comfortable with discomfort. And I’m thankful for this lesson, thankful for the lesson in resilience. I try to make my schedule both flexible and disciplined. I’m also thankful that continuing to learn and challenge myself to evolve is part of the job. Regardless of what I’m working on, there is rarely a dull moment.

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

I’ve learned to let go of a lot of trying to do it all. When it came to possibilities for our business and my life, I once liked to keep all doors slightly ajar just in case they came to fruition. I’ve realized that when every opportunity is important, it can be hard to figure out what matters most. So I’ve been saying no more than ever.

Shop Kate’s kitchen.

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

Classic with a splash of whimsy.

What does a typical day look like for you?

6-8 am: I typically get up at 6 for a workout before getting the kids ready for school. If I can peek at my email, I try to do it at this time.

8:30-11 am: I try to get 90 minutes of focused work done. Depending on what I have going on that week, it could be designing a product line or working on a project for our home (e.g., making product selections, deciding on paint colors, creating punch lists for a contractor). A few days a week I dedicate this time to writing for our site, Wit & Delight, and newsletter, House Call.

11 am-3 pm: Lunch, email, and meetings. I use this time for 1-1 consultations on Tuesdays and Thursdays, planning and production meetings with my team, tasks related to upcoming projects, etc. I also often take new business calls during this time.

3-5 pm: I am either shooting content for our channels, picking up whatever priority project is hot that week, or tending to things around the house.

5-8 pm: Family time!

8-10 pm: Reading or catching up on emails.

What time is your wake-up call? And how much sleep do you usually get?

6 am. I’m in bed by 9 pm and usually asleep by 10-1030 pm after doing some reading.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Drink water and start my workout. I alternate between pilates, HIIT workouts, and strength training.

What rituals set you up for success?

At certain times in my life, I’ve had strict morning routines; at other times, there was no routine other than surviving (hello, years when I had two kids under two). What I’ve come to learn is you have to be flexible with your time and religiously strict about what makes life move smoothly. That means prioritizing daily movement for my mental and physical health, deep work (something that moves my business and goals forward), and quality time with the people I love. Everything else gets done if time and energy allow. It’s kind of the antithesis of what I see a lot of successful people do for their routines, but it’s one I can live with. And isn’t a routine that’s sustainable most likely to remain a routine? I think so.

What I’ve come to learn is you have to be flexible with your time and religiously strict about what makes life move smoothly.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

I brush my teeth, then I wash my face with Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser and apply the SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum. After that, I use Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen mixed with Drunk Elephant bronzing drops and apply my makeup.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

Brightening Cleanser, $38

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, $182

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, Rice + Probiotics Facial Sunscreen

Relief Sun, Rice + Probiotics Facial Sunscreen, $14.95

Drunk Elephant Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, $38

What do you eat for breakfast?

I drink hot water with lemon. Then I make a cup of coffee and usually eat an apple or make oatmeal (¼ cup oats in ¾ cup water, simmer for five minutes then top with flax seeds, hemp seeds, maple syrup, and walnuts).

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Fresh herbs, kale, good cheese, eggs, olives, salami, mustards (dijon, brown, hot deli), pickled things (hot peppers, cauliflower, carrots), and big tubs of beans and rice for making bowls throughout the week.

What are your morning rituals?

I never skip coffee or my skincare routine.

What are your favorite books?

It’s often changing but a couple that I have read more than once in the past two years:

Age of Innocence by Edith Warton
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Normal People by Sally Rooney

What’s always on your nightstand?

Nivea Creme, Bag Balm, whatever I’m reading, and AirPods.

NIVEA Creme

NIVEA Creme, $11.56

Bag Balm Hand Moisturizer

Bag Balm Hand Moisturizer, $8.49

Apple AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro, $199.99

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Lately, it’s been Midnights by Taylor Swift. But I am always making playlists and giving recommendations.

Do you work out in the morning?

Yes, at least 30 minutes of movement. I rotate between HIIT, pilates, and cycling. I take at least three hour-long walks a week, but in the winter I do them in the afternoons due to lack of sunlight and negative temps.

Shop Kate’s living room.

Shop Kate’s Dining room.

What’s your daily uniform?

I work from home but I get dressed daily. A uniform for me in the winter would be a cream babaà sweater, Levi’s vintage 501s, red socks, and black loafers.

babaà jumper no16 natural

jumper no16 natural, $285.42

Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Women’s Jeans

501 Original Cropped Women’s Jeans, $108

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

I would read, write, or design things just for myself.

What are one or two things you do every day to live a more joyful life?

You’ll never have enough time to get it all done, so I focus on what matters to me when I’m overwhelmed. Sometimes this means closing my email or ripping up the to-do list. I ask myself what can be done to ensure I’m working toward the future I want for myself and my family. It makes what’s actually important crystal clear. Knowing that time is a finite resource can be overwhelming in itself, but it can also help bring your priorities into focus.

Shop Kate’s office.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Never giving up on myself. And never being afraid to pivot.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: my wallet.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: spend them fostering curiosity—in nature, in a museum, and playing with my kids. I wish we had more time to just play.

Healthiest morning habit: being grateful to have another day on this earth.

Worst morning habit: thinking I have to follow a strict routine to be successful.

One thing I want to be known for is: my courage and empathy.

The one thing I fear is: failing to raise my children to handle adulthood.

When I feel that fear, I: remember the best thing I can do is set a good example with my own actions.

The book I always recommend: Atomic Habits.

One trait you need to succeed in life: resilience.

Bath or shower? And what’s your favorite shower/bath product? Bath, but we don’t have one at the moment! I love this conditioning rinse by R+Co.

The post Waking up With Kate Arends—How the Creator of Wit & Delight Stays Inspired and Prioritizes Joy appeared first on Camille Styles.

Gigi Caruso Reflects on Her Hearing Loss Journey—and Founding the Clothing Brand of Her Dreams

Isabelle Eyman — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Nosy as I am, whenever I see someone chasing after and realizing their dreams, my first thought is always: how do they do it? Because of the highlight reel that shapes social media, I’m often dissatisfied with the answer. In our attempt to look perfect for others, we lose all possibility of authenticity and connection. But for Gigi Caruso, CEO, founder, and Creative Director of the luxury swim, activewear and loungewear brand, GIGI C, it’s her vulnerability and willingness to share the challenges she’s faced that’s ultimately led to her success.

At 23, it would be cliché and expected for me to write that Gigi is just getting started. Of course, she is—but the larger truth is that her drive and dream of founding a swimwear brand is rooted in her life-long love of the sea. Having been diagnosed with bilateral moderate to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss at birth, the ocean has long been where Gigi finds strength and inspiration. Her truth is succinct, but resonant: “I have always felt connected to the water because it was my escape.”

Despite being grateful for the support of her hearing aids out of the water, because they can’t get wet, it’s when Gigi is swimming or simply immersed in the ocean that she feels most peacefully, truthfully, and entirely at home within herself. It’s no wonder this passion for the sea translates seamlessly to beautifully and functionally designed swimwear that allows anyone to feel a similar sense of peace.

Gigi Caruso Shares the Morning Rituals That Set Her up for Success

As Gigi agrees, the most inspiring leaders innovate and find success through their challenges and constraints. When asked what advice she would share with anyone feeling discouraged by a disability, Gigi promotes a refreshing shift in view. While others may assume that your disability sets you back, she knows that’s in fact the magic and the motivation that can propel you forward. Gigi sees her hearing loss not as something that inhibits her, but an experience that amplifies her skills, her passions, and her perspective.

Just out of college, it goes without saying that this past year has been a whirlwind for Gigi. And although she has a clear go-with-the-flow ease about her, Gigi is honest and open as she reflects on what it really looks like to run a successful brand. I loved interviewing and gaining further insights from this powerhouse about the morning rituals that keep her grounded, the self-care routines that set her up for success, and our shared love of the entire Summer Fridays line. Dive into this founder’s world—who knows, you might be inspired to take a morning horseback ride yourself.

(P.S. Gigi is looking for reading reccos—be sure to send them her way!)

My hearing loss has never stopped me from achieving my dreams. Although I was not born with the ability to hear like most people, and at times worried about what others may think, it only motivated me to work even harder to show those around me that I was just as able to achieve anything I wanted to as long as I put my heart and soul into it. My hearing loss was the inspiration to start GIGI C. I have always felt connected to the water because it was my escape.

I have always felt connected to the water because it was my escape.

You’ve shared that the water is your safe space. How did you decide to translate this into a swimwear line?

I can’t wear my hearing aids in the water, so the ocean is my escape. I knew there was a gap in the swimwear industry regarding functionality and fashion, so I created my own swimsuits capable of withstanding wakeboarding and water activities or relaxing on the beach. I believe that fashion should never inhibit your functionality. I incorporate these feelings into my designs by designing something I am genuinely so excited to wear in the ocean while being active, but also designs I can’t wait to wear on the beach or dress up for a night out.

You’ve built a community around your experience of hearing loss. What have you learned and how have you grown by connecting deeper with this community?

To me, hearing loss advocacy is vulnerability. I recently started a hearing loss series on my Instagram, where those with or without this disability can come together, connect, and ask questions. This is the beginning of forming a community I’ve always dreamed of growing up. I have learned that I am not alone. Discovering so many other hard of hearing people’s stories has made me realize there is a community out there; I just need to bring it together.

To me, hearing loss advocacy is vulnerability.

Knowing that I am not alone and can make a change in this community has grown my ability to be vulnerable and confident about who I am. I have also been hosting “Sounds of The Grove” events where people can gather at the park at The Grove and meet others who are hard of hearing and may be going through similar struggles. We have many fun activities to partake in and doctors there to help provide everyone with educational hearing information.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to realize a dream, but may be discouraged by a challenge or disability?

Take your biggest challenge and turn it into your biggest motivation. Whenever I feel discouraged or embarrassed, or whatever it may be about my hearing loss, I look at it as my biggest motivation and vow to not let it hold me back. I remember that I am strong, and I want to inspire others not to let their disability hold them back. But I can’t do that without doing it myself.

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

There have been so many learnings over the past year. I have finally been able to focus on my brand without the stress of college and fully immerse myself in it day-to-day. I am so excited that I have been able to give so much time and attention to GIGI C, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

Minimal, neutral, and timeless.

Let’s get into your morning routine. What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day looks different, but most include waking up, enjoying a coffee (or matcha), and heading to the stables to go horseback riding. I love to start the day with my horses. It’s a great way to relax before a busy workday. After riding, I’ll grab some food, get ready for the day, and get to work. I work from home right now, but I am so excited for the new GIGI C office space to open up soon. I can’t wait to be with my team in person every day.

What time is your wake-up call? How much sleep do you usually get?

I try getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I’m a night owl, so it’s tough to fall asleep before midnight—I’m my most creative self at night. My days typically start at 7:30 am.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I grab my dog, Cici, and bring her into bed with me. I’ll think about what my day looks like and what I’m grateful for today, and set at least one goal for the day.

What rituals set you up for success?

Besides starting my day with horseback riding, I love a good morning skincare routine. Cleansers, serums, oils, you name it. I love sharing my favorite beauty and skincare products on my Instagram as well. A current favorite is Summer Fridays—I am in love with all of their products.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

I wash my face with the Summer Fridays Cleanser and then I apply these Summer Friday products in the below order:

Vitamin C Serum
Eye Cream
Cloud Dew Moisturizer

Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser

Super Amino Gel Cleanser, $35

Summer Fridays CC Me Serum

CC Me Serum, $68

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream, $44

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer

Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer, $45

I am currently obsessed with GOOP’s Nourishing Repair Body Butter.

GOOP GOOPGENES Nourishing Repair Body Butter

GOOPGENES Nourishing Repair Body Butter, $65

What are your go-to makeup faves?

While I have my current faves, this changes often as I love to try new products.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48

ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum

True Skin Radiant Priming Serum, $52

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Luxury Palette

Pillow Talk Luxury Palette, $55

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner, $13.50 (reg. $27)

MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, $26

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat

Pillow Talk Lip Cheat, $25

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Pillow Talk Original

Matte Revolution Pillow Talk Original, $35

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

Lip Glow Oil, $40

Charlotte Tilbury Bronzed, Blushing Beauty Kit

Bronzed, Blushing Beauty Kit, $88 (reg. $110)

Anastasia Fluffy u0026 Fuller-Looking Brow Kit

Fluffy u0026 Fuller-Looking Brow Kit, $29

What do you eat for breakfast?

I typically have breakfast on the go while I run out for meetings. I always start my day with Alfred’s iced vanilla latte or matcha. I also love GoMacro bars for when I’m in a hurry (which is most mornings)!

GoMacro MacroBar Variety Pack

MacroBar Variety Pack (12 bars), $38.49

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Poppi! I drink one every day whenever I need a boost of energy or want something sweet but healthy. My favorite flavor at the moment is watermelon.

Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Watermelon Soda

Sparkling Prebiotic Watermelon Soda, $29.88

What are your morning rituals?

My morning ritual relies heavily on gratitude and self-care. Gratitude can include anything and everything —there is nothing too little or too big you can be grateful for. My self-care includes moving my body (by working out or horseback riding), taking care of my skin with my favorite products, and drinking lots of water first thing in the morning.

What are your favorite books?

I haven’t read any books recently but I would love suggestions!

What’s always on your nightstand?

I love unwinding and relaxing by lighting a candle at night. I’m currently obsessed with the Jen Meyer candle.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Anything country!

Do you work out in the morning?

I start my mornings with horseback riding or a long walk around my neighborhood and prefer to workout before dinner.

What’s your daily uniform?

We take pride in our fabrics and materials at GIGI C, only using the comfiest most luxurious materials. Nine times out of 10 on an average day, I am in GIGI C! I love to dress up in our lounge for a meeting with an oversized coat or blazer. Some of my go-to lounge pieces at the moment:

GIGI C Kenzie Pullover

Kenzie Pullover, $100

GIGI C Harlow Pant

Harlow Pant, $100

I also love to dress up in GIGI C Sport for a busy day, and then I can just go straight from work to the gym without changing. Below are my go-to sport pieces at the moment (especially our jumpsuits)—our snakeskin fabric is my favorite sport fabric! Our new Cassie Jumpsuit that launched recently is a novelty and statement piece.

GIGI C Merit Jumpsuit

Merit Jumpsuit, $202

GIGI C Cassie Jumpsuit

Cassie Jumpsuit, $215

GIGI C Avery Dress

Avery Dress, $220

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

I wish I was better at meditating, so if I had one extra hour, I would work on my goal of meditating more often.

What do you do every day to live a more present and joyful life?

I spend quality time with my family. We are all very close and do family dinners multiple times a week! Another thing I do is unplug from my phone and give myself time to relax my mind.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

My mom’s support has been an enormous part of GIGI C, and it wouldn’t be where it is today without her. Starting this brand with my mom has been the best part of it all.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: lip products! I love all things beauty and always have Summer Fridays, Laneige, or Dior gloss on me for touch-ups throughout the day.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: visit my horses or spend more time with friends and family.

Healthiest morning habit: practicing gratitude.

Worst morning habit: hitting snooze a few times.

One thing I want to be known for is: Hearing Loss Advocacy.

The one thing I fear the most: not being able to achieve all of my dreams.

When I feel that fear, I: remind myself of how far I have come and to not be too hard on myself.

One trait you need to succeed in life is: confidence.

Bath or shower? And what’s your favorite shower/bath product? Showers but baths are definitely a treat. I love adding Pursoma bath soaks.

The post Gigi Caruso Reflects on Her Hearing Loss Journey—and Founding the Clothing Brand of Her Dreams appeared first on Camille Styles.

Considering a Career Pivot? Candace Nelson, Founder of Sprinkles, Is All the Inspiration You Need

Isabelle Eyman — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

You know the daydream: quit your demanding (re: life-sucking) day job, pursue your passion, and spend each day cosplaying as a romantic comedy protagonist. In this particular example, I’m envisioning Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated, wowing viewers and Steve Martin alike with her French-trained culinary prowess and lighter-than-air croissants. And while that may sound like a pipe dream for some, for Candace Nelson, it was her reality.

Following the dot-com bust of the early aughts, Candace left her job as an investment banker to pursue pastry making—opening a custom cake business in San Francisco. And while that simplified synopsis of her pivot might have seemed like a step back, Candace was only just getting started.

Fast forward twenty years, and she’s now a widely recognizable, highly successful entrepreneur. Alongside her husband, Candace opened Sprinkles Cupcakes—the first-ever cupcake bakery—as the world clung to the Carrie Bradshaw-endorsed treat. With a book, food television stardom, and other ventures under her belt (and always, it seems, in the works), Candace isn’t anywhere near slowing down.

Candace Nelson on the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship—and the Routines That Have Helped Her Build a Successful, Sustainable Career

So how does a single person maintain such momentum, retain such creativity, and amass so much success? It’s clear from our interview, that Candace is laser-focused on the routines that support her and keep her moving along this upward trajectory. From non-negotiable workouts to starting her day off with a nourishing meal, Candace knows the habits that keep her inspired and feeling her best.

We loved learning from Candace the ins and outs of what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur—and we can guarantee, there’s a life-changing nugget of wisdom for everyone. Read on for Candace Nelson’s morning routine and her proactive approach to getting things done.

Tell us about your career and starting a business. What has life been like as an entrepreneur?

There are so many highs and lows in entrepreneurship, but there is truly nothing more rewarding than dreaming up a vision for the world that doesn’t yet exist and bringing it to life. It was scary to break from the corporate path and strike out on my crazy new cupcake idea. I wasn’t raised in an entrepreneurial environment so I never imagined myself starting a business—I simply had an idea that wouldn’t leave me alone. I was fortunate to have a husband and partner who believed in and supported me from the very beginning.

I am constantly trying to be less reactive and more strategically proactive with my day.

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

I’ve been blown away by the number of DMs I’ve received from female entrepreneurs reading Sweet Success. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the book resonate with my intended audience. But it also reaffirms for me just how hungry startup founders are for support, guidance, and community.

Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe to Turn Your Passion Into Profit

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

Understated, effortless, chic. I live in denim and love to be comfortable but cute. Details are also very important to me. I enjoy quality and simplicity but with a little edge or surprise, whether it’s unexpected detailing or a pop of color.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I just released my new book, Sweet Success in November so my promotional schedule continues to include a lot of panels, keynotes, book parties and signings, TV and print interviews, podcasts and mentorship work with the young women of Step Up Network. But a more typical work day involves a mix of Pizzana meetings related to new locations and business initiatives, marketing, PR and social media, creating content for my personal brand and meeting with founders who are fundraising. I also moonlight as a part-time chauffeur and cheerleader for my sons and their sporting events.

What time is your wake-up call?

I need a lot of sleep—8 hours—so I am not up at the crack of dawn. My husband does breakfast for the boys in the morning (he’s a dream) and I typically roll out of bed at 7:30 with just enough time to make coffee and check a few things on my phone before driving my son to school.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Grab a pair of my Caddis glasses and check my Oura ring score.

Caddis Muzzy Readers

What does your morning routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?

I love the idea of a lengthy morning routine, but the reality is I just don’t have much time in the morning because I’m not an early riser. I do spend a few minutes with my eyes closed before getting out of bed to set some intentions and gratitudes for the day. Once up, I will hydrate with water (with electrolytes) before making coffee, glance at my calendar for the day, and take my son to school.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

Candace’s beauty routine is easy and elegant. With a few key products, she’s able to craft an effortless look that weaves seamlessly into her busy morning.

She starts with Retrouvé products mixed with the Georgia Louise Ionic Wand with Vitamin C.
After that, Candace applies Relevant One and Done Sunscreen.
As for makeup, she finishes things off with Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush, concealer and highlighter from the much-buzzed-about brand, Merit. Tower 28 lip gloss for a little color and a few swipes of her brow brush to tie the look together.

C+- Pure Ampoules Plus Ionic Wand

Relevant One u0026 Done Everyday Cream With SPF 40

Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly

What do you eat for breakfast?

I usually intermittently fast through breakfast, so it’s just a coffee with collagen and a little almond or cashew milk. If I am eating breakfast, it’s Greek yogurt with berries and some hemp seeds or gluten-free granola sprinkled on top. On the weekends, I sometimes treat myself with a dark chocolate Fonut, which is a baked gluten-free donut from a local LA bakery. It doesn’t sound all that decadent, but trust me it is. When I’m traveling, I rely on Kroma porridge.

Kroma Super Porridge

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Organic blueberries from the farmers market. Cashew milk by Elmhurst, Japanese sweet potatoes, fresh gluten-free pasta and pesto, and lots of alcohol-free beverages. (I did a deep dive during Dry January to find my favorites!)

What are your morning rituals?

I skim the many sources of news and inspiration in my inbox—especially Morning Brew, the Information and Newsette.

What are your favorite books?

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Tenth of December by George Saunders

What’s always on your nightstand?

Caddis glasses, a silk scrunchie, a variety of conditioning lip glosses, photo books from past girls’ trips, a TBR stack of non-fiction, and the latest Cherry Bombe magazine.

Do you work out in the morning?

Sometimes. Living on the west coast, mornings can be busy with Zoom meetings and just replying to emails from people in other parts of the country. I often feel behind when I wake up because the rest of the country has a head start, so I often get some work done first and then work out midday. My amazing trainer, Kadee Sweeney will guide me through a pilates and strength training session. Or I power walk—either on the treadmill or in my neighborhood to get some sunshine. Workouts are typically an hour, but on a more leisurely weekend I will include some stretching and rolling and go 90 minutes.

What’s your daily uniform?

I’m obsessed with Nili Lotan jeans. I have a wardrobe of them at this point but my favorite is the high-waisted Anna style. I love sweaters and have been loving sweater vests this season. My favorite labels are Lisa Yang, La Ligne, and G Label. I’m also obsessed with Marfa Stance vests and coats and love changing out the collars in different colors and materials.

Nili Lotan Anna High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

Journaling, specifically about my intentions and priorities for the day. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to spend most of your time putting out the daily fires that pop up rather than working toward larger, longer-term goals. I am constantly trying to be less reactive and more strategically proactive with my day.

What are one or two things you do every day to live a more present and joyful life?

Family dinner and sharing our failures and learnings from that day.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Integrity—in word and action. Do what you say you’re going to do and do the right thing.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: my Horsenbuhs sunglasses.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: read more fiction and journal more!

Healthiest morning habit: a big bottle of water mixed with lemon DripDrop electrolytes.

Worst morning habit: grabbing for my phone almost immediately.

One thing I want to be known for is: building beloved brands.

The one thing I fear the most: is getting complacent.

When I feel that fear, I: learn something new or take on a creative challenge.

The book I always recommend is: Essentialism.

One trait you need to succeed in life is: self-awareness.

Bath or shower? Shower—it’s quicker!

And what’s your favorite shower/bath product? When I’m not doing media, I try to nurture my hair by air drying and wearing it natural/curly. I love Tracy Ellis Ross’s line Pattern for curly-haired girls.

Looking for more morning routine inspiration? Dive in and discover the rituals that keep Camille grounded.

The post Considering a Career Pivot? Candace Nelson, Founder of Sprinkles, Is All the Inspiration You Need appeared first on Camille Styles.

How the Founder of Chillhouse Stays Calm and Resists FOMO

Langa Chinyoka — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Building a business is never easy. In a career that asks you to balance being an entrepreneur with being a mother, it’s harder still when your brand is named Chillhouse. In the industry of self-care, being the arbiter of “chill” is harder than it looks. These are the constraints Cyndi Ramirez is working against, but though she’s juggling many titles, responsibilities, and goals, she makes it look like a good life. And based on the authenticity she brings forth, I have to believe it is.

The Chillhouse mission? To inspire everyone to put themselves first, prioritize self-care, and lean into the empowerment that taking up space in the world brings. With her ever-expanding empire, Cyndi helps people make wellness and leading with self-compassion a part of their everyday lives. By centering rituals and relaxation, she demystifies the sometimes convoluted labyrinth of wellness and spotlights the critical importance of supporting our mental health.

The Business of Being Cyndi Ramirez

Cyndi has a product line, a brand, and a slate of brick-and-mortar locations. But amidst the busyness of everyday life, she still makes time for herself—in fact, she considers it essential for living well. She prioritizes the things that feed her soul and energize her day. If you’re at a loss for how to carve out time for self-care in your own busy schedule, why not take cues from someone who does it for a living?

Read on to discover how Cyndi Ramirez crafts her mornings to prioritize family, work, and that ephemeral sense of chill.

It’s been a long journey—and I still have decades ahead of me! But so far, entrepreneurship has been equally as fun as it’s been stressful. I started my first business nine years ago—a creative agency. Since then, I’ve gone on to own a lifestyle blog, a skincare product, and now a growing self-care company.

What has been your biggest lesson over the past year?

Expansion is hard but ultimately worth the risk and complexities. Do your due diligence but also don’t be scared!

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

I’ve always been someone who experiences FOMO, so I like to think it’s a random characteristic that has pushed me to open doors and opportunities. And having a bomb network and a strong support system.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up and check my phone… then I keep my phone away while I spend time with my family, particularly my 2-year-old, Hendrix. From there, either my husband or I make breakfast. Then it’s off to the office!

A day at the office is full of meetings and touch-bases with my team. Once I’m done with the workday, I like to either catch up with friends for happy hour, an early dinner, or do a date night with Adam. But we also like to get back in time to put Hendrix down to sleep most nights—it ebbs and flows!

Tell us about your morning beauty routine…

I shower, wash, and condition with Oribe products. From there, I apply hair serum and oil and let my hair air-dry.

Oribe Cote d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash

u003cpu003eThis replenishing body wash restores moisture loss and softens the skin.u003c/pu003e

Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Shampoo

u003cpu003eBiotin, amino acids, and natural oils repair and restore your strands in this strengthening shampoo.u003c/pu003e

Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Conditioner

u003cpu003eBiotin and niacinamide are the star ingredients in this conditioner that deeply repairs damaged hair.u003c/pu003e

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

u003cpu003eThis lightweight oil completes your routine with shine and moisture, repairing damaged hair.u003c/pu003e

What does your skincare routine look like?

My skincare routine is more extensive.

I use a toner or essence followed by The Concentrate by La Mer. Then I use Chillhouse’s Have a Chill Day Face Oil, which I sometimes mix with La Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream and top off with Dune Suncare’s face sunscreen.

La Mer, The Concentrate

u003cpu003eThis antioxidant-rich serum helps renew the skin while protecting against environmental damages.u003c/pu003e

Chillhouse, Have a Chill Day Face Oil

u003cpu003eSqualane, rosehip oil, and a blend of vitamins nourish skin while Pineapple Fruit Extract gently brightens with AHAs.u003c/pu003e

La Mer, Moisturizing Soft Cream

u003cpu003eSoft skin awaits with this barrier-supporting cream with La Mer’s signature healing properties.u003c/pu003e

Dune Suncare, The Mug Guard

u003cpu003eThis gel-based sunscreen has no white cast. It also works like a serum while protecting your skin.u003c/pu003e

Your makeup is flawless. How do you do it?

I’ve been loving Fenty Beauty’s foundation and Lawless’s blush. Then I top off with Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir, a little Wander Beauty mascara, and some Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk on the lips with Fenty Beauty’s Lip Gloss.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation

u003cpu003eThis cult-favorite foundation is a must-have for a natural, dewy finish.u003c/pu003e

Lawless Velvet Blush

u003cpu003eThis silky, pressed powder gives skin a natural flush.u003c/pu003e

Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist

u003cpu003eGet an immediately hydrating and dewy boost with this tried-and-true setting spray.u003c/pu003e

Wander Beauty Length and Define Mascara

u003cpu003eA little bit of mascara goes a long way—especially when it’s this volumizing formula from Wander Beauty.u003c/pu003e

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick

u003cpu003eThis classic lipstick is the perfect shade for every skintone.u003c/pu003e

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

u003cpu003eShea butter and shine add the perfect finishing touch to any look.u003c/pu003e

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Hot sauce.

What’s always on your nightstand?

Books that I never read, water, and Love Wellness Personal Lubricant.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

An impossible question! Love throwing on some disco or an 80s playlist. Follow me on Spotify if you really wanna know what I’m into.

What’s your daily uniform?

I’d say my style is chic, timeless, and sexy. I’ve been really into wearing all black lately. It’s either a simple black tee or a graphic tee from Anine Bing or Chillhouse. Then a black denim skirt and platform sandals!

What do you do every day to live a more joyful life?

Family time and touch-bases with my husband. We’re super communicative and truly are each other’s best friends. It’s so important for my soul that we keep this bond strong, and therefore, we prioritize it.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: my iPhone, duh.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: shop and maybe clean out my closet simultaneously.

Healthiest morning habit: A big glass of water, always. And kisses from Hendrix.

Worst morning habit: Coffee?

One thing I want to be known for is: making people feel more ~chill~.

The one thing I fear the most: letting people down.

When I feel that fear, I: remind myself I’m doing the best I can.

The book I always recommend: Verity by Colleen Hoover

One trait you need to succeed in life: bravery

The post How the Founder of Chillhouse Stays Calm and Resists FOMO appeared first on Camille Styles.

“Luck Is Preparation Meeting Opportunity”—How the Founder and CEO of Táche Gets It Done

Suruchi Avasthi — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

With new brands launching online every day, it takes a particularly special and innovative idea to stand out from the rest. Táche Pistachio Milk is just the sort of unicorn product that, as Forbes puts it, is disrupting the plant-based industry. While I first heard about Táche in a podcast episode in early 2021, Roxana Saidi had been working on the idea for the pistachio milk brand since 2015.

Within a few months of that first introduction, the cool and quirky branded pistachio green carton was showing up everywhere for me. Word of Táche had spread from my social media feeds, to the coffee shops I frequented, to even spotting Queer Eye star, Antoni Porowski, pouring Táche into his go-to smoothie.

The growth of Táche is no random luck, it’s Roxana’s vision, strategy, and dedication to the brand that has led to her success. But Táche isn’t Roxana’s first foray into the entrepreneurial world. Before Táche, Roxana founded her own social media agency, Rx Social, working with brands like Fred Segal, Harry’s, and Fairmont Hotels. The experience furthered her passion for storytelling and introducing the world to unique and cutting-edge brands.

We chatted with Roxana about all things Táche, including her favorite ways to use it and the morning fuel that energizes and inspires her busy days.

What inspired you to start táche?

While growing Rx Social in the early 2010s, my home state of California was experiencing the worst drought on record. Coincidentally, this was also during the rise of almond milk. I was thrilled to see a non-dairy milk alternative that wasn’t obtained from soy or rice, but I was impacted when I learned just how much water it takes to produce.

As a first-generation Iranian-American, pistachios have always been incredibly meaningful.

With rich cultural significance in the Middle East, where pistachios have been grown for thousands of years, the crunchy green nut is also harvested in California. In 2015, I began making pistachio milk at home as an alternative to almond milk—notably notorious for depleting massive amounts of water.

How did Táche come to be?

I have founded two companies, one was a success and one was a failure, so I wanted to be sure that this would be a success. Before launching Táche, I spent five years going over every single detail to build an elevated yet quirky product for an untapped market that I knew people would love. I poured over every book, article, and podcast I could find to be as prepared as possible.

I recognized the opportunity and incredible potential for what I was doing, so I brought my father (a 4x former founder in Silicon Valley), out of retirement to support me in creating Táche along with Kyle Henry as co-founder. Not only is it competitive to enter the alternative milk space, but the barriers to entry are enormous. To create a barista-friendly plant-based milk, you have to make 250,000 units right out of the gate. No one will make your product at a lower volume than that. So I had to completely scale the business before we could even launch.

I wanted Táche to have a completely different look and feel and be antithetical to all the other alt-milks options out there. I’m most excited to show today’s consumers that pistachios are an incredible ingredient whose versatility can make your everyday go-to’s and recipes even more delicious.

Building Táche has been a true passion project, one that has allowed me to truly embrace family traditions during trying times. I couldn’t be more proud of the final product.

What has been your biggest learning since launching Táche?

We’re only a year and a half old but there have already been a number of lessons. I come from a long lineage of entrepreneurs who have shaped my understanding of what it means to lead a business with intention.

One of those lessons is that it’s my job to efficiently solve problems and expect that there will be challenges every day. I have very little internal resistance to issues springing up because I’ve learned to anticipate them on a daily basis. This has also helped me grow with respect to grit and resilience.

Roxana Saidi’s Morning Routine

What time is your wake-up call?

Pre-pregnancy, I would wake up at 6 a.m. These days it’s closer to 7:15 a.m. to account for all the wake-up calls throughout the night (thanks compressed bladder!). I try to get at least seven hours of sleep per night.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I check texts and any missed calls, The New York Times, and the weather typically all in under three minutes. Then I make my way to the kitchen to turn on our La Marzocco Linea Mini, the ultimate espresso machine.

My version of starting the day with water and lemon or meditating is starting up my Linea Mini.

It takes about 15 minutes to warm up which gives me 15 more minutes of cozy bed time. Once it’s ready, we use it to make Táche lattes and cappuccinos, as well as hot water for Táche matcha and chai. Right now, we’re enjoying Pistachio Milk Pumpkin Spice Lattes which are so delightful for fall and not overly sugary. Once I have my beverage, I check my email and turn on Good Morning America.

Pistachio Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte

1 cup Brown sugar
6 3/4 oz Hot water
1 cup Pumpkin puree
1 tsp Cinnamon ground
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1/2 tsp Ginger ground
1/2 tsp Cloves ground
1/3 tsp Nutmeg ground
1/8 cup Tahini paste
Espresso
Original Táche

To make the syrup, mix the brown sugar with hot water until dissolved. Add pumpkin puree and spices, mix and simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the tahini, mix. All mixture to cool and store in fridge. To use in lattes, add 1oz of syrup and mix with double espresso shot, stirring thoroughly. Top off with a generous amount of steamed Original Táche.

What morning rituals set you up for success?

I usually wake up just before my alarm goes off. I’m very intentional about not checking my email right when I wake up. I stopped checking social media first thing in the morning about seven years ago and it made all the difference in my morning and my mood.

Most mornings I strive to have some quality time with my husband by going on a walk together. We live in Dumbo, which is right along the water in Brooklyn looking out to Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Dumbo is great because it’s neighborhood-y and has several parks and walking paths along the East River. After our walk, we head to the office and I review my meetings for the day and skim my notes in my notebook—a gift from All Places, our law firm which is a business and legal strategy firm by women and for women.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

To cleanse, I use the Rose cleanser by Organic Pharmacy (Persians have an affinity for rose anything!) or Vitamin C Lactic Cleanser by Sanitas. I apply Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Serum next. This is the one consistent “empty” in my regimen. I always use it all to the last drop. Ten years strong and still big on La Mer’s Crème de la Mer in the drier months and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré in the warmer months.

At night, I use Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream which is so good. After moisturizer I use Charlotte Tilbury’s Unisex Healthy Glow when I feel like I need a little extra warmth. The last layer is Josh Rosenbrook’s Nutrient Day Cream with broad spectrum SPF 30. This is a must. If I have a shoot or want to be extra hydrated, I use my friend Charlotte’s Dieux Eye Mask or Tatcha’s Face Mask. I get facials at Karine Kazarian in Greenwich Village as often as possible as they are the best in NYC, hands down.

In terms of hair, I use Davines or Kerastase for shampoo and conditioner. One of the great aspects of being pregnant is what it does for your hair and nails! Your nails grow like weeds and you can get away with washing your hair just 1-2/week and it looks great. I use Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Mask when I have time and love Davines’ hair texturizer. You can find me wearing Crown Affair’s green silk scrunchie sometimes because it’s chic and almost exactly Táche green!

What does a typical day look like for you?

As cliché as it sounds, every day is different. Being a founder tends to take you in many directions in a single day. The one constant is that I flex in and out of many differentiated duties ranging from branding to office hours to board meetings. It’s ever-evolving and a lot of fun to see how my role evolves as the company grows. This time last year, we were a team of just four and now we’re a team of 10. Every year my role changes in a lot of ways but our mission and values always remain consistent.

What do you eat for breakfast?

Now that fall is just around the corner, Táche’s Maple Tahini Overnight Oats are on heavy rotation to get me in the cozy mood! Major plus that this recipe keeps me and baby girl full all morning:

½ cup rolled oats
½ cup water
1 cup Táche Original Blend
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp chopped pistachios
1 tsp cacao nibs
½ banana sliced

In a saucepan, add the rolled oats, water, Táche, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly cook over medium-low heat until thick and creamy.
Serve in a bowl topped with sliced bananas, maple syrup, chopped pistachios, and cacao nibs. Enjoy!

What are your favorite ways to use Táche?

Táche is so versatile, so I use it in a variety of ways spanning savory to sweet. I mix it in oatmeal, smoothies, and in matcha lattes to start out the day and use it in pancakes, French toast, or waffles on the weekend. It’s a great alternative to dairy in baking and cooking. We’ve even used it in mashed potatoes and mac ‘n cheese, which is delicious! I love making this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie on the weekend and dunking it in some Táche.

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

We have a whole row dedicated to Táche: Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Unsweetened Vanilla. We go through about a carton a day when we’re home.

There’s always a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Growing up in California, you’re spoiled with great produce so I go to the farmers market as much as I can. We make fresh squeezed blood orange juice and plain orange juice. There are always swaps happening with our friends who also have beverage brands like De La Calle, Aura Bora, Ghia, and Olipop. You’ll also always find new products in R&D in our fridge which are the most exciting.

What’s always on your nightstand?

Pictures of family and friends, Frederic Malle Linen spray, a Nette candle, and lots of books. Right now I’m reading Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and Expecting Better by Emily Oster.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is French-leaning and timeless with an edgy or masculine twist. These days, it’s a lot of what’s comfortable as I’m eight months pregnant. But overarchingly, Phoebe Philo is my personal style icon.

What’s your daily uniform?

During my pregnancy, I’ve been living in Dôen and Matteau dresses. They are pulled together while still remaining comfortable. I also love Storq for WFM days. It’s some of the softest pregnancy items I’ve come across!

Dôen Magnolia Dress

The Kate Bumpsuit

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

I would do a trifecta of journaling, meditation, and yoga. How dreamy!

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Self-discipline. As challenging (and unglamorous) as it can be to work on Saturdays or miss birthday celebrations, being extremely self-disciplined creates the habits and preparation needed for success in my opinion.

As they say, luck is the result of preparation meeting opportunity.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: SPF. At least that’s the goal!

If there were more hours in the day, I would: Read and write more. I love to read and write but there’s just never enough time.

Bath or shower: I love both, but I’ll go with a bath. My favorite product would have to be Frederic Malle’s body wash.

Healthiest morning habit: Not scrolling on social media on my iPhone.

Worst morning habit: Skipping a full glass of water and heading straight for the coffee!

The book I always recommend: Who: The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street.

One trait you need to succeed in life is: The ability to pivot quickly and strategically.

One thing I want to be known for is: Supporting and empowering other women.

The post “Luck Is Preparation Meeting Opportunity”—How the Founder and CEO of Táche Gets It Done appeared first on Camille Styles.

“Let Your Passion Drive You”—How Pritika Swarup Balances Self-Care and Success

Langa Chinyoka — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In the mainstream imagination, the immigrant story has become defined by dysphoria. It’s the constant unease of never quite feeling like you belong anywhere. It’s the experience of being too foreign for the West and too Westernized by home. It’s alienating, and for many, it’s a difficult truth. But for Pritika Swarup, her dual cultural identity has always been a source of pride. “I’ve never felt caught between these two identities,” she shares. “On the contrary, I feel nurtured by both.” And now, this deep understanding of and honor she offers her identity is the founding tenet of her business, too.

As a multi-hyphenate, Prakti Beauty is not Pritika’s first nor only venture. As an International Fashion Model and Global Ambassador for Operation Smile, Pritika’s scope has always reached far and wide. By creating a brand founded on the mission of empowering all women, Pritika hopes to help people everywhere celebrate their unique beauty, backgrounds, and talents.

This perspective is evident in the way she reflects on her career, and how she weaves her personal experience with her professional pursuits. “From my childhood on to today, I’ve seen very few people that look like me in any type of media in the West. As a young model, I was virtually the only one, and even today, I’m one of very few Indian models in the business. I felt compelled to create a brand that is inclusive and offers a true representation of global beauty.”

Pritika founded Prakti Beauty to pioneer a new type of beauty practice, one that’s inspired by traditional Indian and Ayurvedic practices while also catering to modern, Western lifestyles. “Ameri-Vedic Beauty,” she calls it. Her entrepreneurial instinct reflects how many people are embracing Ayurvedic practices in their daily lives. Tongue scraping, oil pulling, and herbal remedies have grown in their global adoption, and Prakti Beauty helps make these practices all the more accessible.

But what about her own routines? As a beauty and ritual expert, Pritika Swarup’s morning routine is one worth emulating. Read on to discover how she balances a productive morning with prioritizing the practices that keep her grounded and nourished.

What inspired you to create Prakti Beauty?

I created Prakti to bring Indian beauty to the forefront of the global industry and directly into the hands of my generation. Through my exposure to the beauty industry and working for many cosmetic companies, I could not understand why there had never been an India-inspired brand to reach a global scale. That’s when I identified a white space in the market between traditional Ayurvedic Indian brands and Western ones. There was no brand that bridged the gap and had the ability to appeal to global consumers. Prakti, from the outset, was meant to resonate on a global level.

How do you hope to make a difference and push your industry forward?

Born and raised in America of Indian heritage, I’ve never felt caught between these two identities. On the contrary, I felt nurtured by both. That’s how Prakti’s hybrid concept came about. Prakti’s global approach combines the cultural richness and spirituality of India with the energy and technologies of the West.

The inspiration behind the brand comes from so many of my personal experiences. It really is an extension of who I am.

I also felt compelled to create a brand that is inclusive and offers a true representation of global beauty. I believe that Indian beauty deserves a place center-stage. Prakti’s greater mission is to inspire—I want to inspire women to fearlessly pursue multidimensional, fulfilling lives.

How have you incorporated Indian remedies and Ayurvedic pharmacopeia into your skincare?

Ayurveda was a great place to start because of its holistic philosophy of treating the whole self. We take the most potent Ayurvedic and Indian ingredients and integrate them into modern, luxurious bases that are a vehicle by which the ingredients become even more effective.

I wanted to honor and create luxurious, rich ritual experiences that people can realistically use today. Prakti has reimagined traditional Indian beauty rituals into more convenient, effective, sensorial practices. Most homemade skincare rituals don’t translate to the modern world, so instead of losing the benefit and beauty of these rituals, Prakti makes them more available and accessible to women. And it’s just as natural, pure, and clean.

What advice do you have for Someone Thinking About Making a career change?

Learn everything you possibly can about the industry you are trying to move into—then start. There will be lots of pitfalls along the way, but that’s just the process. Never let that discourage you.

How do you go after your dreams?

Let your passion drive you toward your dreams and never give up!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different for me, so I don’t have a typical schedule. It depends on whether I’m working from home (Zoom calls, team meetings, etc.), shooting on set, or traveling for work.

What time is your wake-up call?

I wake up at 6 a.m. for early calls to catch the end of the work day in India. I usually get six hours of sleep.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I drink a full bottle of water. It flushes out the stomach and balances the lymphatic system. This supports the immune system.

What rituals set you up for success?

I start my day with stretching, meditation, and setting my intention for the day. It’s very important for me to have some time to myself in the morning because everything usually comes at me at once when the clock strikes 7 a.m.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

I love taking time for my beauty and skincare regimen. In the morning, a light cream cleanser, PritiPolish Instant Glow Exfoliator, and then a moisturizer. If I have more time, I use either a detox or hydration mask (depending on what my skin needs) and then I use a cold jade roller all around my face to stimulate blood flow and circulation. My skincare routine is pretty simple (I’ve learned over the years that less is more). If I’m going outside, I always wear at least SPF 40. I don’t wear makeup every day because I wear makeup for shoots, events, etc. I like to let my skin breathe as much as I can.

What are your morning media rituals?

I read the news, check my email, and scroll through Instagram to catch up with anything I’ve missed.

What are your favorite books?

Right now, I’m reading Great Expectations and Stealing Fire. My favorite book is between Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut or The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

What do you always have on your nightstand to ensure a smooth, successful morning?

A bottle of water, Aquaphor, and MahaMask.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Apple music’s “Chill” Playlist.

Do You have a daily uniform?

A cozy sweater and jeans. I dress up for work and events a lot, so I like to keep it simple and comfortable at home.

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

Sleep!

What are one or two things you do every day to live a more mindful life?

Meditation and breathing exercises.

If you could pin your success down to one thing or one moment, what would that be?

Always believing in myself.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: MahaMask

If there were more hours in the day, I would: sleep more.

Healthiest morning habit: drinking hot water with lemon. And meditation.

Worst morning habit: being “too” comfortable in bed

One thing I want to be known for is: inspiring women to be their best selves while living multidimensional, fulfilling lives.

The one thing I fear the most is: loss of control.

When I feel that fear, I: remember to take one step at a time to get to a comfortable place.

The book I always recommend is: Stealing Fire

The 3 traits you need to succeed in life are: Resiliance, Kindness, Optimism.

Bath or shower? Bath—with crystals.

The post “Let Your Passion Drive You”—How Pritika Swarup Balances Self-Care and Success appeared first on Camille Styles.

“There’s Always a Way”—EADEM Co-Founder Marie Kouadio Amouzame On Building a Beauty Industry Revolution

Langa Chinyoka — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

If it’s broke, fix it. That’s the guiding principle behind Marie Kouadio Amouzame’s beauty brand, EADEM. Marie was sick of half-baked solutions for fading dark spots and healing hyperpigmentation. As a Black woman, her search for products that worked with her skin pointed to a severe lack of effective, targeted solutions. But as the most innovative entrepreneurs know, when the world doesn’t give you what you want, you create it yourself.

Marie understood that she wasn’t the only one who was frustrated. And so, what began as a personal pursuit quickly grew in scope. She and her co-founder, Alice Lin, decided to start from scratch and shift the beauty industry from the inside out. EADEM (pronounced ee-dem) is “made for path-forging women of color,” and with a range of products formulated for melanin-rich skin, the brand is delivering on its promise.

As a Black woman, discovering EADEM made me feel seen. Immediately, the language about stubborn scarring from breakouts to bug bites made me think, finally, someone gets it. From even just that initial scroll through the site (and, of course, uncovered through every return visit since), it was clear that EADEM is changing the game for so many skincare lovers like me. Because as someone who was tired of wasting money on products that weren’t made for my skin, I knew I deserved something better.

Revolutionizing the beauty industry is no small feat. But according to Marie, “If something needs to happen, I will find a way to make it happen.” This clear-mindedness is something I aspire to, and for Marie, it begins in the small moments—like her morning routine.

From spending intentional time with her daughter to calling her mother, Marie has found ways to stay grounded while building a business from the ground up. Her days may be hectic, but her mornings are full of matcha, music, and laughter. Read on to discover the secrets to her success (could it be that skipping the morning face wash plays a role?). Find out more, below.

What led you to launch a purpose-driven brand?

My co-founder Alice and I met 10 years ago while working together at Google. We both struggled to find clean and effective products that worked on our melanin-rich skin. We knew we were on to something when we spoke with countless women who were also facing the same issues.

We were seeking products that were not only safe to use but also proven to work on skin of color. Especially the issue we struggle with the most: hyperpigmentation. So we started EADEM, a skincare brand designed for our melanin-rich skin and unique perspectives.

What has been your biggest lesson over the past year?

It’s been a huge learning curve for us as newcomers in the beauty industry building a line designed for women of color. The one thing that really surprised Alice and me was the clinical trial process.

A majority of the time, tests for “hyperpigmentation” actually focus on age spots on older white skin—which are completely different! Our goal is to help post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin without changing the overall skin tone. But putting the work in and doing something to help women like us find skincare that actually works has been so rewarding.

Marie Kouadio Amouzame’s Morning Routine

What does a typical day look like for you?

Mornings are always a bit chaotic at our house with two kids running around! I wake up at the same time as my two daughters, and I prepare breakfast as well as everyone’s lunch before I pack up our eldest daughter for school. Once the kids are all prepped for the day, I have some time to myself before I dive into emails.

Then I usually make myself a cup of matcha, which helps me put my best foot forward and get started on working on EADEM. We are completely self-funded, and Alice and I are the only full-time employees, so we wear a bunch of different hats. No two days are the same!

What time is your wake-up call?

I wake up around 7:00 a.m. every day, and I usually get about six hours of sleep if I’m lucky! Moms just learn how to survive with less sleep. Plus I have a restless brain.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Give my daughters a kiss and spend a little quality time with them, reading or playing games before it’s time for breakfast.

Describe your morning beauty routine:

I start my morning beauty routine in the shower while listening to some music—usually the Afro Beats Essentials on Spotify. Everything is better paired with a good song!

Terra Tory Avocado Maychang Cube

I’m really loving Terra Tory’s Fresh Avocado soap right now. You can tell all their products are made with love.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion

I like to moisturize with the Lipikar Body Lotion by La Roche-Posay. I was born in Côte d’Ivoire but raised in Paris, so I’m always drawn to classic French pharmacy products.

Dew Dream Hydrating Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

I then splash my face with water, or I use the Dew Dream Hydrating Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, but I try not to wash my face in the morning too often as it dries my skin out.

Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

I apply 3 drops of our Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum to damp skin and massage it in. Our serum has really transformed my skin, and the texture is just perfect.

EADEM Cloud Cushion

I follow with our new light-as-air Cloud Cushion cream to lock in moisture.

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen

For years, I’ve been devoted to the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen.

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint

I finish with one of my favorite products right now, the Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint to help camouflage my dark circles (I’m always a little sleep deprived).

I’m usually out of time at this point and need to jump on email, so I tie my hair up in a high ponytail and call it a day!

What do you eat for breakfast?

I either make matcha or a simple orange blossom tea, paired with my favorite croissants from La Bicyclette. They’re the best in town. When I have more time, I make avocado toast with fried eggs and this chili crunch from Momofuku on top. It’s quick but so flavorful.

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Miso! It goes on everything.

What are your favorite books?

Right now I am reading La Plus Secrète Mémoire des hommes, by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr. He’s a writer from Senegal and, just like my family, a French immigrant. He’s the first African to win the Goncourt, France’s most prestigious prize in literature. I don’t know him, but I am immensely proud of him!

What’s always on your nightstand?

I try to take extra care of my legs and feet during the cold months. So I always have a jar of Cetaphil plus a tube of Kerasal in my nightstand drawer. Combining the two actually works! My skin gets very dry during the winter, so they’re a lifesaver.

Do you work out in the morning?

I try to go for a 30-minute walk. That really helps clear my head and get me ready for the day. Or I walk on the treadmill. I’m doing the 12/3/30 workout (12 inclination at 3 mph for 30 minutes). It’s good cardio without being too crazy.

What’s your daily uniform?

I always go for effortless but refined, sticking to my French style. I cherish good quality, high-end pieces that are staples.

I like an Acne Studios leather jacket, with an Anine Bing t-shirt, worn over H&M jeans. Then I add some lipstick to make it cohesive. If I go out for dinner, I’ll add a pair of statement earrings. I really like the brand Monica Sordo, or I opt for a red lipstick.

What do you do every day to live a more joyful life?

Playing with my daughters as if I am a 4-year-old myself! We do this every single day. We roll on the floor, we scream, we laugh. They both climb on my back, and I jump around while listening to some music. This happens either before or after dinner.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

There’s always a way. If something needs to happen, I will find a way to make it happen.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: A snack! I always have something to eat in my bag. It’s a habit I got from childhood because when I was 3 years old, I decided that I couldn’t stand the idea of breakfast. My mom would always stuff my bag with things to eat around 10 a.m.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: Sleep

Healthiest morning habit: Calling my mom.

Worst morning habit: Skipping breakfast!

One thing I want to be known for is: Being here for my friends and my family.

The book I always recommend: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. My old boss recommended it, and I learned a lot from it.

The top trait you need to succeed in life is: Being yourself.

Bath or shower? I love baths, but given the time I have, I have become a shower person. My go-to is The Bodywash by Necessaire. I am obsessed with the Sandalwood scent. It reminds me of candles my parents had growing up. Since I live on a different continent, it always gives me a sense of grounding.

The post “There’s Always a Way”—EADEM Co-Founder Marie Kouadio Amouzame On Building a Beauty Industry Revolution appeared first on Camille Styles.

“If You Can’t See It, You Can’t Be It”—Inge Theron on Building a Revolutionary Beauty Brand

Langa Chinyoka — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Inge Theron is on a mission to help women feel confident, comfortable, and as Beyoncé so aptly puts it—cozy—in our own skin. While working as a beauty writer, she was struck with an epiphany: All the treatments she was trying only made her feel worse. Why spend all that time and money, she wondered, only to feel bad about yourself? Creating FaceGym was her answer.

If you aren’t already one of the nearly 800K dedicated Instagram users who follow FaceGym, then get ready for your relationship with skincare to transform. FaceGym is revolutionizing the industry by putting skin health, skin metabolism, and facial fitness front and center. For Inge, creating a culture-shifting brand was about education, providing people with the skills and techniques to keep their skin glowing from the inside out.

As she says, “It is our purpose and our mission to give you ultimate skin confidence with our workouts, skincare, and tools.” Through her platform and business, Inge is working hard to support women with access to these products and content that can help us all feel as good as we look.

While she’s a born traveler and often moving about to stay at the forefront of ever-shifting beauty trends, Inge is intentional about how she spends her time at home. Routine keeps her grounded, and as a tastemaker in a fast-moving industry, she makes sure to mindfully soak up all she can from each day.

“Taking time for yourself every day is so important, whether that’s in the morning or in the evening, just five minutes of ‘you’ time can make all the difference.”

As you’d expect, Inge’s beauty routine is precise and packed with tools and techniques. But she prioritizes inner work even more. From manifesting to chanting, there’s a lot that goes into becoming the woman behind one of the most innovative beauty platforms in the world. Read on to discover Inge Theron’s morning routine.

What led you to launch a purpose-driven brand?

FaceGym is a confidence-boosting business. We start from a place that says you are great and aim to amplify that and support you in growing into the best version of yourself. Working as a beauty and wellness journalist for over 10 years, I tried everything, but it only left me feeling worse.

It was important to me to change the confidence-breaking narrative that exists in the beauty space. When you come to a FaceGym studio or use our skincare, tools, and workout moves at home, our goal is to help you experience true confidence.

It’s like that kick-ass, empowered feeling you get when you leave the gym but for your face and skin.

What has been your biggest lesson over the past year?

The biggest learning for me over the past year is the true meaning of teamwork and the power of surrounding yourself with people who strive to succeed, who innovate and change the game, and who want to win. I feel incredibly lucky to have a team around me who believes in my vision, supports my passion, and matches my determination to achieve.

As a leader, you need to set the culture that you want to work in. For me, confidence is important both for yourself and your ability to instill it in others. Giving your team confidence every day will make them feel empowered to be creative and to continue to strive for success.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

My self-belief. One of my favorite mantras is, if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. You have to be able to close your eyes and see the big picture, see yourself as the boss, see yourself at the head of the table, see yourself running the show and never lose sight of that.

You have to be dedicated to make it work. You can’t be half in—you have to be fully committed. You just have to want it so badly that the passion is truly there. Always remember why you started: that passion drives you through the tougher times.c

Believe in yourself, believe you can find the solutions, believe you can achieve everything you set out to do and you will.

Inge Theron Shares Her Morning Routine

What time is your wake-up call?

My usual wake-up call is around 6:15 a.m. I like to get up a bit before everyone else to give myself an hour to get ready before my girls wake up around 7. I try to get eight hours of sleep every night but really I’d love ten hours.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I prepare my trio of drinks. I have the same every morning, starting with hot water and lemon, followed by green juice, usually celery juice, and an extra-hot oat milk cappuccino. I fast every morning until lunchtime, so this is essentially what I classify as breakfast. This is also when I take my daily supplements, including a full vitamin B complex and vitamin C.

What rituals set you up for success?

My morning routine mainly consists of meditation, manifesting, journaling and chanting. I do these three things every morning to make sure I start my day in the best possible mindset and to set myself up for a successful day ahead.

I just started using Veri, a glucose monitor that tracks your blood glucose. It analyzes your data to help you get a better understanding of how your metabolism is working and checks for signs of inflammation that can lead to premature aging.

Describe Your Morning Beauty Routine From Start To Finish.

My favorite quick and easy morning routine combines skincare, tools, and our signature workout moves to kickstart my skin’s metabolism, wake up my facial muscles, and transform my skin for the day ahead. And I wear SPF every day, no matter the weather!

Electro-Lite Cleanser

“I always start with a full facial cleanse with the Electro-Lite Cleanser. This genius, energizing gel-to-foam formula is so refreshing on the skin—it awakens everything before you start the rest of your routine.

You can instantly see your skin is a lot brighter, rehydrated, and glowing. Next time you cleanse, try our full-face knuckling moves. They help stimulate the circulation and enhance the clean.”

Skin Changer

“Next is Skin Changer. This product changes your skin before your eyes. I’ve been telling everyone about this innovation, and once they try it, they can see why I’m obsessed.

Skin Changer combines the exfoliating power of a toner and the hydrating benefits of an essence to bring it back to its optimal state. This is the perfect daily prep product. If your skin leans more on the oily side or you have slightly enlarged pores, this is the product for you.”

Hydro-Bound Daily Serum

“I follow this with the ultimate power player Hydro-Bound Serum, our multi-award-winning serum and definitely one of my all-time favorite products.

The power-packed formula delivers serious hydration and empowers the skin to rebuild and improve its own structure for a firmer, smoother and more glowing complexion.”

Active Blast

“Everyone knows I’m obsessed with this product. It’s a complete game changer!

14 years in the making, these freeze-dried balls of vegan collagen are clinically proven to deliver smoother, more radiant and youthful-looking skin. It renews skin in just a week and transforms skin in 28 days.”

Active Rollers Kit

“My must-have tool for my morning routine is our new Active Roller. This is the world’s most advanced skincare and micro-needling tool. We have three different rollers, Brightening, Youthful or Hydrating and I choose my roller each morning depending on what my skin needs that day.

If it feels dehydrated and slack, I opt for Hydrating. Other days, when it’s in need of a radiance boost, I use Brightening. And when I want a youth-boosting workout to target signs of aging, the Youthful is my go-to. My top tip: don’t forget to roll your lips! It naturally plumps and smooths them out, and it’s great for the little fine lines around the mouth.”

Liftwear

“For daytime skin prep, I always finish with our latest innovation, Liftwear. I call it ‘shapewear for the face.’ This lightweight, gel-cream moisturizer powers up your skin’s metabolism, tightens the appearance of the skin, and boosts radiance from within.”

What do you always have on your nightstand?

“You’ll always find the book I’m currently reading and a selection of FaceGym skincare products—I’m never far from my favorites.

I’m very spiritual and always surround myself with positive energies. So on my nightstand, I also keep a Buddha to bring peace and calm to the room and my Tingsha bells which I use when I’m meditating.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

My daughters are obsessed with Dua Lipa, so that’s the current soundtrack to our day.

Do you work out in the morning?

I always start the day with some gentle stretching when I wake up to release tension and warm up my body and muscles for the day ahead. I do the school drop-off every morning with my girls then I’ll usually fast-walk home to get my daily steps in. I do reformer pilates twice a week and Ashtanga yoga once a week.

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

You’ll find plenty of avocados and caviar. There’s always really good red wine, too. Plus, of course, my Multi-Sculpt, which I keep in the fridge for a cooling and soothing sculpt in the morning.

I take Symprove every day, so I also keep that in my refrigerator. It’s a probiotic, water-based food supplement that helps keep your gut healthy and support the microbiome.

What are your favorite books?

The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by Michael Braungart and William McDonough
The Skincare Bible by Dr. Anjali Mahto

What’s your daily uniform?

I wear a lot of athleisure, and my daily uniform often consists of head-to-toe Stella McCartney: sweatpants, jumpsuits, and trainers. I love her designs because they’re sustainable and super comfortable.

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

I would use it to meditate for sure. Meditation was incredibly prevalent in my life before I had kids, and now it’s probably one of the things I miss the most. But there really aren’t enough hours in the day.

What do You Do every day to live a more mindful life?

I’m a big believer in manifesting and praying, so I always take a moment for each throughout my day. It could be in the morning, during my lunch, or the last thing at night. I just spend that time thinking about what I want. I close my eyes and say thanks for what I have in my life today, what I’m grateful for, and I manifest what I’d like for the future.

Sentence Finishers:

Healthiest morning habit: Manifesting, journaling, meditation, yoga, chanting.

Worst morning habit: Grabbing your mobile phone first thing in the morning.

One thing I want to be known for is: Giving everyone, everywhere the ultimate skin confidence.

The one thing I fear the most is: Running out of time to do all the things I’m interested in. I’m so curious and there’s still so much I want to do.

The book I always recommend: Any books on biohacking. I’m obsessed with the idea of small changes having big results in your longevity.

The top trait you need to succeed in life is: Self-belief. Believe you can achieve, believe you can find the solutions, believe you can make your dreams a reality and you will.

Bath or shower? Always a bath. I’m very into transdermal oils and potions in the bath. I have an alchemist who mixes them for me with ingredients such as magnesium and oxygenated oils.

The post “If You Can’t See It, You Can’t Be It”—Inge Theron on Building a Revolutionary Beauty Brand appeared first on Camille Styles.

“Celebrate Every Victory”—Lauren Ireland, Co-Founder of Summer Fridays, Shares Advice in Business and Beauty

Langa Chinyoka — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The first skincare product I wanted (like, lusted-for-weeks-after wanted), was the Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask. I was far from alone in coveting the cult-favorite skin saver. Even if you weren’t (yet!) a skincare fanatic when Summer Fridays first launched, you saw the mask everywhere. Years later, Summer Fridays has a full line of must-have skincare staples. And while some brands capture the internet in a bright but brief flame that eventually burns out, it’s clear that Summer Fridays has staying power. Co-Founder Lauren Ireland is the proof.

Lauren got her start as a blogger just as the influencer industry started taking off. With her best friend Marianna Hewitt, Lauren founded Summer Fridays soon after. The keys to her success? Leaning into her skills, her passions, and her willingness to embrace the journey.

Lauren’s morning routine is a fitting example of her proclivity to cherish every moment. She practices rituals centered around reflection and the intention to start her day with purpose. It’s a well-crafted blend of stillness and movement—time to stretch, let her mind wander, and move her body before connecting with her kids. This balance is at the core of her business practices and her daily routines.

From sharing moments of her life on social media to leading team meetings, Lauren’s days often shift between different priorities. But how she spends her morning is proof of the power of purpose. By carving out time alone, Lauren creates space for everyday magic.

Lauren’s focus is balanced out by her willingness to embrace change, making for a brand that still captures and encapsulates the cultural zeitgeist. These qualities inspire an aspirational morning routine that can teach us all a little about how to manage priorities even through major changes.

Read on for a peek into how Lauren spends her mindful mornings, and prepare to soak up all the wisdom.

Before launching Summer Fridays, you were an anchor on TV. what Inspired your career pivot?

The transition happened quite naturally. It felt like less of a pivot and more of a natural progression as my opportunities shifted.

I started a lifestyle blog (in the early days of blogging!) while I was working as a news anchor. I fell in love with the idea of sharing my own content and ideas, and the industry around becoming an influencer was growing.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to grow their social media presence?

It’s easier to grow a community if your message is clear—I think that’s more true now than it ever has been. And there is always room for more content creators! Even years ago, back when I started, people said it was “too crowded.” Can you imagine if I listened?

You co-founded Summer Fridays with your best friend, Marianna Hewitt. What are some tips for working with friends?

Marianna and I worked on the brand for nearly two years before launching. We combined our individual passions and experiences as influencers in both wellness and beauty to launch the brand. Marianna and I work really well together because we are so aligned on our goals for the brand.

As for tips, there are two key ones: 1) Have a very clear vision for the brand, both short-term and long-term, and 2) Put ego aside.

Neither of us has an ego when it comes to making decisions. Oftentimes, founders—particularly co-founders—can get in the way of their own success because they allow ego to manage their decision-making. But when you’re able to put the brand first, decisions become clearer and easier to make. It’s a remarkable shift, and I recommend it to everyone in all aspects of life—not just business.

What has been Your biggest lesson in Building a business?

So much happens beyond what’s possible to show online. I’m grateful for an incredible team who helps make a lot of the magic happen. The biggest lesson in all of the setbacks is just that—there will be a lot of them!

A good business isn’t defined by its setbacks, but by how you manage those disappointments.

Our mindset is, ”never a crisis, always a solution.” When you approach everything in that way, nothing feels too big to handle. The losses can feel heavier than the wins, so you have to remember to celebrate every victory, even the small ones.

What advice would you share with your younger self?

Appreciate the early days. Yes, they come with stress, pressure, and a lot of questioning—but that’s the magic. Don’t wish away the journey because the journey is why you’re doing it.

Stay focused on building your vision, and don’t fear change. Change, when welcomed, will catapult your business in ways you couldn’t have imagined.

Lauren Ireland Shares Her Morning Routine

What time is your wake-up call?

I wake-up at 6:15, stretch, drink water, and set my intentions for the day. At 6:30, I work out. I swap between running, pilates app workouts, and my own toning circuits. Typically I have about 30-45 minutes for my daily workouts before I need to be present for my kids in the morning.

Work looks different every day. I aim to have specific days focused on my varying work obligations. I am very deadline-focused—which stems from my days as a journalist—so I typically work right up against a due date. It’s just my nature!

I usually have a work event 2-3 nights a week, and if not, then I take an evening shower, put on a show, catch up with Jake, and wrap up the workday.

What routines set you up for success?

I love a routine, so I’m disciplined in how I care for my mind and body daily. When I wake up, I stretch for 5-10 minutes and mentally set intentions for how I want to feel that day and what I want to accomplish. I aim to move my body before the kids wake up.

Morning movement is by far the biggest factor in the entire output of my day. I am more productive, more positive, more patient, and arguably more open when things don’t go as planned.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish.

I use all of our own Summer Fridays products now, which is so rewarding!

Cleanse: Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser

u003cpu003eCreate a clean canvas for whatever comes next in your skincare routine. Gentle, but effective, this pH-balanced formula delivers a deep cleanse for all skin types.u003c/pu003e

Brighten: Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum

u003cpu003eWhen it comes to serums, Vitamin C and Niacinamide are skin-brightening faves. Expect an improved texture and reduced hyperpigmentation—your skin will love this dream duo of ingredients.u003c/pu003e

Hydrate: Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Hydration Serum

u003cpu003eParadoxical, but true: This serum delivers deep hydration while boasting a light formula that oily, acne-prone, and even dry skin will soak up.u003c/pu003e

Moisturize: Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream

u003cpu003eThirsty, dry skin loves a lightweight moisturizer that doubles up on hydration and hyaluronic acid.u003c/pu003e

Protect: Summer Fridays Shadedrops Broad Spectrum SPF30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

u003cpu003eu0022I always apply SPF, if even working from home.u0022 u003cemu003e— Lauren Irelandu003c/emu003eu003c/pu003e

Lauren Ireland’s Makeup Routine

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil

u003cpu003eThis dual-ended pencil/brush combo is perfect for filling and blending. The answer to your quest for strong and bold brows.u003c/pu003e

Rose Inc Brow Renew Shaping Gel

u003cpu003eRumor has it that 90s, pencil-thin brows might be on their way back. But we’re keeping the bold eyebrows trend alive for as long as possible—and this gel will help them hold their shape.u003c/pu003e

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

u003cpu003eIlia is a go-to for hard-working, minimalist makeup. You can rely on this clean mascara to hold your lashes’ curl.u003c/pu003e

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color

u003cpu003eTired of creasing only an hour after application? This creamy shadow swipes on smooth for an eye-brightening touch of glimmer.u003c/pu003e

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

u003cpu003eRadiant is right. Get ready to be blown away by the before and after. Dark circles, dark spots, and a clean finish—this is the concealer your makeup bag needs.u003c/pu003e

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

u003cpu003eA liquid, oil-free formula is key for radiant coverage that lets your natural features shine.u003c/pu003e

NudeStix Nudies Cream Blush

u003cpu003eThis blush is a triple-threat, seamlessly adding long-lasting color to eyes, cheeks, and lips.u003c/pu003e

Glossier Solar Paint Bronzer

u003cpu003eThis hardworking Glossier bronzer delivers u0022instant summer skin.u0022 Translation? A glowy and perfectly sun-kissed complexion.u003c/pu003e

Tower 28 SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlighter Balm

u003cpu003eIf you’ve ever worried about your highlighter making you look like a disco ball, fear not: this clean balm offers a luminous finish minus the glitter.u003c/pu003e

Summer Fridays Vanilla Beige Lip Butter Balm

u003cpu003eA lip mask that nourishes, hydrates, and provides plenty of shine. Softer lips are a swipe away.u003c/pu003e

What do you eat for breakfast?

I typically have coffee and a smoothie in the morning. For the smoothie, I blend together:

Almond milk
Avocado
Almond butter
Berries
Vanilla protein powder

What are your morning media rituals?

I’m intentional about not taking in a lot of media early in my day. I’ll check my email by 8 for anything that may be urgent, but I aim to not open Instagram until after 9, allowing my brain to remain as clear as possible until I start my work day. This allows me to remain in a clearer headspace and ready to tackle the day. An exception is on days when I’m intentionally sharing part of my morning routine with my community (i.e., my workouts, smoothie recipe, etc.).

What are your favorite books?

I just read Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. There are some helpful hacks in trying to determine what to say yes or no to, which is a constant battle for me. I want to be everywhere, but the reality is, I can’t be!

I need to be very present for both my business and my family, which requires an increasing amount of discipline. I have less of an issue saying no now if it takes away from my priorities. Those priorities include things for myself, like my workouts, nighttime routine, and sleep.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

What do you always have on your nightstand for a smooth, successful morning?

Water and Summer Fridays’ Vanilla Beige Lip Butter Balm.

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

I honestly would use it for more alone time—doing nothing but drinking coffee in the morning and writing out my to-do list and intentions for the day.

What do you do every day to live a more joyful life?

Stretch, move my body, and reflect on how I want to approach the day by setting intentions.

For instance, while I work out, I go through how I want to feel so I can best handle what the day may bring. ”I want to feel patient, I want to find joy in small moments, I want to feel proud of my work, I want to make others feel accomplished, I want to feel flexible when I get news I was not expecting…” the list goes on.

If you could pin your success down to one thing or one moment, what would that be?

Impossible! Success is always because of a series of decisions. We each experience wins and losses every day. It’s how we handle both the highs and the lows that really determine our journey.

We are given the opportunity to make choices every day, and each of those choices ultimately determines our path.

Success looks different for all of us. For me, success is feeling at home in my body, my relationships, and my career. I want to feel loved yet challenged, comfortable yet pushed, and infinitely open to self-evolution.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: our Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: spend more time alone.

Healthiest morning habit: moving my body.

Worst morning habit: always rushing through my get-ready routine.

One thing I want to be known for is: how I make people feel.

The one thing I fear the most is: not being present.

When I feel that fear, I: breathe in the moment so I can feel it.

The top traits you need to succeed in life are: kindness, flexibility, and a forever willingness to try.

Bath or shower? Shower! I love the Necessaire Body Exfoliator.

The post “Celebrate Every Victory”—Lauren Ireland, Co-Founder of Summer Fridays, Shares Advice in Business and Beauty appeared first on Camille Styles.

How Jenna Kutcher Ditched the Hustle—And Found Joy Instead

Camille Styles — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

I once heard Jenna Kutcher share on her podcast the idea of creating a “Dream 100” list—the 100 people you’d most love to connect or work with, if you were to dream really big. After the episode, I promptly started working on my own list, and Jenna herself was included in the first five names I wrote down. So in a way, today’s Wake Up Call feels like a full circle manifestation moment at its finest.

If you’re not yet acquainted with Jenna Kutcher, I’d love to introduce you to one of your new favorite people on the Internet. Jenna is a former corporate, slacks-wearing 9-5-er turned photographer turned entrepreneur, and she’s built a business on helping others turn their ideas into reality and thrive in all aspects of life. I love listening to Jenna’s podcast when I’m feeling burned out or simply stuck in a particular area of business. She has this way of not only sharing brilliant ideas to help you move forward, but making it fun and simple—in other words, bringing the joy back to running your business.

Over the last couple years, Jenna has shared her own journey of recalibrating her practices and priorities as she navigates motherhood. Her personal evolution is so relatable, it gives others permission to define success on their own terms, whatever that looks like in the changing seasons of life. Her newly-released book, How Are You Really, dives deeper into how we can all create a life that makes room for less hustling and more actual living. Yes, please. Today we’re headed to Jenna’s home in Northern Minnesota for a personal look at how she herself is thriving, starting with those little daily rituals that make a big difference. Read on for Jenna Kutcher’s morning routine.

How would you describe life as an entrepreneur?

Wild! A lot of twists, turns, pivots, and reinventing, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

To keep trusting my gut! It’s what has gotten me this far and it is what will carry me forward in the way only I can go. After four years of hitting the brake pedal in my career to focus on family, I am finally ready to hit the gas a bit, and I’ve been trying to embrace that part of me again without overthinking it too much.

Let’s get into your morning routine…

It’s hilarious because even a few months ago, my morning routine was literally sleeping until the last minute possible and waking up to my baby monitor (usually exhausted!) Now that we’re getting a touch more sleep around here, it still involves a lot of family, but it also includes yoga, red light therapy, meditation, and hot lemon water!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Typical isn’t really a word in my vocabulary, because I feel like no two days are the same as an entrepreneur—that’s partly why I love being a founder so much. In any given week, I’ll have a day of recording, whether it’s for my podcast or interviews, I’ll write for my own content or blog, I’ll wake my girls up and put them to sleep, and probably have a spontaneous dance party. I’ll look at my husband at 7:30 p.m. when the kids are sleeping and laugh, because we’re both so exhausted but we recognize that “these are the days!”

What time is your wake-up call, and how much sleep do you get?

These days, it’s been 6 a.m., and in the form of a 3-year-old obsessed with seeing if the sun is out (which is merely payback because my mom said I did the same thing as a child.) We aim to be in bed and asleep by 10 p.m. each night, so I usually clock 8 glorious hours—though I would say that 9 hours would be my sweet spot!

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Take a deep breath and recognize that it’s a gift to wake up. I’m dead serious! I awake to the fact – pun intended – that each day is a blessing!

What morning rituals set you up for success?

Before school let out, my husband dropped our daughter off at 8 a.m., and I planted myself in front of our Joovv red light and meditated using my Hyperice Core device (it’s helped me focus so much and for an achiever, getting results on each session is addicting!) Now that we’re all home for the summer, this ritual fits into my life whenever I can find space, but it’s a sacred part of my day.

I wish I could name a laundry list of things like light a candle and put music on, but as I type this, I’m sitting next to my 3-year-old on a bed while she sorts her “treasures” with a blanket snuggled between us as I try to focus.

I don’t believe in balance, I aim for blend. And while it absolutely adds chaos to my days, I also love that I get to do both things I love.

On days that I need to do focused work, I usually hide in a closet (I’m not kidding!) or sneak to a local office that an entrepreneur lets me use when I need it.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish.

Most mornings, I just splash my face with water to cleanse from night time, then I use Primally Pure Everything Spray and if I’m not wearing make up right away, I’ll put a few drops of Clarifying Serum on my skin and do gua sha!

I recently found an incredible all-natural primer and foundation combo from Crunchi that I am OBSESSED with, so as someone who used to not wear make up unless I had to, I now wear this daily. Then a little Crunchi bronzer, some DIME beauty brow gel, Ilia Mascara, and Lipstick. I need a 5-minute makeup routine, so this is it for me!

What do you eat for breakfast?

I’ve been digging smoothies lately since I’m not prone to be super hungry, but especially on busy workdays, I need to make sure I’m fueling my body well. My daughter also loves smoothies and helping me make them! I usually go for the Daily Harvest Cold Brew and Cacao smoothie and then add Be Well By Kelly Chocolate Protein, Kale, 1 Tbs of Chia Seeds, 2 Tbs of Flax Seeds, and this Silk Almond and Cashew milk that has extra protein in it. These actually keep me full and they are delicious!

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Cheese in many forms! My husband is from Wisconsin and we love our cheese. Parmesan, queso, cheddar, string cheese, melting cheese—you name it, we’ve got it!

What are your favorite books?

I am what they call a voracious reader—I love packing my reading list with a variety of genres just to keep my brain on its toes! A few recent favorites would definitely be Atomic Habits by James Clear, Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.

What’s always on your nightstand?

A Canopy humidifier and water—hydration in all the forms, right next to my bed along with my Kindle.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Trevor Hall anything. He’s incredible, relaxing, and I just love his music (listening to him as I type!)

Do you work out in the morning?

Lately I made it a rule in our house that if we’re up before 7 a.m., we need to be moving. I generally do a Peloton yoga class (shout out to Chelsea Jackson Roberts!) I’m finding in this postpartum season, gentle movement and breathing has been life-giving. We have a mat for Coco and I’ll unroll it next to mine and invite her to join me!

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic, neutral, and comfortable – comfort is key.

What’s your daily uniform?

It’s wild, I haven’t worn shorts in over a decade due to insecurities about my legs, and now I am obsessed with shorts and could care less about cellulite or leg hair. These bike shorts have been on repeat for me with any sort of boyfriend tee. I also am a queen of mom jeans and a white linen top – I actually share a story about this outfit in my book and how it was a part of an important vision I had for my life years ago! I’m classic, through and through!

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

Honestly? Probably on focused work! I have ADHD as it is, and the chaos of working with kids sometimes leaves my brain feeling like it’s going in a million different directions. Just having an extra hour to focus on work would be how I’d leverage that time in this season. That or more sleep!

What are Some Things you do every day to live a more joyful life?

Practice gratitude with my family at dinner every night, tell my daughter 3 things I’m proud of her for, and do a short devotional with my husband before bed.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would It be?

Following my gut and intuition, letting go of things that no longer serve me, and being willing and excited to grow, evolve, and change.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: my phone.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: read more.

Healthiest morning habit: green juice.

Worst morning habit: scrolling on my phone.

One thing I want to be known for is: that I always showed up wholly as me.

The one thing I fear the most: losing the people I love.

When I feel that fear, I: wake up to the fact that I get to love them well.

The book I always recommend: mine. How Are You, Really?

One trait you need to succeed in life is: belief in yourself and your unique gifts.

Bath or shower? Shower with the kids, and I love my PMD Clean body brush!

The post How Jenna Kutcher Ditched the Hustle—And Found Joy Instead appeared first on Camille Styles.

Miranda Kerr Isn’t a “Morning Person” But Here’s Why She Wakes Up at 5 AM Every Day

Sacha Strebe — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Up next, model, mother, entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of Kora Organics, Miranda Kerr’s morning routine.

Okay, yes, there’s no denying her natural beauty—after all, she built a career on her looks—but aesthetics aside, it’s actually Miranda Kerr’s lit-from-within glow that attracts people to her—myself included. From the few times I’ve been lucky enough to interview Kerr throughout my media career, I can vouch for her magnetic energy. In fact, I’m convinced she exists at a higher vibration. People gravitate towards her light and she happily shares it with the world which is how she came to create her own skincare line, KORA.

The clean crusader launched her brand back in 2009 (way before clean beauty was even a buzzword) to raise awareness, educate, and democratize certified organic skincare. But it’s not just about being clean and certified organic, it’s also about creating efficacious products that deliver results (and she has the case studies and consumer reviews to prove it). It’s safe to say she’s done just that. Today, KORA is sold in 25 countries and available at Sephora stores nationwide—but Kerr is just getting started.

So, we had to know, how does the founder and CEO of a global beauty brand start her day? Read on to learn about Miranda Kerr’s morning routine and why her wake-up call is at 5 am every day.

On her wake-up call…

Between 5 and 5:30 am on weekdays and 6 am on the weekends. I average about seven hours of sleep a night, although I wish for eight hours.

On her morning routine…

The last couple of weeks I’ve switched up my routine and now start my day with a Tracy Anderson workout six days a week. If I’m lucky, I get to have a shower and do my morning skincare routine also, (depending on when the kids wake up). I’ve found this is a great way to start my day and get the endorphins flowing.

To be honest, I’m not naturally a morning person but I’ve had to learn to embrace it with three kids.

When the kids wake up generally around 7 am, I get them dressed and we all eat breakfast together. Once the kids are settled, I start work for the day. I love working from home as I get to be around for my children, but I try to make sure I wrap things up by 5 pm so I can be fully present to do their winddown routine: bath, dinner, and reading together.

On the first thing she does when she wakes up…

The first thing I do when I wake up is kiss my husband.

On what she always has on her nightstand…

Water, Noni Glow Sleeping Mask, and a rose quartz crystal.

On what she eats for breakfast…

I love smoothies. Right now my favorite is the Medical Medium Heavy Metal Detox smoothie and I add my Noni Glow Skinfood Supplement to it.

On her pre-work routine…

Currently, I love starting my day with the Tracy Anderson workout. When I’m done, if I have time, I dry-body brush and get into the shower. After that, I do my morning skincare routine. Then I drink my 32 ounces of celery juice. If I have time I meditate before the kids wake up.

On her morning beauty routine from start to finish…

Right now my morning routine consists of using our Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil, followed by the Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating 2-in-1 Mask, then the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum which contains Kakadu Plum (the highest source of naturally occurring vitamin C)—this product has been a lifesaver for brightening my pigmentation! Then I use our new Turmeric Glow Moisturizer all over my face, neck, and décolletage—it really keeps my skin glowing all day. I then apply the Noni Radiant Eye Oil and Noni Glow Face Oil as needed for a little boost of nourishment—it’s great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, and even oily skin. Sometimes when I feel a bit puffy I will give myself a gua sha massage with my Rose Quartz Heart Facial Sculptor. It helps stimulate circulation, reduce puffiness and naturally lift and sculpt my face. I also dry-body brush right before I shower.

On how her morning routine has changed during quarantine…

To be honest it hasn’t really. Becoming a mother is what dramatically changed my morning routine as I had to learn to get things done while they were sleeping.

On her morning media rituals…

Snapchat Discover Channel.

On her favorite books…

Medical Medium Cleanse to Heal by Anthony William and Power Vs Force by David R. Hawkins, M.D. Ph.D.

On her getting-ready soundtrack…

A compilation that includes hip hop, country, and a little pop.

On her favorite morning work out…

I’ve been doing the Tracy Anderson Method every morning for an hour six days a week in 90 degrees temperature and high humidity, so I’ve been sweating it out and loving it.

On her daily uniform…

My daily uniform is currently jeans and a cute top! I’m not getting as dressed up or wearing heels as much, but I still do sometimes.

On how she would use an one extra hour every morning…

Sleep!

On the two things she does every day to live a more present/mindful/joyful life…

TM Meditation and Wim Hof breathing techniques.

On the one moment that defined her success…

I wouldn’t say one moment but a combination of moments: shooting with Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue, along with becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel and my first Balenciaga show.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without… sunglasses.

If there were more hours in the day, I would… sleep

Healthiest morning habit… celery juice

Worst morning habit… checking my emails while still in bed

One thing I want to be known for is… kindness

The one thing I fear the most is… sharks

When I feel that fear, I… take a deep breath and think about how supposedly more people die annually from falling coconuts than from shark attacks.

The book I always recommend is… David Hawkins Power vs Force.

The 3 traits you need to succeed in life are… determination, kindness, and resilience.

Bath or shower? And what’s your favorite shower/bath product? KORA Organics Body Wash and goop Martini Bath Soak.

The post Miranda Kerr Isn’t a “Morning Person” But Here’s Why She Wakes Up at 5 AM Every Day appeared first on Camille Styles.

“Moving My Body Sets My Day Up For Success”–The Sculpt Society’s Founder Shares Her Energizing AM Routine

Camille Styles — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Around the time I entered my thirties, I started working out more consistently. Despite years of wanting to establish a more consistent exercise routine, it never really stuck–until my entire motivation for working out changed. Now with each passing year, my reason for daily movement is less about how it makes me look, and more about how it makes me feel. And it turns out that increased energy and better mood is a lot more motivating than a certain jean size ever was.

It’s exactly this energy-creating, endorphin-producing high on life vibe that Megan Roup was after when she created her now-famous sculpt and dance-based fitness platform, The Sculpt Society. I first heard about TSS when a few of my friends became obsessed with the classes’ mix of cardio and sculpting during lockdown–“It’s so fun!” was the overarching takeaway. The app really took off during the pandemic, when we all searched for a way to mix up our movement and keep feeling good from the four walls of home. As she says:

“My vision is to empower women through movement. I wanted to create a class that’s fun, effective, and simplifies dance cardio so that everyone can come in and feel successful and strong, even without any dance experience.”

For Megan, it’s been a big couple of years personally, too: she moved cross-country from New York to Los Angeles, gotten pregnant, had a baby (Harlow, age ), and officially started working with her husband, now COO of The Sculpt Society. And although Megan’s naturally high energy, she’s also honest about the challenges that come with navigating so many changes at once–a feeling I think we can all relate to. I loved interviewing this powerhouse about the daily rituals that keep her feeling grounded in the midst of transition, so read on for Megan Roup’s morning routine and how she stays inspired.

On navigating change

What’s been your biggest learning over the past year?

There’s been so much change, so I’m learning to build a strong support team that will enable me to focus on what I’m best at. I work really hard and tend to take on a lot, and it’s been important for me to realize that I need to rely on more support from others.

What’s something you do that helps you stay present in the midst of change?

I really look at my schedule and make sure that I’m baking in downtime. It allows me to slow down, go outside, and be more mindful. The days can be so packed and it’s easy to look up from my computer and realize the day has gone by in a blur. It’s really about time blocking and fine tuning my schedule to make the most of it.

Let’s get into Megan Roup’s morning routine…

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is so different, but I always try to wake up around 6:30am with (her baby) Harlow. Depending on the day, I may be shooting a live on the Sculpt Society app, and then I’m usually jumping on a zoom call with my team to go over projects for the week. I’m also allocating time to create content for my social community through Tiktok and Instagram. I might be training a private client, working on partnership content. And I’m always working behind the scenes to create content for the week on the Sculpt Society, putting together playlists, and always listening to our community.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Go have my coffee and lemon water, 5 minute journal, moment of gratitude, and (if I have time) a short meditation. Then, it’s time to get Harlow up.

My next step is movement – that’s huge for me in the morning, whether I’m teaching or doing a video for myself. Moving my body sets my day up for success.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

It’s a lot shorter now as a mom. But in an ideal world… I’ll do 5 minutes of dry brushing. Then I’ll put on a serum, moisturizer, face oil, SPF, and primer. My hair usually goes up in a ponytail for a workout.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $195

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $36

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

Classic, simple, and feminine.

What do you eat for breakfast?

I’m a believer in intuitive eating – I wake up and ask myself if I’m hungry or not. If I am, I’ll have an apple with almond butter, Ezekiel toast with avocado and scrambled eggs, or a fruit smoothie.

Megan Roup’s Protein Smoothie Recipe

Nut milk
Handful of spinach
Frozen blueberries
Frozen banana
Nut butter
Protein powder
Handful of ice

Blend it all up and drink!

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Eggs, coffee, almond milk, avocado, ezekial bread. Lately I’ve been really into Cottage Cheese and blueberries.

What are your favorite books?

One of the most impactful books on my life is Women, Food, and God. It set me on a path to healing the relationships with myself and was my first taste of intuitive eating.

What’s always on your nightstand?

CBD, rose quartz crystal, my journal, and the book I’m reading.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

I love listening to the How I Built This podcast…or 90’s hip hop

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

I have a lot of tenacity. I’ve been told “no” so many times in my professional fitness career, and I’ve continued to believe in myself, never giving up, being my own cheerleader, knowing my vision and my why.

It hasn’t been an easy path to get to where I am. If people only knew how many times I’ve been told no, they would realize that it hasn’t been an overnight success.

Fill in the blank:

I never leave the house without: putting on my SPF and grabbing my Summer Fridays lip balm.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: go for more walks outside.

Healthiest morning habit: moving my body with The Sculpt Society.

Worst morning habit: screen time, usually the first ting i do in the morning which is such a bad thing

One thing I want to be known for is: continuing the mission to help women feel confident and strong in their own bodies

The one thing I fear the most: finding a balance between family and work life–still wanting to achieve things but making sure i’m present for Harlow.

The book I always recommend: Women Food and God

One trait you need to succeed in life is: Tenacity

Bath or shower? I love a super hot shower with Milk & Honey scrub and Naturium body wash

Milk + Honey Body Polish

Milk + Honey Body Polish, $34

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash, $16

The post “Moving My Body Sets My Day Up For Success”–The Sculpt Society’s Founder Shares Her Energizing AM Routine appeared first on Camille Styles.

Sanetra Nere Longno Shares the Morning Rituals That Spark Creativity

Langa Chinyoka — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Some people prefer a life in front of the camera—allowing a composition to represent how they move through the world. Others thrive behind the scenes, letting their thoughts and perspective take shape through their medium of choice. Sanetra Nere Longno is the rare sort of person who enjoys and excels at both.

A natural, gifted storyteller, her work creates and establishes visual connections between inspiring people, culture-shifting brands, and humanitarian causes. Drawing from her own passions and experiences, Sanetra’s photography and videography both tell compelling stories of who we are and the contexts that color our unique experiences. From documentaries to love stories—and every narrative in between.

“I prefer to work with like-minded folx who desire to make a difference with their experiences and uplift one another.”

Much like her approach to life, Sanetra’s art is both playful and considered. As they say, how you do something is how you do everything—and Sanetra does life and art with intention. Photography and video are her vehicles for capturing beautiful moments, and her morning routine follows suit. As Sanetra says perfectly herself, “Video producing allows me to use the other side of my brain and tell stories in another form of stimulation.”

The versatility she weaves throughout her work creates space for flexibility in her life. Her art inspires her imagination. She occasionally includes YouTube marathons in her slow and patient morning routine. And if she had more time in the day, she would spend it gardening. Balancing intuition, creativity, and the comfort of routine can be a difficult feat. But it’s a journey Sanetra inspires us to pursue with grace.

Sanetra Longno Shares Her Morning Routine

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I start by waking up with a glass bottle of water on my bedside ready to drink… or I pick up my phone.

When do you typically wake up?

I’ve been doing better at getting at least eight hours of sleep, but normally I get about seven. Usually, my body wakes up around 6:30 or 7:30 a.m., or our cats Jasper and Luna do the job asking for food. This leads to my next task: feeding our three cats Jasper, JiJi, and Luna.

What morning rituals set your day up for success?

Once I’m done feeding the rascals, I prepare the living room space with incense and open curtains for Yoga With Adriene.

Do you have a breakfast routine?

Before breakfast, I put away clean dishes from the dishwasher and wash dirty ones if there are any left behind from the night before. Having a clean home in the morning keeps me at ease.

Then comes my favorite part: food! I’m not really a coffee drinker because caffeine gives me anxiety, so tea is more my thing. I start our Fellow to make hot water and begin planning breakfast while playing my favorite YouTube channels in the background.

What is your morning beauty routine?

I follow my shower (featuring morning jazz) with a facial and hair routine. Shanutavia from eleMINT Skin saved me by designing a routine that fits my skin type best.

Botnia Daily Face Cream Light

Some face creams sit heavy on the face. This Daily Face Cream is the opposite: While it still delivers a healthy dose of moisture and protection post-cleanse, it feels light and airy thanks to its foundation of lightweight jojoba and squalane oils.

Botnia Toner

A tried-and-true toner is a must in any minimalist, but hard-working skincare routine. For those moments throughout the day when you need a little boost of hydration, this toner is a simple, nourishing solution. Glycolic acid provides gentle exfoliation while hyaluronic acid offers the moisture we all crave.

Symbiome The One Restorative Cream

Simple, streamlined, but effective, The One performs exactly as it sounds—as an all-in-one, effective anti-aging cream that restores and replenishes the skin’s barrier for a glowy complexion.

Native Cucumber and Mint Deodorant

When you meet a deodorant that’s both effective and features a naturally-derived formula, hold on tight. This crisp and clean-smelling deodorant checks all the boxes in terms of what a sustainable, daily product should deliver.

CLE Cosmetics Serumide

Founder Lauren Jin started her career in fashion, but having long appreciated the ritualistic, routine-based nature of beauty, she switched gears. The result of her change in focus is a beautiful, womxn-centric brand. This soothing serum combines antioxidants and amino acids for moisturized, healthy skin. Rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils make incorporating it into your skincare practice all the more pleasurable.

How would you describe your personal style?

I pick my outfit (or outfits!) for the day based on my schedule. My style is whatever I’m feeling that day. Mostly comfortable, chic, sustainable, and sometimes sassy.

What’s your go-to getting-ready soundtrack?

I enjoy sounds of relaxation, so a lot of my morning visuals involve ASMR and homestead living to encourage a clean home mentality and future lifestyle goals.

Sanetra Longno Reflects on Her Work

how does storytelling factor into your visual work?

Every time I get asked this question I chuckle, because I wear many hats. But the two roles that fill me the most are photographer and video producer. Photography gives me the opportunity to intimately get to know someone and showcase their raw and natural side to the world. Helping people love themselves by capturing those sweet moments gives me so much joy, especially when they’re shocked by what we create together.

Photographing Mother Earth’s moments to relive again also fulfills me, because we can never get that second back in real-time. We can, however, relive memories with our imagination. I love how the power of an image or video can evoke positive emotions.

What has been your biggest evolution over the past year?

Being more aware of my body than ever before and learning the power of breathing to regulate my mind, body, and soul.

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

One word: gardening.

The post Sanetra Nere Longno Shares the Morning Rituals That Spark Creativity appeared first on Camille Styles.

“Learn to Listen”—A Serial Entrepreneur Shares the Secrets to Her Success

Langa Chinyoka — Sun, 29 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Being an entrepreneur is in Divya Gugnani’s DNA. She came to the industry from an unconventional path, pivoting from investment banking and private equity to the aesthetics-driven world of beauty. While it’s a transition that’s uncommon on most resumes, her title, the “accidental entrepreneur,” is only a small part of her story.

Now the founder of the clean beauty brand, Wander Beauty, Divya’s trajectory serves as a powerful reminder that at every step in our journey, we’re exactly where we need to be. As is true for many passionate, successful founders, Divya’s current venture was inspired by the challenges she was facing in her own life. She set out to create a solution for busy people seeking out clean beauty essentials. And Wander Beauty sits squarely at the intersection of these two pursuits.

“Our goal was to help streamline the modern woman’s routine so she can spend less time getting ready and more time doing what she loves.”

As is conveyed in the intention behind each of her products, Divya’s lifestyle prioritizes this pairing of efficiency and finding joy in her every day. She limits her social media minutes, works out between meetings, and keeps tech out of her bedroom. With this structure set, she has more time for her children, more space for spontaneous creativity, and the bandwidth to feed a food-shopping obsession. Did I mention she swims at night?

Just as Divya knows how to build a company, she knows how to build a life. In both, she’s guided by her intuition and she’s not afraid to do things differently. This makes for a routine that offers both focus and flexibility. Dive into the inspiration below.

On Building an Unconventional Career

You left a successful career in investment banking and private equity to launch your business. What inspired you to take the leap?

I left my career in finance to become an entrepreneur and successfully started four different businesses. Prior to starting Wander Beauty, I worked at QVC after I sold my previous company to them. But while there, I found that I missed entrepreneurship. Ultimately, I saw a problem in my own beauty routine and decided to launch a business to solve that problem.

What was the impetus behind launching Wander Beauty, and what was the goal?

I was a working mom and had two kids in two years. I was more time-starved than ever, doing my makeup on the subway, my skincare at the gym, and my hair at my work desk. I realized that my products and routines were not made for beauty in motion: There were too many products, an arsenal of “must-have” tools, and products housed in packaging that was too heavy, bulky, and fragile to take beyond my vanity. I needed high-performance products that saved me time in my day and space in my beauty bag.

In 2015, Lindsay Ellingson and I launched Wander Beauty to create clean, effortless essentials you reach for every day. Our goal was to help streamline the modern woman’s routine so she can spend less time getting ready and more time doing what she loves.

The Lessons She’s Learned Along the Way

What values have driven the direction of Wander Beauty?

I believe in innovating, not imitating. When we first set out to launch mascara, everyone discouraged us because it was already a very crowded space. But we knew that we had something special with our mascara so we trusted our gut and went forward with the launch.

We innovated in the formula, delivery system, packaging, and the wand. Both our Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara and Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara are now multi-award winners.

Wander Beauty Length and Define Mascara

Length and Define Mascara, $26

Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara

Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume and Curl Mascara, $26

Pursuing Passion, Finding Success

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

I always trust my gut and always follow my intuition.

What’s your favorite piece of career advice?

Learn to listen. Active listening is a vital skill for any leader. It builds and strengthens relationships between customers and brands, and between managers and employees.

Divya Gugnani Shares Her Morning Routine

What does a typical morning look like for you?

I start my day with ginger water and transcendental meditation to calm my mind and body and give me the strength I need to focus for the day. Then I empty my inbox and do some stretching before I drop the kids off at school. I often stop by the grocery store on the way home because I’m obsessed with food shopping and always trying new and interesting recipes. Then when I get home I start my workday.

What do you eat for breakfast?

I love to make this homemade yogurt with granola and fruit.

Take us through your beauty routine.

I don’t wash my face in the morning. I start by just splashing my face with warm water and then spritz my face with Mist Connection Essence and Toner. I finish my skincare routine with Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate and sunscreen.

Wander Beauty Mist Connection Essence and Toner

Missed Connection is a bi-phase formula that combines essence and toner to balance and moisturize skin in a single step.

Mist Connection Essence and Toner, $40

Wander Beauty Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate

When protection pairs with a skin-brightening formula, you know good things are in store. Plus, it absorbs into the skin quickly, so you’re not left with a sticky residue.

Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate, $42

For makeup, I start with Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer and then add some color to my lips and cheeks with Double Date Lip and Cheek. Lastly, I swipe on a few coats of Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara. These products keep me ready for the day.

Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer

If your weekday mornings are more hectic than calm, this is the double-duty concealer to add to your routine. With a crease-proof formula, you’re guaranteed all-day coverage minus the dreaded cakey appearance.

Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer, $30

Double Date Lip and Cheek

With a lightweight feel and statement-making formula, the resulting impact of this hardworking duo is a look that’s sleek, sheer, and totally effortless.

Double Date Lip and Cheek, $24

Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara

While you might think that most mascaras are one in the same, this take, as is alluded to in the name, is a complete game-changer in the lash-boosting game. While the bumped-up volume is immediately apparent, this mascara plays the long game, ensuring healthier lashes with every use.

Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara, $26

Getting Dressed With Divya Gugnani

What’s your daily uniform?

I wear workout clothes or loungewear every day. I love Giapenta, ThirdLove, Athleta, and Heroine Sport. My daily uniform has totally changed since quarantine because I don’t have to go into the office since I’m working remotely from Miami.

What’s on your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

“Tusa” by KAROL G and Nicki Minaj, and “Dákiti” by Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez.

What about your favorite books?

The Ride of A Lifetime by Robert Iger
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
The Right (and Wrong) Stuff by Carter Cast

Rituals and Products for a Smooth, Successful Morning

What do you always keep on your nightstand?

I like to keep my nightstand clear so I don’t have any distractions. I keep a pen and paper in my drawer for any late-night ideas because I don’t like to touch my phone at night. My bedroom is a haven for me. I don’t do any work there and I don’t have a TV or any electronics in the room. I do, however, keep my phone since I use it for my alarm, but it’s on Do Not Disturb mode.

What are your morning media rituals?

I like to focus on my work first thing in the morning, so I hold off on checking my Instagram, the news, and other media until later on in the day. I really enjoy reading The New York Times every single day.

Do you work out in the morning?

I try to fit in a mid-morning or lunchtime workout if I have a break between meetings. I alternate between weights circuits and cardio (elliptical, treadmill, biking, or spinning). My favorite exercise is swimming and I usually swim in the evenings after work. It’s a relaxing way to end the day while getting a good workout in.

What do you do to stay present and grounded?

I thank God once a day, every day for everything that I have: health, a roof over my head, hot food to feed my kids, and that I’m still able to spend time with both of my parents. I think that the best thing I can do is express gratitude every day and there’s not one day that goes by without me thanking God.

Sentence Finishers

I never leave the house without: my Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer. You never know who you’re going to see.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: exercise every day.

Healthiest morning habit: morning meditation.

Worst morning habit: checking Instagram.

One thing I want to be known for is: helping others.

The biggest sacrifice I’ve made for my career is: missing special moments in my children’s lives.

The one thing I fear the most is: being irrelevant.

When I feel that fear, I: read everything and stay current with what’s going on in the world around me.

The book I always recommend is: The Ride of a Lifetime.

The top traits you need to succeed in life are: hard work, confidence, and intellectual curiosity.

The post “Learn to Listen”—A Serial Entrepreneur Shares the Secrets to Her Success appeared first on Camille Styles.

For Catherine McCord, A Simple Morning Routine Is The Key To Unlocking Joy

Isabelle Eyman — Thu, 26 May 2022 12:34:00 +0000

Food has always been central to Catherine McCord’s life. And though she grew up learning to can and cook alongside her grandparents, the path to becoming a successful founder of not one, but two industry-disrupting ventures, was anything but straightforward. Catherine began her career as a model, a regular on the runway and magazine covers everywhere. But as is the case for many entrepreneurs, Catherine’s journey began with solving a problem. And as it turned, it was a challenge that she was far from facing alone.

As a parent, expanding your child’s taste buds is anything but easy. And when the question of adding healthy foods gets added to the mix, the task only multiples. A new mother, Catherine struggled with knowing what to feed her baby—and finding anything that was simple, tasty, and easy to prep proved impossible.

With a degree from the Institute of Culinary Education, Catherine sought a solution: cut to Weelcious, and later, One Potato being born. With a little (re: a lot) of culinary creativity, Catherine found success in bringing healthy, delicious meals to families everywhere. And when I say success, I mean the sort of Jennifer Garner-approved success that career dreams are made of.

In short, Catherine’s a healthy, family-friendly meal maven—and today, she’s giving us a peek into the rituals and routines that help her show up every day with presence, mindfulness, and a steady stream of inspiration to share. (Hint: Start your blenders. Catherine credits smoothies with her enviable, all-day energy.) Let’s dive in.

Take us back to the beginning: How did you start Weelicious?

I was raised in Louisville, Kentucky and my grandparents were incredibly invested in growing and picking most of their food. I was always helping them freeze, can, and pickle vegetables, so I had a lot of exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables from a young age. Once I started modeling and traveling the world, I became fascinated with how people ate in different countries—especially the time and pride put into cooking and eating meals with friends and family.

How Can Parents Encourage Children to Try New Foods?

If you have a picky eater, make sure not to refer to them in that way. You want them to feel good about themselves when they try new foods as opposed to putting them down for not. It can be challenging for some kids, but worth the investment of patience and time for the day they become more open-minded.

We are so inspired by One Potato! How do you differentiate yourself in such a saturated space?

I wanted families to have access to organic, semi-prepared meals that supported all dietary needs and styles of eating. My family has been enjoying One Potato every week since we launched a few years ago. As a busy, working parent, I couldn’t live without it.

Your superfood smoothies are so easy and delicious. What are your favorite recipes to help ensure kids get the nutrients they need?

There are so many depending on your taste preferences and nutritional needs! My Blue Majik, Bright Green, Golden Milk, Pregnancy, Immunity Booster, and Superfood Smoothie are a few family favorites. Pink Milk or Blueberry Chia are great options for kids who are new to smoothies.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up at 5:45 a.m., read the paper online, and then hike with my dog. I used to get up later but realized that if I get up to hike, I feel so much better mentally and physically. When I get home around 7:20 a.m. I make breakfast for the kids, finish packing lunches, and take them to school. Every day is totally different, but generally, a mix of meetings, shooting, and getting to create.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Drink water and read three online news outlets.

How has your morning routine changed during quarantine? why?

I was so busy building One Potato and spending time with my kids, that I had to put exercise to the side for five years. When the stay-at-home order first hit, my husband and I decided to start exercising. We’ve stayed true to that routine every day since. I try to hike 5-6 days a week and do pilates with a girlfriend twice a week.

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish.

I’m always changing my beauty products because I love trying new brands. I have very dry skin, so I love anything moisturizing.

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

I’m obsessed with OSEA body oil. It’s hydrating without being greasy at all.

What are your favorite bath or shower products?

I take a Dr Teal’s or Kneipp salt bath when I have time, but I shower most days. My daily shower generally includes Iles Formula or Monday shampoo and conditioner and Earth Tu Face Salt Scrub.

What do you always have on your nightstand to ensure a smooth, successful morning?

A tall glass of Calm.

What do you eat for breakfast?

Most mornings, I’ll have a smoothie for breakfast. I love adding berries because they have tons of fiber. Every smoothie I make for myself includes collagen peptides for hair, skin, and nails, hemp or chia seeds for fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Banana is also great for potassium, especially after a workout, and protein powder to keep me full—I love the taste!

What are your morning media rituals?

I try to stay away from social media first thing and focus on the news and listening to a podcast while I hike. I start with The Daily and move on to How I Built This, Second Life, or Pivot.

What are your favorite books?

I read a lot of parenting books, like No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain.

No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind

The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

“Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior has been my recent go-to. I have a happy, upbeat Spotify playlist that I play round the clock.

What’s your daily uniform?

In the morning, I’m always in Athleta leggings, vintage tee shirts, and Clare V sweatshirts (they’re so soft and chic). It’s a bit of a uniform for me. If I have meetings or filming, I love dressing in fun sweaters with Anine Bing jeans, Natalie Martin dresses, and monthly items from Rent the Runway to switch up my style. If I’m going out for meetings, I tend to wear suit jackets and slacks. After 18 months of staying home, I’ve been loving wearing heels, funky boots, and comfy flats like Rothy’s.

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

If I have any extra time, you can find me organizing. It’s my happy place.

What are one or two things you do every day to live a more present life?

Most nights, we eat dinner as a family. We all talk about our days, ask each other questions, and find time to really connect. Every night, I read 2-3 books with my youngest daughter and cuddle. My older kids and I watch movies or TV series together. Right now, my oldest daughter and I are watching all of the James Bond movies which she absolutely loves. If I’m connected with my kids, it fills my bucket.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would It be?

Hard work, passion, and determination have played a big part in everything I do.

Sentence Finishers With Catherine McCord

I never leave the house without: my phone.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: craft and knit more.

Healthiest morning habit: Hugging and kissing my husband and kids.

Worst morning habit: Having no time for spontaneity.

One thing I want to be known for is: inspiring families to cook and eat meals together.

The one thing I fear the most is: not accomplishing my dreams.

When I feel that fear, I realize: I already have accomplished most of them.

The book I always recommend: is The Fountainhead.

The three traits you need to succeed in life are: determination, resilience, and passion.

When I’m creatively blocked, I: turn on music and sing.

The best advice I’ve ever received is: never be scared to ask for help from any and everyone you know.

The biggest sacrifice I’ve made for my career is: not going to college. I made up for it by going to culinary school and realizing it was my true passion.

The post For Catherine McCord, A Simple Morning Routine Is The Key To Unlocking Joy appeared first on Camille Styles.

Babba Rivera’s Morning Routine Combines Rituals With Results

Langa Chinyoka — Wed, 11 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

We’re all familiar with the old adage encouraging us to choose what we love matched with the promise of never working a day in our lives. Well, the entrepreneurs among us know a thing or two about how misguided this saying actually is. For many of us, pursuing our passions means we’re working more. Bringing our dreams to fruition takes a lot of effort, plenty of grit, and many a sleepless night. But when the “why” behind the work is clear, it all feels worthwhile. Babba Rivera is no stranger to this fact.

The award-winning founder and CEO of the clean haircare brand, Ceremonia established her career as a decorated digital marketing expert. Already an industry icon and a member of the 2016 “30 Under 30” class to boot, she’s far from the Mad Men agency types. But that’s exactly her power.

Known mononymously as “Babba” (how badass is that?!) for her brand marketing label bybabba, she’s no stranger to shaking things up and embracing individuality. Her work has been featured and profiled in major magazines, podcasts, newspapers, and various other print and digital media.

Her newest venture? Ceremonia. Inspired by her Latinx heritage, Babba’s on a mission to pair feel-good haircare with products that empower everyone to embrace their natural hair and relish the simple joy of a daily beauty routine.

The line of silkening, softening, and sweet-smelling hair products is a gamechanger in the beauty world. In a saturated market, Ceremonia differentiates itself not only on the quality of its offerings, but its paired focus on ritual and results. Ceremonia combines the best of both Babbas: the innovative business leader and the creative spirit. And her daily routine? A manifestation of the very same balancing act.

“To be able to create while building a family has been one of the most empowering experiences in my life. I feel immensely grateful for being able to do it my way. ”

Like all her creative pursuits, there’s much to be learned from Babba’s carefully-crafted morning routine. Prioritizing family, work, and wellness isn’t easy for anyone, especially an entrepreneur. But keeping Babba grounded is a genuine love for creating, both in her work and personal life. Read on for an inspiring look inside Babba’s daily rituals and the routines that support this creative’s growth.

Learning to create a life as an entrepreneur

Tell us about your career and starting a business.

I love being an entrepreneur, although it isn’t necessarily how I envisioned it would be prior to becoming one. I thought being an entrepreneur meant more flexibility during the week—maybe more time to do a midday workout. But the reality is that I find myself busier than ever. There’s no real way to unplug. I don’t have the same ability to step out for vacations or maternity leave as one would as an employee. But on the flip side, I get to design my everyday life. That’s very empowering to me.

On navigating change

What has been your biggest lesson over the past year?

I’ve realized that I’m truly the happiest when I’m creating. Previously, I had this idea that work was something I enjoyed right now, but that maybe I would come to a point one day where I didn’t want to work anymore if given the chance.

But over the past year, I realized how big a role my work plays in my overall happiness. Even through pregnancy and the early days of motherhood, I found that my work was truly a gift for my own mental wellness. To be able to create while building a family has been one of the most empowering experiences in my life, and I feel immensely grateful for being able to do it my way.

Discover Babba River’s morning routine

What does a typical day look like for you?

I try to divide my days between social, content, and computer days. I usually have about two social office/meeting days a week, where it’s all about collaboration, two undisturbed computer days for deep work, and one day for creative work.

Whether it’s for content creation or creative thinking, I love when I’m able to carve out a day when I’m not on a tight schedule and can let my flow guide me.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

These days, my morning routine is all about my baby. The first thing I do is let our daughter into our bed and try to convince her to snooze a bit with us. If we don’t have any luck with that, there isn’t much left to do than kick off the day.

I wake up at 7 a.m. unless my daughter wakes me up earlier. I love sleeping and prioritize that, especially now that I’m pregnant again. I always ensure I get 8 hours of sleep. During pregnancy, I aim for 9 hours.

What do you eat for breakfast?

I eat home-cooked oatmeal made by my husband every morning, topped off with blueberries, granola, and oat milk. The secret to his recipe is to boil the oats in oat milk instead of water, and then add a mashed banana along with cardamom and cinnamon for maximum taste without any additional sweetness needed.

My husband and I then sit and eat breakfast together with our baby. We’ll usually start our workdays between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

What rituals set you up for success?

After our family breakfast, I practice my skincare routine of washing my face and layering on serums and moisturizers. I love for my skin to feel hydrated and glowy! After that, I listen to my HypnoBirthing affirmations and get dressed and ready to start the day.

The morning skincare secrets for Babba’s signature glowy skin

Describe your morning routine from start to finish.

I wash my face with Tracie Martyn’s Amla Purifying Cleanser, then moisturize with Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Serum before topping it off with Vintners Daughter’s Active Botanical Serum. I use Quip to brush my teeth, Ceremonia’s Guava Rescue Spray to revive my hair in the morning, and then finish with our Guava Leave-In Conditioner to tame my postpartum baby hairs and hydrate dry ends.

Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser

Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser, $68

Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum

Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum, $92

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $195

Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray

Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray, $18

Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner

Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner, $20

Getting Dressed With Babba Rivera

How would you describe your personal style?

Scandinavian chic with a colorful twist. I love dressing based on my mood and don’t shy away from dressing with a sense of humor and joy.

What’s your daily uniform?

Anine Bing is a go-to for everyday staples! The tank top, blazer, and crisp white shirts from her classics collection are great.

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Earth Balance vegan butter and oat milk.

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

I miss working out and meditating in the morning, but I’m currently so tired and hungry when I wake up.

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Can’t go wrong with Beyoncé!

What’s always on your nightstand?

A bottle of water, always! And now that I’m pregnant I also have Evereden’s Golden Belly Oil and Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream.

Evereden Golden Belly Serum

Evereden Golden Belly Serum, $36

Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream

Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream, $45

What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?

Fill up my water bottle and write a prioritization list for what I want to accomplish. Ideally, I do this before opening my inbox as that usually distracts me from my core goals.

What’s your favorite thing to listen to while you work?

Peaceful piano music.

What do you always keep on your desk?

My notebook, water bottle, and Ceremonia products!

What essentials help get you through the workday?

Pen and paper! I prefer to attend meetings without the distractions of screens and love to make to-do’s on physical notebooks.

What office rituals set you up for a successful workday?

Ensuring I get a dose of daylight, whether it’s going on a smoothie run or just peeking out on the terrace for some fresh air. Daylight brings me a lot of joy.

How do you find joy in going to the office?

I find a lot of inspiration being in beautiful spaces, and our office brings me a sense of calm because it’s always tidy and minimal, with beautiful furniture. I also enjoy the opportunity to come in and collaborate with my team, as the other days of the week are mainly virtual and less collaborative.

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Confidence.

Sentence Finishers

I never leave the house without… my water bottle.

If there were more hours in the day, I would… play tennis every day.

Healthiest morning habit… replacing coffee with water.

Worst morning habit… staring at my phone screen.

One thing I want to be known for is… paving the way for the next generation of Latinx founders.

The one thing I fear the most is… losing more loved ones.

When I feel that fear… I tap into gratitude.

The book I always recommend is… Emotional Intelligence 2.0

The #1 trait you need to succeed in life is… resilience.

The post Babba Rivera’s Morning Routine Combines Rituals With Results appeared first on Camille Styles.

The Morning Routines of People We Admire to Inspire Your Own

Waking up With Kate Arends—How the Creator of Wit & Delight Stays Inspired and Prioritizes Joy

Waking Up With Kate Arends

Tell us about your career and starting a business. What has life been like as an entrepreneur?

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

What does a typical day look like for you?

What time is your wake-up call? And how much sleep do you usually get?

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

What rituals set you up for success?

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

What do you eat for breakfast?

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

What are your morning rituals?

What are your favorite books?

What’s always on your nightstand?

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Do you work out in the morning?

What’s your daily uniform?

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

What are one or two things you do every day to live a more joyful life?

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Sentence Finishers:

Gigi Caruso Reflects on Her Hearing Loss Journey—and Founding the Clothing Brand of Her Dreams

Gigi Caruso Shares the Morning Rituals That Set Her up for Success

Can you share about navigating the challenge of hearing loss and how it inspired your brand, GIGI C?

You’ve shared that the water is your safe space. How did you decide to translate this into a swimwear line?

You’ve built a community around your experience of hearing loss. What have you learned and how have you grown by connecting deeper with this community?

What advice would you share with someone who wants to realize a dream, but may be discouraged by a challenge or disability?

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

Let’s get into your morning routine. What does a typical day look like for you?

What time is your wake-up call? How much sleep do you usually get?

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

What rituals set you up for success?

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

What are your go-to makeup faves?

What do you eat for breakfast?

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

What are your morning rituals?

What are your favorite books?

What’s always on your nightstand?

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

Do you work out in the morning?

What’s your daily uniform?

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

What do you do every day to live a more present and joyful life?

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Sentence Finishers:

Considering a Career Pivot? Candace Nelson, Founder of Sprinkles, Is All the Inspiration You Need

Candace Nelson on the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship—and the Routines That Have Helped Her Build a Successful, Sustainable Career

Tell us about your career and starting a business. What has life been like as an entrepreneur?

What has been your biggest learning over the past year?

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

What does a typical day look like for you?

What time is your wake-up call?

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

What does your morning routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

What do you eat for breakfast?

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

What are your morning rituals?

What are your favorite books?

What’s always on your nightstand?

Do you work out in the morning?

What’s your daily uniform?

If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?

What are one or two things you do every day to live a more present and joyful life?

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

Sentence Finishers:

Looking for more morning routine inspiration? Dive in and discover the rituals that keep Camille grounded.

How the Founder of Chillhouse Stays Calm and Resists FOMO

The Business of Being Cyndi Ramirez

Can you share about your journey to becoming an entrepreneur?

What has been your biggest lesson over the past year?

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

What does a typical day look like for you?

Tell us about your morning beauty routine…

What does your skincare routine look like?

Your makeup is flawless. How do you do it?