Ever wondered what people do at work? If you’re a voyeur like us, then you’ll love our series A Day in the Life where we get a real behind-the-scenes glimpse into the professional lives of CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs we admire. From their morning routine to the rituals that set them up for success and questions such as “do you ever reach inbox zero?” because we all want to know how to streamline our lives.
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Too much of a rhythm throws me out of the flow. I know that counter to all of the advice out there, but it’s how I thrive and keep life exciting.”
—Amanda Chantal Bacon, Founder, Moon Juice
Photo: Courtesy of Moon Juice
Food can change lives. Don’t believe us? Ask Amanda Chantal Bacon, the founder of Moon Juice.
Growing up with severe allergies and a hypothyroid condition, Bacon turned to the healing powers of food early on. After feeling the positive effects of medicinal foods on her own health first hand, Bacon was motivated to help others. And thus Moon Juice was born.
Inspired by artisanal producers, holistic remedies, and culinary experts around the world, Bacon’s mission for Moon Juice is to help people prioritize wellness, longevity, and healing. The brand has expanded beyond smoothies and juices into powders, tinctures, and now skincare.
In this edition of A Day in the Life, Bacon takes us through her routine, growing a business while raising baby, and how she handles her ever-changing schedule.
What does an average day in your life look like?
There isn’t much of an average. I think I actually thrive in a constantly changing environment. Too much of a rhythm throws me out of the flow. I know that counter to all of the advice out there, but it’s how I thrive and keep life exciting.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I have a four-month-old and so I can’t really say that I’m sleeping and waking properly, but I do now remove myself from the bed around 6:30 am.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’ve definitely always been a night owl. I like when the world is asleep and everything is dark and quiet. I’m finally free to let my mind roam and explore.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
Again, with a small baby, it’s all gone to scratch for now. I have her with me most of the time because she nursing and doesn’t eat solids or take a bottle. She’s an easy baby and is usually cool on calls and in meetings. When I break away for work sprints, I feel victorious about getting dressed and making a spirit dust/sex dust latte for the road.
Being a founder means you are wearing so many hats and across so many facets of the business. How do you manage your time effectively?
I’m more of a free flow person and living life on a rigid schedule becomes very depressing for me. I’ve had years where I do that; book every minute of every day for months out. It was a bit soul-sucking. I try to find a balance now of booking out all of the crucial things and leaving some room for spontaneous meetings and dealing with what’s urgent that day. Life feels better. There’s so much going on for everybody everywhere all the time at this point. I keep it very goal-oriented. My goals are simple, if it doesn’t ladder back to that goal in a clear way or feel exciting I pass.
Do you ever reach inbox zero?
No?!?!?! Is this real?
How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
Back to my goal mantra. Clearly supports them, feels exciting or it’s a no.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
It used to be sleep!!! 7-8 hours of sleep a night was a game-changer for me.
Having and keeping an incredible team around me is just as important.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
I love fast-paced synchronicity at work and slow, tender love at home.
When did you know you wanted to start your own company? What was your journey like?
11 years ago. The company is built out of my own health journey and victories. I knew I had to bring the simple, effective practices that healed me to as many as I could.
What advice do you have for aspiring female founders?
Make sure you feel on a mission.
What are some of the biggest lessons you learned along the way?
Boundaries and healthy communication.
How do you combat the loneliness often felt by CEOs at the top?
I haven’t felt lonely. I make sure to surround myself with mentors inside and outside of the office.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My husband made me start sleeping 8 hours and stop feeling bad for wanting healthy boundaries.
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
I must have not listened.
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited about in 2020?
I’m currently formulating an ingestible and a topical formula that I am lit up about, we are growing our team and I will have my next book coming out 2020.
