Everyday Humans Founder on WFH (From Hong Kong!) and Making It Work 12 Hours Ahead of EST
Asana is key.
Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte C. Pienaar
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the morning rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we caught up with Charlotte C. Pienaar, the founder of Everyday Humans, to chat about what inspired her to launch an SPF-led skincare brand, why she’s working toward the goal of no screens before 8 a.m., and how she manages her time while working 12 hours ahead of EST.
Tell us a bit about Everyday Humans and what inspired you to launch your business. What whitespace did you see in the market, and what need did you want to fill?
We’re a newly launched DTC skincare brand that makes comfy, planet-friendly sunscreens for all. As a conscious founder who cares about the planet and cultural diversity, I’m passionate about sustainability and inclusivity and created Everyday Humans with the belief that sunscreen should be for all humans and the foundation of all skincare routines. I saw a whitespace in the market for SPF-led skincare products that combined multi-tasking formulas, good for the planet packaging at everyday prices.
Now, let’s talk about your workday routine! First, are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m physically a morning person so I schedule calls with the team and external parties and review my to-do list in the morning, then I do reactive work throughout the day, like approving things, responding to emails and requests, and general ops and coordination work. My brain only fully activates and the real magic happens in the after-hours when my creative side kicks in—deep-dive research, product ideas, campaigns concepts, marketing strategy—comes through at night.
What time does your alarm go off, and what’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I have two children so my alarm is my youngest who is one and a half years old and I get up before 6 a.m. on most days. The first thing I do is to get to the kitchen to make a bottle of milk for him. Nothing fun or glamorous, just good ol’ parenting.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
This is the time when the entire family sits together for breakfast before work or school. I try to be as present as possible to spend quality time with my husband and kids. Sometimes, urgent emails and requests get in the way but I’m working towards no screens before 8 a.m.!
Take us through your morning skincare routine. How do you prepare your skin for the day?
I’m a really lazy skincare person so I like products that are multi-purpose and can combine steps. The first thing in the morning is to wash my face to get rid of excess oils that developed overnight. I’ve been really into face cleansers with a gentle exfoliant as it brightens and resurfaces my skin before I apply any skincare on so everything absorbs better. We’re in the midst of developing one so it’s extra awesome to try many brands and to test drive what works for me.
After that, it’s toning. I've recently been obsessed with Hada Labo’s lotion as it’s a toner, serum, lotion combo that helps my skin feel prepped and ready to go. My last and most important step is a multi-tasking serum and sunscreen, and of course, it would be my Resting Beach Face SPF30 sunscreen serum, which is a super lightweight organic SPF30 and hydrating serum all rolled up in one. It doubles up as skincare as it has moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid and pentavitin, antioxidant-rich spinach and green tea extract, and kopara extract that wards off urban pollutants and pollution. I rarely wear make-up so the bonus is it leaves a gorgeous lit-from-within finish that makes my skin look healthy, glowy, and well-rested.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
The first thing I do in the morning is also the most important. I update my to-do list to make sure I have a bird’s eye view of what I have to work on for the day and schedule and prioritize accordingly.
What are you working on this week?
It’s been an interesting week as I’m on a 21-day quarantine and trying to balance work with two small children! We’ve just done a one-year review of the brand, putting together what we’ve achieved so far, what we’ve missed the mark, and how we’re going to improve in the future. It’s been challenging to work with kids in the background but I love doing big-picture and strategy work to align with all stakeholders so this has been a great week.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
Seeing customers happy and calling our sunscreens their holy grail. We have a Slack channel where we share mentions, reviews, and customer feedback to the entire team and it always makes me smile from the inside when we receive a positive note from a total stranger. The most challenging part is to always be one step ahead of the game. We’ve just celebrated our one-year anniversary and the landscape has changed so much since the inception of Everyday Humans. To be able to not lose sight of your mission while being able to innovate, plan ahead and execute flawlessly are all super hard but when you overcome obstacles and come out stronger and wiser, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? What tips can you share for handling the constant influx of inquiries and communication founders are so familiar with?
TBH I don’t think it was ever a goal, and friends are freaked out by the amount of unread messages I have! I love subscribing to newsletters so perhaps that doesn’t count?
What is your go-to work lunch?
I try to limit my carb and protein intake to keep my energy up. My go-to’s are a healthy helping of vegetables in various forms—steamed, stir-fried, grilled, raw—just as it is or as a warm or cold salad, my other go-to is brothy and vegetable-heavy soups that keep me full without feeling like I’ve overeaten (or else I’ll get sleepy!). I’ve always made my own lunches—even before the pandemic—so it’s extra awesome to see how other people put together theirs and take inspiration from them.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
By making it compulsory. We schedule monthly huddles, quarterly check-ins, bi-annual re-alignment, and annual planning.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
Taking time off every month to focus on your hobbies is compulsory at Everyday Humans. I try to encourage our team to share what we do outside of work and it’s been fun to learn about everyone’s interests. There’s something about sharing your intentions with a close group that encourages you to act on them. I’ve picked up some new hobbies that I never thought I would get into, like journaling, virtual workouts, and pottery because I spoke about it to my co-workers!
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
We run our entire company off project management software Asana so that’s my #1 favorite app.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
“Pop Culture Happy Hour” to keep me up to date as I’m so behind with gossip, lol. “Stuff You Should Know” is amazing and the good ol’ “How I Built This with Guy Raz.”
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
As I’m 12 hours ahead of EST, it’s hard to not stay up late for calls and emails till midnight or 1 a.m. The ideal is to be in bed before 10:30 p.m. and my optimal is 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Besides happy customers, seeing my team members grow makes me super happy. My job is to empower and equip my frontline staff to make better decisions than myself, so witnessing the fruits of my labor is incredibly rewarding.
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How Desiree Verdejo's Skin Struggles Led Her to Create One of 2021’s Buzziest Brands
Meet the founder of Hyper Skin.
Photo: Courtesy of Desiree Verdejo
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the morning rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we talked with Desiree Verdejo, CEO and founder of Hyper Skin, about how she launched a skincare brand that’s rooted in multiculturalism, why she always tackles her hardest tasks first thing in the morning, and her favorite pandemic purchase (which still uses every day).
Tell us a bit about Hyper Skin and what inspired you to launch your business. What whitespace did you see in the market, and what need did you want to fill?
Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve struggled with acne that was always followed by large dark spots. After years of trying to find the perfect solution to combat hyperpigmentation, I finally came to the realization that there really just wasn’t anything out there addressing this particular problem.
On top of that, there has always been a major lack of diversity in the skincare and beauty space. As a woman of color, it didn’t take long for me to notice how little representation we have within the skincare market, from advertising to the formulation of products themselves. So many dermatologists and chemists receive little to no training on how to treat melanin-rich skin.
I founded Hyper Skin because I wanted to solve both of these issues that I ran into by creating an easy, fun, results-oriented skincare brand that is rooted in multiculturalism. My goal is to not only target dark spots and discoloration but to do so for all skin tones and really shine a spotlight on celebrating diversity.
Now, let’s talk about your workday routine! First, are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m definitely a morning person! When my schedule allows, I typically like to start my morning early and work on anything that is time-sensitive, challenging, or just requires more brainpower. Then, I will schedule any calls and meetings for the afternoon.
In the evenings, I like to catch up on all of my emails and organize a to-do list for the next day. This way, I can go to bed knowing I have everything set for when I wake up in the morning without feeling too overwhelmed or stressed about figuring out what I need to do.
What time does your alarm go off, and what’s the first thing you do upon waking?
Actually, I don't have an alarm clock! I naturally wake up at 6:30. Since I have two little toddlers that wake up at 7:30, I like to wake up before them so that I can have a peaceful morning with some time to myself. The first thing I do when I wake up is have coffee, listen to NPR, and take a look at my phone to make sure there’s nothing urgent that I have to take care of. My absolute favorite pandemic purchase was my Nespresso, so I love making my oat milk lattes right when I wake up—it’s my morning ritual!
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
In the mornings, before I start working, I love to spend quality time with my toddlers. Usually, that means making them breakfast and heading to school drop-off. My younger son is only two, so we usually walk together to a nearby coffee shop and I'll get a coffee for myself and a treat for him! I really value these little moments of time together—they are both growing up so fast so I want to spend every moment I can with them.
Photo: Courtesy of Hyper Skin
Take us through your morning skincare routine. How do you prepare your skin for the day?
My skincare routine is by far my favorite part of the morning. It's another reason that I actually enjoy waking up early and having enough time to really care for my skin. I have oily skin, so I always start by cleansing. My skin is acne-prone and susceptible to dark spots, so after cleansing, I follow up with the Hyper Skin Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum to combat hyperpigmentation. I love face mists. Right now I’m using one by Tower 28 that I really like. The last two steps in my routine are using a lightweight moisturizer and always using sunscreen. A couple of my all-time favorites are the Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop and the Everyday Humans sunscreen.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
I always complete the hardest task of the day when I get to my desk first thing in the morning, so I completely agree with this quote. I think what sets me up for the most success in the morning is making my to-do list for the next day in the evening. If there is a task that is really important or challenging, I'll send an email to myself so that I see it fresh in my inbox in the morning and it's a great reminder to jump right in. I think the key to avoiding feeling overwhelmed and stressed out is always thinking one step ahead and preparing for the future.
What are you working on this week?
We have a few new exciting launches that are coming up so my weeks have been filled with reviewing and signing off on proofs, working with the team on developing social concepts for the launches, managing operations, and just overseeing everything regarding launch preparation. We're really leaning into using our social media platforms to share the Hyper Skin story so it's been a lot of brainstorming and creating as a team.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
Creating something that our community tells us really works for them has definitely been the most rewarding part. That doesn't ever get old. As someone who has always had problem skin and has constantly been on the lookout for solutions, reading reviews and getting emails from customers will always be something that I look forward to. It's so motivating, and it really pushes me to always create at the highest level.
On the other hand, the most challenging aspect of running a business is that you always have to keep going. There’s no time to stop to say, “This sucks,” or, “Wow, we’ve accomplished so much!” It’s always like, “Okay, now what do we have to do next?” As a founder leading a small team, there’s no time to sit in the emotions, in the challenges, or in the wins. You just need to keep pushing forward and doing your best.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? What tips can you share for handling the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
I never have and I don’t think I ever will—it’s not even a goal of mine anymore because it’s so unattainable! As for tips on handling the constant inquiries and communication with others, I think it's important to prioritize your day on what's most important to you and what you need to get done next. If you are always responding to what other people are asking of you, you'll never be able to meet your own goals.
What is your go-to work lunch?
My go-to work lunch is always changing. One benefit of the pandemic was that I had more time at home to cook really wonderful, nourishing, and balanced meals. However, now that I have gone back to working in a co-working space, I am trying to find the balance between continuing to cook for myself and eating meals on the go. Simplicity is key. My favorite go-to meal is chicken with cauliflower rice and lots of fresh veggies.
Photo: Courtesy of Desiree Verdejo
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
My biggest tip or piece of advice is to do different types of tasks on different days. For example, I like to plan certain days for all of my calls and set aside other days of the week for other things that I need to accomplish. Every week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are my call/catch-up days. Monday and Friday are big-picture, ideating, and thinking days. Without a schedule like this, you can spend all day responding to people, but it doesn't give you time to think about marketing, strategy, or business plans on a larger, more creative scale.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
My number one reminder to myself that helps me stay healthy, happy, and productive is just to not overdo it. Don’t drive yourself crazy by focusing on all of the tasks or things that you didn’t do or aren’t able to do at that moment in time. As a founder of a new, emerging brand, I'm in a very busy stage of my life. I’ve taught myself to lean into that, but at the same time, I’m always making sure that I’m not overdoing it. I just remind myself that I’m in a busy season now, but it won't be busy forever.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
I love Slack for communicating with my team on a daily basis. Instagram is another favorite of mine because of how much it allows me to connect to the rest of the world and all of the new concepts and ideas that are out there. Another app I love is the HomeExchange app; it fuels my wanderlust!
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
When I’m in a really busy stage of life (like right now!), I'm not great at watching TV because it draws me in deeply for too long. Instead, right now I’m planning our first post-pandemic family vacation to Costa Rica, so my favorite way to unwind at the end of a long day is by scrolling through Instagram and different chat groups to help me plan for that and get excited about our trip. It really helps me unwind!
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
I usually like to go to bed around 11:00 pm. I always try to aim for 6-7 hours. If I’m able to get in seven hours of sleep I am a wonderful person, but that doesn't always happen!
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Because I launched my business right before the pandemic, I ended up hiring every member of our team remotely, and they’re all planning to stay remote for a while. That being said, the most rewarding part of my day is whenever I get to interact with my team via Zoom. I love to chat with them and share ideas and hear their updates. Most people are complaining about Zooms these days, but they’re my favorite!
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How Lesbians Who Tech & Allies Founder Leanne Pittsford Is Increasing LGBTQ Representation in Tech
“Knowing we are responsible for making the invisible, visible is everything.”
Photo: Courtesy of Leanne Pittsford
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we caught up with Leanne Pittsford, founder of Lesbians Who Tech & Allies and Include.io, to talk about making the tech industry more inclusive, bringing LGBTQ women and non-binary tech folks together, and being included in Fast Company’s Queer 50.
Tell us a bit about Lesbians Who Tech & Allies and what inspired you to launch your business. What whitespace did you see in the market? What need did you want to fill?
Ha, such a big question. Basically, when I started my tech company back in the day, I struggled to find LGBTQ women as role models and peers. Every event I went to, I noticed LGBTQ women were missing from the conversation. I wanted to make sure our voices were represented and I knew if I struggled finding a community then maybe there were others who were looking for the same thing. Turns out, there were so many more than I originally anticipated. Since the start of Lesbians Who Tech & Allies, I’ve seen more communities coming together creating organizations to make tech more representative and it’s really impactful.
You’re also the founder of Include.io, a platform that connects diverse tech job seekers with great companies. What compelled you to launch this platform?
I’ve always been involved in LGBTQ organizations and have made an active effort to continue creating conversations around representation and inclusion in workplaces, tech specifically. I was the senior director of equality in California, which led the fight against Prop 8 (which aimed to make same-sex marriage illegal). I kind of fell in love with tech after being so in the trenches with this campaign. The data, the community, and the passion is really what led to my career moves. Through shared experiences and talking with others, I realized that a lot of other queer tech folks experienced the same issues within the tech space.
Now, let’s talk about your workday routine! First, are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
In my old life, I was a night owl. Now, post two babies, I am a whenever-the-coffee-hits-my-bloodstream person.
What time does your alarm go off, and what’s the first thing you do upon waking?
What alarm? I am just breastfeeding all night right now. I typically just set a mental alarm. I take too much advantage of the snooze button when I use them.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
Feeding all the children and pups, and making my Moka pot coffee with beans from one of my favorite coffee shops.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
I usually send a few voice notes to a few teammates to check-in for the day’s to-do list!
What are you working on this week?
Pride Summit! We just launched the agenda today!
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business?
My favorite part is being in the Castro Theatre with all of my people, and feeling the energy that only comes from thousands of LGBTQ women and non-binary folks getting together in one room. I never would’ve thought that something I started would end up being the largest LGBTQ professional event and the largest event for women in tech globally (last year, anyway). Not to mention this year’s Fast Company’s Queer 50. Knowing we are responsible for making the invisible, visible is everything.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication founders are so familiar with?
Twice a year, usually two to three weeks after Summit.
What is your go-to work lunch?
Cheez-Its.
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Meet the Film and TV Producer Whose Work Supports Folx From Marginalized Communities
Plus, her tips for staying productive.
Photo: Courtesy of Olivia Charmaine Morris
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we caught up with Olivia Charmaine Morris, the founder and CEO of Black Monarch Entertainment, to talk about how she’s championing artists from marginalized communities, what inspires her to wake up at 5:00 am every morning, and her favorite forms of self-care.
You’re passionate about fostering lasting inclusion in Hollywood, and in 2020, you left Kerry Washington's Simpson Street to start your own venture to work toward that goal. Tell us about Black Monarch Entertainment and what inspired you to launch a production company that centers, celebrates, and supports “otherness.”
I’ve worked in Hollywood for years as a development executive specializing in original scripted programming. Whether working at big companies or smaller startups, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so it’s quite natural that I would eventually pour that energy into my own creative endeavors.
Black Monarch Entertainment, at its core, is an inclusive artist collective. For me, it’s always been about representation. As someone who is a queer, Black woman, I’m a champion for artists that sit at intersections of “otherness.” I’m honored to be able to build a safe space for content creation that drives social impact.
You’re also the host of the weekly IGTV series “The Tea” in which you have powerful conversations about everything from wellness to current events with people like Angelica Ross, Janelle Monáe, and Karyn Parsons. What compelled you to start this series and what do you hope people take away from it?
While we were all stuck inside our homes and fatigued by the onslaught of the negative news cycle, I was inspired to find a consistent way to check in with my friends and other folx I admire. The ritual of putting the kettle on, steeping your favorite brew, and patiently sipping tea works perfectly in tandem with intimate conversations, and Instagram Live is the perfect platform to maintain that intimacy while also being able to interact with the viewing audience. I hope that the Communi-Tea enjoys learning insider information about the entertainment industry while indulging in the important act of self-care that naturally comes from pausing over a cup of tea.
Now, let’s talk about your workday routine! First, are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m traditionally a morning person that does my best work in the early afternoon. I tend to start my day slowly while picking up steam after my morning tea kicks in.
What time does your alarm go off, and what’s the first thing you do upon waking?
My first alarm goes off at 5:00 am, and my second alarm goes off at 6:15 am. Because I work with artists in different countries, the first thing I do is quickly glance over my emails so I have a clear sense of what my morning will look like.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
I either go for a long walk around my neighborhood or meet at the gym with my personal trainer.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
The first thing I do when I get to my workstation is review my notes from the day before to ensure there is nothing outstanding.
What are you working on this week?
I’m currently working on producing my first independent feature film, called “Dreyana Grooms.” This week, my team has secured a global sales agent, a celebrity executive producer, and the last bit of equity financing we’ll need to be able to start principal photography in July!
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is supporting people of color and what I like to call “colorful people,” anyone from a marginalized community with a story to tell. I personally love stories that sit at the intersection of art and activism. Our artists, crews, and stories are inclusive, and we have an exciting slate of film and television projects on our slate.
The most challenging part is finding continuity in the midst of a chaotic year. I discovered that I needed to prioritize self-care in order to stay healthy and maintain the daily motivation to press on.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication?
I technically never reach inbox zero because I always have a never-ending pile of scripts to read that stack up on a daily basis. To handle the influx of communication, I often delegate incoming inquiries and assignments to my incredible team.
What is your go-to work lunch?
My go-to work lunch is a green smoothie.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
I typically prioritize tackling bigger picture projects before handling day-to-day tasks. I also have the support of my lovely coordinator, Apryll.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I spent most of my early days connecting directly with my network and letting everyone know about my latest endeavor through word-of-mouth. So much of the entertainment industry is predicated on who you know, and I spend a lot of time fostering new relationships in this virtual environment. I’m also very self-aware and know that balance is the key to life. As much as I value my hard-earned role in the entertainment industry, I appreciate self-care just as much or more. These days, I think naps, long walks, and drinking tea are my favorite forms of self-care.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
I’m always watching a new show. I just finished the first season of Peacock’s “Noughts + Crosses” and loved it. My current favorite scripted podcast is called “Bronzeville”—it's so good! But most often, I’m reading a pilot or feature film script!
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
I go to bed by 11 pm to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
The most rewarding part of my day is when I go for walks. I appreciate the moments of disconnecting from my devices, grounding myself, and getting recharged.
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How the Co-Founder of I Am a Voter Mandana Dayani Starts Her Mornings
Two cups of coffee are mandatory.
Photo: Courtesy of Mandana Dayani
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we chatted with Mandana Dayani, the creator and co-founder of I am a voter., on how she tackles her never-ending inbox, sets work-life boundaries, and unwinds at the end of the day with President Bartlett and the rest of the cast of “The West Wing.”
Tell us a bit about I am a voter. and what inspired you to launch this initiative.
I am a voter. is a nonpartisan civic engagement movement that I founded with some of the most brilliant women I have ever known. As an immigrant, I have always felt incredibly privileged to be an American, and I was really heartbroken seeing our country so divided the last few years.
After making the decision to just dive in and learn what I could do to help, I quickly saw that there was an opportunity for a modern voting brand that really spoke to our generation. One that was positive, empowering, captured how cool it is to be an active participant, and more focused on what unites us. And I knew that if I could get these incredibly talented and inspiring women together in a room we could build a meaningful message and leverage our relationships and skills to create true impact.
After doing lots of research, I learned that identity was an important predictor of voter turnout, which is where the name came from. From there, we all leaned on our skills and networks to create as much impact as possible.
You’re also the co-host of the podcast "The Dissenters" alongside Debra Messing. What compelled you to start this podcast and what do you hope people take away from it?
Debra Messing and I have been activists for most of our lives and we wanted to learn about the people that inspired our own journeys. When we got the idea to start “The Dissenters” all we wanted to do was inspire people to get off of the sidelines. We thought that if we could share the amazing stories and journeys of these people, we could empower others to find their purpose and passion.
Over the course of our activism, we have both met countless people who were afraid to pursue their passion because they didn’t know where to begin or doubted their ability to create meaningful impact. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost all of the Dissenters we interviewed had no intention of becoming a hero or building a foundation. They started because they experienced injustice and they took action. And through it, they committed to learn and grow. And that’s what it’s really about—taking a step forward, helping the helpfuls, challenging the status quo.
Let’s talk about your workday routine! First, are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I am my most productive and clear first thing in the morning (after I have my second cup of coffee).
What time does your alarm go off, and what’s the first thing you do upon waking? What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
My husband and I usually wake up around 5:45 a.m. when our daughters, Anderson and Miller, run into our room. I immediately take a shower and then make my first cup of coffee. Then, it’s all about packing lunches for school, making breakfast, and getting them to their pods. Next, I go upstairs. Put in my AirPods and watch the news (catch up on Jessica Yellin’s stories on Instagram). I start every morning I can with my Ryse + Shyne Facial Serum and Pept Eyes Biocellulose Eye Mask from Sundree.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
I cross-reference my many lists to catch up as much as I can and then I tackle my never-ending inbox.
What are you working on this week?
Planning this year's Register a Friend Day on July 25, 2021, with the amazing I am a voter. team, and working on season two of “The Dissenters.” I am also advising on a few projects that I can’t wait to share soon.
“Managing our expectations of ourselves is such a critical component of self-care.”
—Mandana Dayani, Creator and Co-Founder of I am a voter.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
The opportunity to learn from the incredible women I work with while making a true, meaningful impact in our communities. It’s really awesome when you find your people!
The most challenging part is just managing it all and continuing to figure out how we can drive participation in civic engagement. The next few years will definitely be more focused on local politics.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication founders are so familiar with?
No, I have yet to reach zero. But, I do my best and I know that it is all I can do. Managing our expectations of ourselves is such a critical component of self-care.
What is your go-to work lunch?
Sushi and sparkling water (currently, Topo Chico).
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
I use lists for everything I do. Evernote is my go-to list-making tool. And, when it comes to managing tasks, I plan ahead as much as I can and then delegate as much as I can. I am so privileged to have such an incredible network of support.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
Setting boundaries. I always allocate time to have breakfast and dinner with my kids and make sure I am there to put them to bed. And I learned that I sometimes need to literally time for self-care, whether that is going on a walk or exercising. I also block off lots of time during the week to brainstorm and create.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
Evernote, Instacart, and Chairish.
What are you watching right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
“The West Wing,” “The Real Housewives of (everywhere),” “Baker and the Beauty,” and “The Morning Show.”
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
Lights out by 11 p.m. Optimal sleep would be 7 hours.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Bedtime with our kids. We end each night taking turns sharing 1) Our act of kindness for the day, 2) What we are most grateful for, and 3) Who we want to send extra good dreams to. It is such a beautiful ritual.
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How Wordaful Founder Liz Hernandez Prioritizes Her Mental Wellness While Working From Home
From meditating to journaling, she takes time for mental health breaks.
Photo: Johanna Brinckman
Welcome to our editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we sat down with Liz Hernandez, creator of the innovative storytelling platform WORDAFUL. Her secrets to success? Keeping a detailed daily schedule, prioritizing mental health breaks, and going to bed before 10 PM. Read up on her WFH tips below.
Tell us a bit about WORDAFUL. What inspired you to create a platform focused on the importance of how we communicate with others and ourselves?
I was inspired by the need for connection. I spent ten years on morning radio engaging with listeners through storytelling. It’s a special format because you can’t see each other and you’re relating purely through words and emotions. Sharing my vulnerabilities was a catalyst for listeners to call and share their same experiences. The connection was powerful.
Once I left radio and started in television, I missed that human interaction. At the same time, I had a strong desire to make a positive impact in my community. I understood the importance of self-talk and how the words we choose can shape our lives. Any negative messaging we grew up with can be overridden and replaced with encouraging words.
WORDAFUL launched as a passionate project shortly after my mother lost 90 percent of her speech as a result of Alzheimer’s. The gift of communicating is often taken for granted. When my mom lost her ability to use her words, I wanted to be responsible with mine.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m a morning person. The most important work I do is writing. I’ve learned to write in the morning when my mind is fresh and I’m firing on all cylinders. However, when inspiration strikes at night, I have to go to the computer and get it down on the page.
What time do you get up, and what’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I wake up around 6 AM. As soon as I open my eyes, I say “thank you” to my Creator. Then it’s coffee accompanied by gratitude journaling.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
I take a quick glance at my emails. If there’s nothing urgent, I head out for a morning walk with my french bulldog, Albondiga. Breathing fresh air and moving my body is a great mood and energy booster before I start work.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
I light a scented candle. It makes my workspace more inviting and it’s a nice way to do self-care. Then I open up my planner, review my to-do list and prioritize my schedule.
What are you working on this week?
I’m currently writing new WORDAFUL episodes. I’m scheduling the rollout of our new tees and sweatshirts and prepping for the launch of our Affirmation Cards for Kids!
Photo: Johanna Brinckman
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of running this company is the community that is being created and the support it’s giving people. Before the pandemic, we held a monthly event for women to gather, connect and share their stories. They walked in as strangers and left as friends. It was amazing to watch these WORDAFUL Women events grow across the country as well. Last year, we launched an online membership where we could all meet and continue the conversations. It has been a place of comfort, growth, and healing.
The most challenging part is wearing all the hats from creative, marketing, finances, scheduling, and so on. I am very fortunate to have two women on my team whose efforts and energy are equilivant to a team of ten.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication founders are so familiar with?
I feel fortunate that most days my inbox doesn’t feel overwhelming. My team does a great job of filtering emails by their degree of importance or urgency. Then, I schedule time on my to-do list to send replies.
What is your go-to work lunch?
Salmon over salad. If I’m craving more carbs, I’ll add in some rice. Followed by espresso, of course.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
Create a detailed daily schedule with your most important priority on top and the steps that are required to move you towards your goal. I’ve learned that if it’s not in your schedule, it’s not going to happen.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I take my mental wellness seriously. Staying committed to daily self-care rituals is important to me so I start each day with gratitude journaling. Then, I take a break midday to mediate for 30 minutes. Both of these exercises help me to remember my “why” in pursuing my goals.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
Instagram is what I use most. It allows me to stay connected to friends and our online community. I also love Duolingo, a language app that keeps me on top of my Spanish.
What are you reading/watching/listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
I’m listening to early episodes of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” I love how she used her platform as a classroom to teach us about ourselves and the importance of sharing our stories. She says a powerful line in the beginning of the podcast: “Every single person you ever will meet shares that common desire, they want to know, do you see me, do you hear me, does what I say mean anything to you?” It inspires me every time I hear her say it.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
I go to bed around 9:30 PM. When I get 8 hours of sleep I perform my best.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
I really cherish going on my daily walk. I love being outside in nature, listening to good music, and playing with my dog.
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How This Wellness Brand Founder Finds Work-Life Balance Despite a Constant Influx of Emails
Hydration and daily walks are key.
Photo: Courtesy of Trinity Mouzon Wofford
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month, we sat down with Trinity Mouzon Wofford, co-founder and CEO of the wellness brand Golde. Read below to learn how she manages her overflowing inbox, stays focused, and finds the time to take daily walks around her neighborhood.
Tell us a bit about Golde and what inspired you to launch your business. What whitespace did you see in the market? What need did you want to fill?
Golde was inspired by my own experiences as a consumer in wellness. I was feeling caught between the crunchy granola stuff I’d grown up with and this next wave of offerings that felt really prestige. I was centered on this idea of making superfoods easier and more accessible for the next generation.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m a total morning person. I definitely prioritize anything important before noon because that’s when I’m at my sharpest. That being said, I also always make time for something non-work-related in the mornings, too, like going for a walk around the neighborhood or reading for 30 minutes. I think it’s important to bring your “best self” to work and play.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I usually get up with the sun. Now that we’re edging up on springtime that’s usually around 5-6 am. First things first, I drink a tall glass of water to rehydrate!
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk and start your workday?
Check my inbox, which sometimes feels like eating a live frog! Usually, I just start by triaging to see if there’s anything urgent and get a good sense of anything else I need to work my way through for the rest of the day.
What are you working on this week?
We have a new product launching at the end of this month (!!), so a big chunk of my focus has been making sure that everything is good to go there. I’m putting together fact sheets for the team, building the marketing strategy for the launch, and taste testing a couple of fun recipes.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running Golde? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of running a business is the relationships—with my team, our community, and my partner and co-founder. It’s been so cool to see this business really blossom into an ecosystem. The most challenging part is continually reevaluating how to get everything done without blowing through a sense of work-life balance. I’m constantly reminding myself that it’s okay to not be able to get to absolutely everything.
Photo: Courtesy of Trinity Mouzon Wofford
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication CEOs are so familiar with?
I aspire to, but no. My inbox is flooded daily with everything under the sun. I accept that I am human, not perfect.
What is your go-to work lunch?
My partner, Issey, puts something together for us every day. We usually batch cook a bunch of veggies and then throw that together at lunchtime.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
I allocate Mondays to be meeting-free so that I have time to do focused, quiet work. I try for Wednesdays to also be meeting-free, but that’s a harder one to pull off!
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I just took my work email off my iPhone, which has been fun. I think it’s important to have clearly delineated working hours and to do something else outside of that time frame. From 8:30 to 6:30 I’m all in, but outside of that, I make time for the rest of my life.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
I live by Superhuman for keeping my inbox in good shape. Asana is our team’s productivity tool.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
Right now I’m educating myself a ton on gardening. While we’re upstate we’re going to be planting a bunch, so I’ve been reading books and even watching a couple of shows to learn all of the tricks of the trade.
When do you go to bed? What’s your optimal number of sleep hours?
I’m usually in bed by 9:30 pm and asleep by 10:30 pm, so I think that ends up being around 8 hours!
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
I really love the time I have to myself in the early morning before anyone else is awake. It doesn’t last long, but in quarantine, that’s about all the serenity you can ask for!
Photo: Courtesy of Golde
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Tech Entrepreneur and Author Ali Kriegsman Shares Her WFH Secrets
Her go-to lunch is *chef’s kisses.*
Photo: Eva Zar Courtesy of Ali Kriegsman
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month we sat down with Ali Kriegsman, co-founder and chief operating officer of the venture-backed retail technology startup Bulletin and author of the forthcoming book “How to Build a Goddamn Empire,” which hits shelves on April 6th. Below, Kriegsman shares her unconventional definition of success, her go-to apps for staying organized, and her favorite WFH lunch.
Tell us a bit about your business. What whitespace did you see in the market that led you to found Bulletin? What need did you want to fill?
Bulletin is a premium wholesale marketplace where retailers go to discover and shop the best brands on the planet. Behind your favorite spas, wellness centers, cafes, boutiques, and gift shops is a whole hidden $300-billion wholesale economy you, the shopper, can’t see! Those stores—whether they’re physical retailers or online retailers—rely on various tools and services to discover brands and products their customers will love! Bulletin helps some of your favorite stores find the inventory they then sell to their end customers. We’re a business-to-business platform, meaning we don’t service individual consumers, but instead, we serve and support over 7,000 buyers and store owners who run these shops, and we have around 1,300 brands on our platform selling to these retail businesses. Our community is growing really quickly—and organically—so we’ll likely triple or quadruple those numbers by year’s end.
We launched Bulletin’s wholesale marketplace because we actually used to be retailers ourselves! We were trying to solve our own pain point, while creating a more affordable way for the brands we loved to grow and scale, too. As a retailer running three stores in New York, we used so many different tools and platforms to find great brands and inventory—Instagram, Etsy, Joor—the list goes on. We felt like there wasn’t one cohesive place for us to discover, connect with, and source inventory from quality brands. So we built the solution we wanted to see in the world. Bulletin began as an e-commerce newsletter and pop-up concept in late 2014, early 2015—we did that for about two years before we ever opened our stores. And through that experience and those connections, we learned how insanely expensive it is for brands to get into retail.
Brands typically have to pay upwards of $30,00 (!!!) to showcase at a physical trade show to try and meet buyers. The operative word being “try;” there is literally no guarantee that if these brands pay that price tag, they’ll connect with or do business with retailers who attend. We also learned that vetting and paying for showrooms and wholesale reps was just as cumbersome and expensive for these brands. So with Bulletin’s wholesale marketplace solution, we kind of found a double whammy.
We’d be able to help retailers like us find and source incredible inventory, and help level the playing field for independent brands all at the same time. We take a 15% cut on sales processed through our platform, so we literally only make money if we bring brands business. It is a wildly different format than the tradeshow, showroom, or wholesale rep route, and especially with COVID threatening those traditional retail channels, Bulletin has become a really attractive solution for brands and retailers alike.
Not only are you the co-founder and COO of Bulletin, but you’re also an author. Your first book, "How to Build a Goddamn Empire," hits shelves on April 6th. What compelled you to write this book and what do you hope people will take away from it?
When I was approached to write a book proposal, I actually knew exactly what I wanted the book to be about and the story I wanted to tell. As a first-time and inexperienced founder, I felt like I couldn’t relate to the glossy, glamorous entrepreneurs crowding my Instagram feed. I was 24 and I was seeing a lot of founders, especially female founders, posting incessantly about their wins whether it was press hits, awesome brand partnerships, rounds of funding. And honestly, I was doing the exact same thing!
I think women entrepreneurs feel this pressure to be perfect. We’re fighting to hire great employees, maybe get some funding, secure those press hits and grow our businesses. Making everything seem rosy and easy can build that trust with your audience, and your customers, and I think women fear that being candid and vulnerable about the harder and more taxing psychological parts of entrepreneurship might put that growth or your reputation at risk. At least, that’s how I felt. And a few investors even told me that. Once I started getting more candid about my fear of failure, anxiety, depressive episodes, and struggles with our pivot from running stores to running a full-blown tech company, a female investor actually asked me to be a bit less “candid” lest I make the wrong impression or lead people to think I don’t know what I’m doing. She actually went so far as to tell me to “be more like X founder, be more like Y founder” and I found it really disheartening.
But I didn’t listen. I decided to do the opposite.
I knew first-hand that building something from nothing is a confusing and emotional challenge you sign up for every single day. It's unglamorous, taxing, and endlessly stressful. It's a constant, dirty fight with your imposter syndrome and the intense fear that if things don’t work out, you've failed miserably. And publicly. I wanted to tell that story, so that if other business owners were suffering or worrying they’d fail, or that they were too incompetent to make their dreams happen, they could read my book and feel seen and supported. I wanted to create a counter-narrative to Instagram entrepreneurship and this glamorized hustle we’ve all come to know all too well.
So, while in the thick of scaling my business and a stressful pivot, I decided to write about my experience in real-time. I started writing the book in 2017 and finished it at the end of 2020. I was running retail stores in 2017 and 2018, a tech company by late 2019, and obviously had to stay alive and scale despite the pandemic in 2020. For that reason, the book really reads like both a relatable "how-to" guide and a candid personal diary (deep breaths), because it was written directly from the trenches and from the heart.
The book also features stories from over 30 other female founders who have built companies of radically different stages and sizes, too. By using the questions I'm most frequently asked as my guideposts, I offer candid insights into the nuts and bolts of building a brand from scratch—discussing early failures, picking the right co-founder, securing press, finding funding —to give entrepreneurs the tools that will help take their ideas to the next level. I feature interviews with incredible founders like Meena Harris of Phenomenal Woman, Trinity Mouzon Wofford of Golde, and Polly Rodriguez of Unbound. I’m so inspired by all of the women who are featured.
Most importantly, though, I am really trying to help founders, and especially women, redefine the word "success" with every single chapter. There is intrinsic and long-term value to building something of your own, whether you sell your company, crash and burn, or forever teeter on the precipice. My book argues that "success" has many faces, and sometimes learning, growing, and building something on your own terms makes you successful enough. You don’t need to get caught up in your impostor syndrome, compare yourself to other founders, or worry you’re not going to “make it.” I want more women business owners to love and appreciate the journey, rather than being so hard on themselves and thinking they don’t have what it takes to climb to the top.
“Building something from nothing is a confusing and emotional challenge you sign up for every single day. It's unglamorous, taxing, and endlessly stressful.”
—Ali Kriegsman, Co-Founder and COO of Bulletin and Author of “How to Build a Goddamn Empire”
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m a total night owl. Sometimes I get wild bursts of energy at 11 PM and have to force myself to relax and get ready for bed. I wake up every morning at around 7:45 AM or 8 AM and relish cuddling with my dog and being lazy in the sheets for a while. The mornings are so precious to me. I use them to get my head straight rather than get work done. Candidly, though, sometimes if I’ve been working like crazy at night I sleep in until 9:30 AM and just own it. I used to have a nagging voice guilting me for sleeping in on a workday, but I’ve moved past that now.
I do my most important work after 7:30 PM or so when my entire team logs off. I find Slack to be extremely helpful but also very distracting, and I’ve always been someone with a limited attention span, so Slack culture really messes with me.
I love using Sundays to write. It was really tricky to juggle building a tech platform and pivoting Bulletin while writing this book. I found that Sunday mornings were the best times to write or get more “heady” and strategic work done. I’m using Sunday morning to answer questions for this interview as we speak!
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I usually get up at around 8:00 AM. I’ll either roll around and cuddle with my dog, Winnie, if my boyfriend has taken her out already. If not, I’ll lazily throw on my shoes and a light jacket and take her for a nice walk. When I get back, I’ll feed the pup and get some coffee brewing.
I try to squeeze in a workout before my team logs on at 10 AM. I’ll do Chloe Ting or 305 Fitness, or just blast BLACKPINK and dance and lunge around my apartment. Now that it’s getting nice out, I’ll swap that for a beautiful run in Fort Greene park!
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
I’ll brew some coffee or make some iced coffee with Grady's (the best) and oat milk, decide what type of workout I want to do, and make a to-do list for the day. I always make a to-do list before my team logs on in the morning so I have my priorities straight and know what I need to cover or check-in with each of my direct reports. I use a platform called Notion to manage all my personal lists, thoughts, and priorities.
I always put on a podcast while I shower after my workout, usually “The Daily” by The New York Times or NPR’s “Up First,” so I can catch up on the news. My shower time in the morning is super relaxing and I love taking my time.
I’ve just started meditating, too, which has been a nice addition to my morning routine. I’m not doing anything crazy quite yet, but I’ve found a few great meditation videos on YouTube that I’ll queue up. It definitely helps calm and center my mind before the hectic workday, where I’m usually in back-to-back meetings and fighting for a quick break!
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
I clean out my inbox. I am obsessed with maintaining my inbox and keeping everything tagged and organized. I need a visual anchor for what’s going on, what’s urgent, and who needs what. If I don’t clean out my inbox (I mean, honestly that literally never happens because I’ve been doing it for years now) but if I didn’t, I’d be a HOT MESS. My brain has to get it done before I can move on and focus on anything else!
What are you working on this week?
I’m launching my book in less than a week and also hiring about ten people to the Bulletin team. So my main focus this week is building out our hiring pipeline for all of our open roles, moving interviewees and candidates we love through the funnel and continuing to finesse our new org structure and role guidelines. As for the book, I’m prepping influencer book mailers, writing dozens and dozens of thank-you cards for those mailers, coordinating press with my publicist, creating assets for all the panels we’re hosting for the digital book tour, and just trying to keep the launch train on track. I actually love hiring and recruiting and I’m loving all of the work associated with the book launch, so even though it’s a lot, I’m in a great place and groovin’ along.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of running my business is managing our incredible team, and building a technology product together. We work with so many employees, particularly women, that have been with us for nearly three years and who have just grown and blossomed into such remarkable assets for the company. And they’ve become amazing role models and influences to the more junior employees on the team. I actually went into Bulletin thinking I’d despise management. I’m somewhat of a lone wolf and have always been that way. I was the girl who took over group projects and has always loved juggling various roles and responsibilities solo. But helping these women evolve, learn new skills, and come into their own as leaders and managers has been such a blessing.
The most challenging part of running my business is honestly just keeping my head up. This stuff is really hard. Building a tech company and running a tech platform that thousands of people are using every day is a new journey, for sure. I am on the front-lines with our customers because I run our Growth Team, and my team is in charge of growing our revenue month over month and hitting our targets. I get impatient when we can’t develop or fix the product fast enough. I get anxious when we get negative customer feedback. The pressure to keep growing and to deliver excellence to our customers is something I take really seriously. Sometimes I wear the pressure well and sometimes I just don’t. I’m working on it, but yes, I think the most challenging part of building a technology company and growing this platform is staying positive, light, and optimistic when things go wrong.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
I never reach inbox zero. I try to set boundaries with myself and with my team. My team now knows what to email me about versus what to Slack me about. We try to use other tools like Monday and Coschedule for project management so we aren’t bombarded with Slacks or emails left and right.
I have gotten really good about blocking off time on my calendar when I need a strategy session or a break from the Slack craziness. In those blocks, my team knows I’m head down working on a project or chatting and planning with Alana, my co-founder, so they don’t ping me or communicate with me during those times.
I’ve gotten comfortable with the fact that I’ll never be at inbox zero, especially during COVID. People, myself included, are juggling a lot and just trying to stay above water. Maybe pre-COVID I wouldn’t let certain emails sit in my inbox for days on end, but now, I’m all about prioritizing who I get back to first and why, but I’m also good at prioritizing myself and choosing to shut my laptop off at 8 PM instead of feeling the pressure to get back to everybody so urgently.
“There is intrinsic and long-term value to building something of your own, whether you sell your company, crash and burn, or forever teeter on the precipice.”
—Ali Kriegsman, Co-Founder and COO of Bulletin and Author of “How to Build a Goddamn Empire”
Photo: Eva Zar Courtesy of Ali Kriegsman
What is your go-to work lunch?
I typically microwave some frozen brown rice, make a Beyond Meat breakfast sausage patty (it's SO good), and throw it on top of the rice with half an avocado and a runny egg!
I also make salmon a LOT because it’s so insanely easy. It’s a great thing to have in the fridge if you have a busy schedule but want to eat healthy and avoid spending too much cash on delivery. I buy a ton of frozen salmon fillets and keep them in the freezer, so I can easily defrost them and bake them for 30 min on 300 degrees for dinner. Sometimes, for lunch, I’ll do that leftover salmon mixed with some lemon and mayo, and slap it on some multigrain toast. Tuna salad, watch your back - there’s a new fishy salad in town.
Okay, last one. I also always have Tyson crispy chicken in the freezer. I am a total sucker for chicken tenders, crispy chicken fingers, and pretty much crunchy crispy oily chicken in any form. I’ll pop a Tyson tender in the oven for 20 minutes, and then put it in a whole wheat wrap with avocado, my favorite Kensington garlic sauce, some arugula, and some melted cheese. It’s absolutely delicious, pretty healthy, and satisfies all my cravings.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
I am honestly somewhat bad at this and am trying to get better. Because we’re growing so quickly and hiring and building, I get pulled a zillion different ways and have so many tasks that pile up throughout the day. It is a big goal of mine to continue to delegate more, build in time for myself to think and strategize, and get myself out of the minutiae as much as I can.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I have been making to-do lists and priority lists for as long as I can remember. I keep different to-do lists in Notion for my book, my personal life, Bulletin, and even keep a real-time log of my thoughts as they come up, whether it about my career, my team, work, or whatever. I find that my mind tends to race a lot so I’m able to stay productive by translating all my thoughts to paper and getting them out of the ether of my mind.
I’m also good about making time for myself, even if I can only squeeze in two or three hours to myself a day. I make time to work out, I make time to go outside and on walks in the park with my boyfriend and my dog. I make time to cook, which I find super relaxing. I make time to listen to music I love and watch compelling documentaries or movies or TV shows. I don’t believe in the endless hamster wheel and have had a full breakdown before when I work too hard and don’t make that time for myself. Rest is important. Scheduling time to relax and process your life is important. And doing it consistently is key! Don’t just make time for yourself when you feel you’re about to erupt. Do it on the daily so you prevent those breakdowns from boiling over.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
I use a new platform called Norby to organize all of my link-in-bio information and also manage and promote all the digital events I have coming up for my book. It is so insanely easy to use and it is such a flexible and intuitive platform that I’m able to run so much of my life on it. It’s great.
I obviously use Instagram a lot because I’m running a business and launching a book, but I’m trying to be a bit more mindful of how often I end up aimlessly scrolling and comparing myself to other people. Trying to pivot to use IG for business-only, and really reclaim my free time and headspace! For business, though, I use Canva and Planoly to design and plan my content. I am obsessed with both and find them both really easy to use.
I use Hotel Tonight if I need to get away. I use it once every two months or so and book myself an affordable hotel room in NYC or Brooklyn. I love my boyfriend and my pup and our life in Fort Greene is delightful, but with COVID, I find myself getting this urge to break away and get a change of scenery. Hotel Tonight makes it super easy and I’m usually able to find a hotel for around $100 bucks for the night. I’ll order Seamless to my room and totally indulge and bring a bottle of wine and just chill. It is a miracle app and it has been such a source of self-care for me.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
I am obsessed with: “The Great British Bake Off,” “Law and Order SVU,” “Ted Lasso” (SO GOOD), “Criminal Minds,” and cheesy true crime Lifetime movies. Honestly, throw me a true-crime documentary, an upbeat buddy comedy, a melodramatic movie about a cult, or a dark psychological thriller and I’m good to go. I’m also a total sucker for WW2 in Color documentaries or mini-series. I watch a LOT of history shows. Sometimes I like watching TV shows and movies that are super mindless and really let my brain release. Other times I like learning and digesting information. It varies.
As for what I’m listening to, I just finished a crazy podcast called “Mommy Doomsday” from Dateline. It’s true crime. Absolutely wild. I also listen to a lot of political podcasts like “Pod Save America,” “Pod Save the World,” and just started “Us&Them” and “Sway!”
As for what I’m reading, I have a rotating list! I just finished Leigh Stein’s “Self Care” and am in the middle of Jenny Odell’s “How to Do Nothing” which I’ll dip into during the week, usually with a bath and a glass of wine. I am reading “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson on Sundays when I want more time to read. I’m about to dig into “More than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth and if I’m feeling spooky I’ll pick up “The Perfect Nanny” by Leïla Slimani. It is so, so scary but so captivating.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
I need at least 7 1/2 hours. My body doesn't function the same with less than 7 1/2 hours. I get cranky, I’m more sluggish and lazy and my whole energy is off. My boyfriend can sleep like 5 hours and be fine which *blows my mind.*
Lately, because I have a book launch coming up and Bulletin’s been crazy, I’ve been working from 9 AM to 10 PM or so. I need about two hours of me-time every day at least, so I usually end up going to sleep at 12:45 AM or 1 AM. I wish I could go to bed earlier, and under normal circumstances, I would, but as a night owl, I get my best book and Bulletin work done from 7 PM to 10 PM, so I need that 10-to-midnight window to do my thing and chill before passing out.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Ending a long, bustling day with my boyfriend and my dog, turning my phone on silent, and cozying up to a book or dinner and a documentary. I cherish my free time so insanely much because as I’ve advanced in my career, that “me” time window gets smaller and smaller. I’ve learned and accepted that sometimes, you go through massive “sprints” in your life where you’re lacking the right balance of work, play, and chill. Right now, I’m in one of those sprints. I feel so extremely fortunate to be launching a book and running a company, and I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel once this book is out the door and Bulletin has settled into this new growth phase. But for now, I have mini “lights” at the end of every day’s tunnel because I have a partner and a pup who embrace me at night, hold me, shower me in love, and make the day’s stresses disappear.
“How to Build a Goddamn Empire” by Ali Kriegsman
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How This Fashion Stylist Turned Interior Designer Carves Out Time for Creativity
Lots of water and deadlines are a must.
Photo: Courtesy of Estee Stanley
Welcome to our monthly editorial series A Day in the Life where we ask successful women we admire to share the daily minutiae of their professional lives, from the rituals that set them up for success to their evening wind-down routines. This month we sat down with Estee Stanley, the fashion stylist turned interior designer who is streamlining the way interior designers and architects work with clients through her agency The Eye. Read on to learn how this enterprising entrepreneur stays focused, manages her inbox, and finds the time to binge-watch “Losing Alice” at the end of the day.
Tell us a bit about The Eye. What whitespace did you see in the market? What need did you want to fill?
Before transitioning into interior design, I spent many years working as a celebrity fashion stylist. During my time as a stylist, I was represented by The Wall Group. Although hesitant at first, the benefits of having an agent became so apparent (more money, less hassle) that giving up a cut of my hard-earned money became beyond worth it.
Then, after transitioning into interiors, I couldn’t find the same opportunity for representation, and I never understood why. Having someone to advocate on your behalf, negotiate your contract and fees, and act as a liaison between client and designer throughout the project creates the space for creatives to do what they do best, create! I want to implement this already proven successful representation model into the design industry, helping bring more transparency to all!
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I would definitely say I am a night owl. My creativity often sparks after a few drinks, however, my mid-morning fully caffeinated self is definitely my most prolific self.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I typically get up around 7:30 or 8:00 am, which always feels too early. After immediately brushing my teeth, I try to get some light stretching in, and then it’s off to get my kids organized for their day.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
My mornings often look different (I have my kids to thank for the spontaneity) but I do my best to fit in yoga or tennis whenever I can!
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get to your desk?
First thing is to check and make sure I have my iced tea and water easily accessible. Once the caffeine component has been secured, I typically start my day by checking the news.
What are you working on this week?
Currently, we are in the development stage of creating The Eye’s very own Youtube channel. Our channel will include a variety of unique design shows featuring many of the talented designers on our roster. I love TV so brainstorming and pitching shows has been very fun for me!
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business? The most challenging?
There are a ton of rewarding aspects of this job, but my favorite is being the person to our designers that I always wish I had in my corner. With The Eye being the first-of-its-kind agency within the design industry, one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been educating people on the reason for our services. Considering designers have been working and clients have been hiring long before The Eye ever existed, people wonder why now? It’s our job to show both designer and client the benefits of using The Eye’s services over the ladder.
“Try to section off times in your day to work on certain tasks. That way, you don’t spend too much time doing one thing. It also helps you carve out more time for creative conversation and long-term thinking.”
—Estee Stanley, Founder of The Eye Agency
Photo: Alexander Design Courtesy of The Eye Agency
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
This one is tough for me, as I have to admit I am not a big email person. I am pretty old school when it comes to communication and way prefer someone to pick up the phone and call me directly. Knowing that is way less common in the world we live in now, hitting inbox zero rarely ever happens for me, unless it’s on my phone (since I refuse to install the email app there, lol). That being said, I still love the constant influx of inquiries because they often lead me to connections and opportunities I would have never known otherwise.
What is your go-to work lunch?
Typically, I’ll eat a Nicoise salad or an Italian chopped salad with no meat. However, recently I have been incorporating a lot of banana bread into my diet as well, as I started a side company called Gone Bananas Bread as a way to raise money and give back to charitable causes across our community. Check us out at gonebananasbread.com.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
My advice would be to not get too bogged down in your email inbox. Try to section off times in your day to work on certain tasks. That way, you don’t spend too much time doing one thing. It also helps you carve out more time for creative conversation and long-term thinking.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
Lots of water and deadlines! Working on a deadline always helps me stay focused and more productive.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
Woodoku, The Hoffman Process App, Instagram (obviously), and Bitmoji.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now to help you wind down at the end of the day?
Reading: “Siblings Without Rivalry” (LOL)
Watching: Where do I begin… I am a complete TV junky. Right now I am watching “Losing Alice” and “Possessions,” and I just finished “Money Heist” and “The Split.”
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” number of sleep hours?
14 hours is my optimal amount, only when dreams come true. However, I settle for 8 and usually am asleep by midnight.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
2 part answer!
1) Seeing my kids getting along and realizing how much they teach me on a daily basis.
2) Having fun at work and finding the humor in the small day-to-day things. If you can’t find a smile or laugh while on the job, I would suggest reassessing what you're doing.
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Day in the Life: How a Modern-Day Philanthropist Runs Her Purpose-Driven Company
The founder of ALMA gives us a glimpse into her day-to-day life at a philanthropic startup.
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.
“As most entrepreneurs will probably tell you, there’s no ‘average day’ in startup life. In the last year since starting ALMA, I’m no longer surprised by the daily surprises.”
—Michelle Rittenhouse
We’ve all heard the quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world” but if you want to see what this can actually look like when put into practice, check out ALMA. The co-founders Michelle Rittenhouse and Dan Hill are pretty perfect examples. The pair met while working at Airbnb and after realizing that they shared mutual passions for change-making and empowering others, they decided to create ALMA.
It’s not every day that you hear stories of people wanting to see a change in the world and actually taking initiative to make it happen. Rittenhouse and Hill have a very specific vision for their mission-based organization. In Latin, ALMA means “nourishing,” and that is exactly what this company intends to do: nourish and empower a new generation of philanthropists.
The organization is a platform that brings together nonprofits and donors, with an emphasis on transparency and collaboration. We sat down with Rittenhouse to walk us through a day in the life of the successful philanthropist, and to give us insight into what it takes to run a purpose-driven organization.
What does an average day in your life look like?
“As most entrepreneurs will probably tell you, there’s no ‘average day’ in startup life. In the last year since starting ALMA, I’m no longer surprised by the daily surprises. In a typical day, I might meet with a couple of nonprofit partners, launch an Instagram campaign to support the pro-choice movement, then test our new donation flow designs. I’m constantly switching gears.
“That said, I love routines to help me stay organized, so I build routines into my week whenever possible. Monday morning starts with a weekly planning meeting, and Friday ends by recapping the week with a PPF (Progress, Plans, and Fires). The day-to-day work changes constantly, but anchoring my week with those routines helps me to stay focused on the top priorities.”
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
“On a good day, I’ll get up at 6 AM and run, but realistically, most days it’s closer to 7 AM. I’m guilty—the first thing I do is check my phone. Since our product is very closely tied to trending topics, I always check a few news sources to see what issues people are starting to stand behind, and think about how ALMA might help be part of the conversation. I also read emails but don’t respond to any until I’m in the office in front of my computer. Glancing through emails, my schedule, and catching up on the news helps me prepare for the day ahead.”
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
“I’ve always been a night owl. If I have hard problems to solve, particularly if it requires going deep into the data, I find that I’m able to focus better late at night. Workdays can be too filled with distractions and competing priorities, but at night I can clear everything off my plate and go deep on a single idea. “
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
“First, breakfast! I need a good healthy breakfast before heading to the office. Lately, I’ve been prepping and freezing ingredients for smoothies to easily make throughout the week. I currently have an hour-long commute on a metro (with no wifi!), so I’ve been listening to podcasts or reading on the way to work which is a great way to ease into the day.”
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 a ruthless list person, and I need to actually write things down. Nothing is quite as satisfying as crossing something off my list and I don’t get the same thrill from checking it off online. I’ve also learned when to ask for help or outsource certain areas of the company. I’m never going to be an expert in every aspect that’s required to build a business, so we lean on the experts when it makes sense.”
I’ve learned when to ask for help or outsource certain areas of the company. I’m never going to be an expert in every aspect that’s required to build a business, so we lean on the experts when it makes sense.”
—Michelle Rittenhouse
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
“Yep, though not too often. Since most of my team communication happens in real-time over Slack, email is less time-sensitive than it used to be. I tend to batch my email and crank through it in bursts, rather than constantly monitoring it all day. I don’t like to let emails dangle, so I’ve gotten better at quick replies, even if it’s letting the recipient know I’ll get back to them later. “
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
“Talking to our customers is one of the most energizing and productive things I can do. It helps me see ALMA through their eyes, and they often have great ideas. I can’t tell you the number of strangers I’ve approached in coffee shops to ask them about their perspectives on donating to charity. It’s awkward at first, but oh-so-productive.
“Outside of work habits, it’s the self-care routines I’ve built that keep me balanced. I’ve always been a runner, and it’s critical for me to find the time and space for long runs on the weekends. It clears my head and sharpens my focus.”
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
I” aim for 11 PM. I recently set up Downtime on my iPhone it’s been a game-changer (Settings > Screentime > Downtime). At 11:15 pm, all my apps automatically lock. That’s my signal to put the phone down and grab a book.
“My other tip is keeping a journal. I’ve been writing in a five-year-journal for the last few years, which helps me unwind and clear my mind before bed.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
“Hearing from happy customers is always the best part of my day. My company, ALMA, is a donation platform empowering a new generation of philanthropists, mostly younger, everyday donors giving $20 a month or so to the causes they care about. We hear constantly from donors that they’re much more satisfied with this type of intentional giving compared to just donating reactively to friend’s fundraisers or whenever there’s a natural disaster. We’re sending $1,000s of dollars to our nonprofit partners each month, including many small, local nonprofits, so this support is very impactful for them already.”
When did you know you wanted to start your own company? What was your journey like?
“I’ve had the itch for a long time, and last year the timing was right for me both personally and professionally. I was an early employee at LivingSocial, then worked at Airbnb for years, so I’ve been lucky to twice experience once-in-a-career type startup growth. When I was thinking about my next steps after leaving Airbnb, I knew I didn’t want to go work for a large company, nor was I eager to join someone else’s start-up. I had plenty of ideas and was eager to build something from scratch.”
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited for in 2019?
“It’s been great to see how active and passionate our generation is to drive change. In the first six months after launching ALMA, we raised over $500K for charity, with the average donation around $50. We’re connecting everyday people with really important causes. We’ve recently launched a number of big product updates, including the ability to donate to any verified nonprofit in the U.S. I can’t wait to see how much impact our community is able to drive over the next six months.”
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Day in the Life: A Freelance Publicist Shares What It's Really Like to Go Out on Your Own
Truth bombs this way.
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.
“Most of my daily activities are intentional, which makes me feel in control (like a real boss).”
—Kamari Chelsea
Photo: Courtesy of Kamari Chelsea
Confession: Sometimes I scroll through my own Instagram page (when I’m fighting late-night insomnia) and I reflect on old memories and how far I’ve come. When I scroll back to May 2016, I’m surprisingly nostalgic for the then 30-year-old me, staring away from the camera with bright-eyed expectation perched on a violet velvet couch inside the Mondrian Hotel lobby, Los Angeles.
The real context of that moment was even more alluring. In only a few minutes, I would be whisked away in an Uber to attend my first-ever Create & Cultivate conference. I envisioned myself rubbing shoulders with badass founders like Jaclyn Johnson and hearing megastars like Jessica Alba and Rachel Zoe share the secrets to building a wildly profitable yet chic business.
Needless to say, I was not disappointed by my experience (the VIP gift bag full of beauty products was a cherry on top of a surreal day). In fact, I attended the next two subsequent conferences in Atlanta and New York, soaking up all the business advice I could possibly get. It was a millennial pink whirlwind of networking, knowledge, and endless perks. By the end of a year, I was on a complete high.
As all highs do, though, mine slowly dissipated when I found myself sitting back at a desk job in late 2017, depressed because I had no idea how to create my own entrepreneurial lifestyle. I also had no perception of what that lifestyle actually looked like. Between the Insta-glam moments and breath-of-fresh-air conferences, I thought to myself, What does it actually take?
To answer the questions I once had—and to give an insider’s POV for those reading this who are also asking similar questions—I’m going to break down what my day-to-day life looks like now, three years into my journey. Since then, I’ve signed three major communications consulting clients, took a leadership role at a non-profit, and got married!
While this may feel far off for you, take a glimpse at what it takes, and you may realize in only a few steps, you’ll be on your way, too.
7:00 AM: Wake at Your Own Pace!
Listen, most business owners rave about waking up between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM to take on the day. So, I’ll be brutally honest: No freaking way!
Unless I have a flight to Los Angeles or a train to New York (in which case, consider this quick tip: always travel early AF in the morning, so you can have a full day in the city you’re arriving in), I try to stay in bed with my husband until at least 7:00 AM. That means more time to playfully nudge each other and whine about who is taking up more space or comforters. There’s true value in being someone who gets eight hours of sleep a night; the benefits show up in everything from your skin to your attitude. I’ve learned to listen to my body and not what other people do, and it’s worked out gloriously for me.
So by 7:00 AM, I get up and give myself two full hours of peace. I try to leave the house within 25 minutes of waking up to go for a nice long walk in a local park. The fresh air, music (I play Jhéne Aiko on my headphones because she’s so pleasant in the morning), and the time spent moving slowly and intentionally is a luxury I won’t take for granted. It also allows my body to fully wake up on its own.
Ok, well, coffee also helps, so I religiously dash into the Starbucks by the park before heading home to shower and prep for the day. Basic, I know. So sorry.
9:30 AM: Finances, First!
Now it’s time to get down to business. I start with the most important thing: my finances. I recently hosted Kristin Lee, a celebrity financial planner, on my podcast and she emphasized the importance of checking your accounts and actually looking at your money. Literally everyone, with every size bank account, from Kylie Jenner to a 21-year-old intern, should be checking their accounts regularly.
I do just that. I review my personal and business bank accounts one-by-one, every day. This even includes my savings and stocks. Mainly, I do this to ensure there are no major surprises (the more you invest, though, the more you’re inclined to sometimes see good surprises like dividends).
Then, I review my business books. I start by opening up my accounting software, to ensure I don’t have any outstanding invoices or invoices that need to be sent to existing clients. Then, I check the ratio between my business expenses and my business income. This will help me keep a pulse on whether I should cut costs, pursue more client work, or set aside more money for quarterly taxes.
For some people, books can be boring; trust me, I used to be “some people.” Today, I’ve learned that a little pump-you-up music (Megan Thee Stallion, anyone?) plus some financial moments to look forward to (again: dividends!) can actually make this part of the day fun.
10:30 AM: Emails; I Make My Own Rules!
Once the money is squared away, I dive head-first into emails for legitimately two-and-a-half whopping hours. Since I work in PR and media, a lot of my time is spent pitching. I pitch partnerships; I pitch stories; I pitch for new business; I pitch potential podcast guests… I’m a pitching machine.
To be clear, “pitching” is a fancy way of saying “selling.” Any entrepreneur will tell you that selling is essentially the key to a successful business. You always need to be on your toes, making a sale and connecting people to what they need.
Inbox zero is not a goal (remember, I try not to do things just because other people do it). Instead, I pride myself in making sure I have at least five opportunities (pitches) going out every day, and five opportunities coming in. In my book, an opportunity can be anything from someone wanting to have a coffee date to an offer to be a guest on a new podcast.
Setting an email rule that makes sense for me and my goals is one of the best things I’ve done in my business.
“Inbox zero is not a goal.”
—Kamari Chelsea
1:00 PM—6:00 PM: Meetings, Meetings, More Meetings, and Surprise Meetings!
By 1:00 PM ET, I’m geared up and ready to relinquish my day to the whims of others. The minutes leading up to 1:00 pm are usually like the nerve-racking few seconds one feels when they’re riding a rollercoaster and it’s creeping up toward the edge of the tracks, begging to careen over into topsy-turvy mayhem.
Ok, maybe that’s dramatic, but I usually need to take 10 minutes to exhale (or inhale a salad) before the day of meetings begins. Most of my clients are on the West Coast, while I’m in the East, so having my mornings to myself is a God-send. However, this is the moment when everyone is wide awake, caffeinated, and working, which means… I am up to my ears in meetings, calls, and surprise issues.
6:00 PM: Networking: Required for Entrepreneurs!
By “quitting time” on the East Coast, I’m technically still knee-deep in meetings. However, by this time, I’m rolling into a different type of meeting.
I exclusively block off evenings in my calendar for networking meetings. The only way to grow a business and keep new opportunities in your inbox is to nurture your network. That’s why I try to take at least four nights a week to meet up with someone in my professional circle.
These meetings can include anyone from media to mentors and mentees, to cold-invites I send to people I really want to get to know. Actively networking (which is really just fancy language for “making new friends”) has become one of the most foundational building blocks of my business.
If you’re just starting out, begin by setting aside four hours a week to meet new people in your industry. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have an excuse to go out for a drink or appetizers in new spots around your city.
“The only way to grow a business and keep new opportunities in your inbox is to nurture your network.”
—Kamari Chelsea
8:30 PM: Dinner and Educational Leisure: A Book, Documentary, or Course
While the day is far from over, by 8:30 PM most of my clients are winding down, which means I can finally leave my phone in my bag for more than five minutes at a time. Since I try to commit one day on the weekend to being completely work-free, I maximize my evenings to do more work-adjacent activities.
The biggest myth of being an entrepreneur is that once you work for yourself, you’re completely free from anyone’s demands. But the truth is, the most successful entrepreneurs demand a lot of themselves.
For me, that means whipping up a 30-minute healthy dinner for me and my husband (vegan tacos are my specialty). And immediately after eating, I kick my feet up to crack open a new business book (right now, it’s Ted Talks by Chris Anderson), turn on a documentary (my current fave is Netflix’s The Black Godfather), or catch up on an advanced-skills course (today, I’m learning more about Facebook ad-buying).
Overall, it can sound like a gruesome day, but most of my daily activities are intentional, which makes me feel in control (like a real boss). My routine is a result of years of trial-and-error (no, I can’t wake up early to save my life; yes, I can eat healthier). It’s also centered on doing what is right for my unique business.
So, the real lesson is, once you know what industry you want to go into, get out there and network and then build your time around the goals that matter most to you. Before you know it, you’ll be building something of your own.
About the Author
Kamari Chelsea Guthrie is a multi-hyphenate media consultant, specializing in PR and content creation. Past and present clients include Coca-Cola, Parkwood Entertainment, Vote.org, DJ Spinderella, and TheKnot. She is also the host of The Truth Report podcast. Find her on Instagram @kamarichelsea.
A Day in the Life: Glitter Guide's Taylor Sterling Shares Her #1 Ritual for Success
It’s not as glamorous as you might think.
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.
Photo: Emily Scott
In a media-saturated world, it can be hard to decipher the realness from the noise but there’s one site we always have bookmarked: Glitter Guide. From fashion to home décor, beauty and wellness, founder Taylor Sterling has always served up engaging, educational, and topical content we love—like this story about about the myth of “age-appropriate” clothing—and that’s something she, along with her digital lead, Samantha Welker has decided to shift her focus towards with the new site redesign.
Sterling and Welker both made a conscious shift to focus on the brand’s core values rather than what "performs" the best. “Our new motto is ‘we want hearts, not eyeballs’ and we hope our audience will connect with our new creativity-focused content,” Welker tells me. We can’t wait to see more. We are always so inspired by Sterling and the content she creates so we wanted to get a sneak peek into a day in her life.
Ahead, Sterling gives us a snapshot of her day, what it really takes to be a founder, and key advice to propel your career.
What does an average day in your life look like?
Most days aren’t all that glamourous. I wake up at 6 a.m. with the kids and get them ready for school and out the door. Then until about 3:30 I’m usually sitting at my desk working on assignments and having meetings. The rest of my day is dedicated to getting my kids from school, spending time with them and getting them ready for bed.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
Usually it’s 6 a.m. First it’s a quick snuggle with the kids (who wake me up) and then I immediately get some coffee.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
Naturally I’m a night owl. Growing up I always felt the most creative and productive at night. However my husband is the opposite and he’s trained me to get to bed earlier. Also, since having kids it’s been crucial for me to change my ways. Now I’m most productive around 9 a.m.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
This past year I’ve really slowed everything down and made more time for self-care. That means that in the morning after the chaos of getting the kids to school I come back home (where I work) and I spend about 30 minutes doing a speed clean of the house. I’ve found I work better when it’s tidy and I don’t feel anxious about having to clean it later. I usually listen to a podcast while I clean or some relaxing music. Then I try to fit in a quick workout. Usually something at home or a run. I usually start work around 9:45 a.m. after I have made time for these things that help me feel centered.
Photo: Emily Scott
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?
This used to be a huge struggle for me. I felt like I was doing everything and involved in everything. I started to burn out. We didn’t have good organizational systems. Once those were put into place and the entire team felt confident in their roles and obligations it freed us up and we weren’t juggling as much.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
This is going to sound so bad, but I’ve become really lazy with my emails. I used to be addicted. I would always respond to everything I could. Now that my team isn’t on my emails much I can be better about batching. Some days I don’t even check it. You have to get comfortable with missing something. It’s really felt like a weight has lifted. I know that’s not for everyone, but it’s been a relief.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
Staying healthy and having good work habits is a huge priority. I want my team to know it’s something I value and I hope they will do the same. My team uses Asana and Slack daily and they have been game changers for us. I know that if I have a day where I can’t work as much, as long as I get my daily tasks done then it’s going to be okay. I carve out time for me and also my family. Work is something I’m passionate about, but at the end of the day it’s still work. My life is way more important.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
Ideally, I like to be asleep by 10 p.m. to set myself up for success.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
I love days where I have taken care of my needs, had a productive work day and my family is happy. I always feel like I’m on top of the world when that happens. However, usually something in that mix gets thrown off.
When did you know you wanted to start your own company? What was your journey like?
I never really went into it thinking, I want to start a business. I just knew what I wanted to create and it happened to turn into a business. I think that’s the case for a lot of creative entrepreneurs. It’s almost better that I was naive and that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had to learn by doing. I’ve made so many mistakes over the past ten years. As painful as that is, it’s crucial. It’s how I’ve grown. I’m thankful for it.
Photo: Emily Scott
What advice do you have for aspiring female founders?
Always trust your gut. I’ve made the mistake of ignoring it before, but it never leads you astray.
What are some of the biggest lessons you learned along the way?
I think one big lesson for me is that you are going to have ups and downs. It’s natural. It’s how you handle those downs that are really going to define you. Don’t let them distract you. Stay focused but flexible and you can come back up again.
How do you combat the loneliness often felt by CEOs at the top?
Thankfully my team is so tiny that I don’t ever feel this way. I feel more lonely from us being a totally remote team. Using things like Slack, Google Hangout and having face-to-face meetings when we can really help.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Keep your blinders up.” This isn’t really the best advice, but it’s one I think of often. It’s a reminder that when you get distracted by what others are doing it can be a real downer. Stay positive and focus on what you love and things will often fall into place.
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
I’m not sure I’ve ever had bad advice. It’s usually more that people sometimes don’t get my industry or my situations and give advice based-off their own experiences. You have to keep that in mind when asking people.
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month? What are you most excited for in 2019?
Glitter Guide is about to relaunch our entire website. It’s getting a new look and will be much more user-friendly. With that we’re also changing a lot of our content. We want to connect to people’s hearts and tell stories that have meaning to us and those who we’re working with. We also want to explore creativity and how we can cultivate creative energy. I’m so excited for this new chapter.
Up Next: A Day in the Life: Inside the Cool and Colorful Life of Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow
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"I Don't Check My Emails"—How a Successful Founder Starts Her Day (We're Taking Note)
Founder and CEO of intimates brand Knix, Joanna Griffiths is all about striking a balance.
It’s easy to do. We’ve all fallen privvy to it—waking up in the morning and checking our inbox first thing. It may feel like you’re being productive by clearing out some emails before you hit the office, but just that simple act of checking your phone could be making you unhappy. In fact, email notifications have been linked to higher feelings of anxiety. It’s for this reason that Joanna Griffiths, founder and CEO of intimates brand, Knix decided to remove it from her morning routine altogether. “It gives me an hour or two of clarity before seeing what is coming through my inbox,” she tells us.
We tapped Griffiths to take us through a day in her life before she hits the stage for our Lenovo Pop-Up in Toronto. Read on to find out what other pearls of wisdom she has for us.
What does an average day in your life look like?
Honestly it’s been changing a lot lately. I just had my first baby eight weeks ago and so am settling into the whole mom and entrepreneur thing. I typically spend a couple of hours at home and then head into the office around 10 with Cole (my baby) and Rebecca, our nanny. I do a mix of meetings that usually cover brand marketing (dreaming up our next big campaigns), product design (dreaming up our next big products), operations and finance. We are hiring at a pretty rapid rate and so I’ll often squeeze in a candidate interview here or there (my team does the vetting but I still meet with every hire to ensure culture fit). I build in short breaks so I can breastfeed Cole and try and be out the door at around five.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
Pre-baby I would wake up at 8 a.m. (I need my sleep). Post baby it is more like 7 a.m. I love to spend my first hour with Cole. He’s so smiley in the mornings and it really sets my day off on the right foot.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I am absolutely a night owl. I find that some of my best work and most creative thinking happens at night—often over a glass of wine while sitting in my backyard chatting with Dave my husband who is also our creative director. I need the space and time to chat through concepts without the confines of a scheduled meeting. Plus, the wine helps.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?
To be honest, lately my mornings have been pretty hectic. My main focus has shifted to getting Cole fed and changed, a coffee in hand, and all of us out the door. I am a long time fan of what I have deemed “car makeup”. It’s when you put your makeup on in the car (while someone else is driving). My days are so jam-packed that I try and make use of every minute that I can. I do have one rule though, I don’t check my emails until I am set up and settled for the day. It gives me an hour or two of clarity before seeing what is coming through my inbox.
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 am a big fan of weekly meetings where I can check in on all facets of the business and we’ve got a pretty great reporting system set up where everyday I can get a pulse check on how things are going. I also have learned to block off three chunks of time throughout the day that work as flex time for that urgent last minute situation that emerges or that phone call that you just have to squeeze in. I have these first thing when I get into the office, so I can map out what I want to accomplish for the day, 30 minutes at lunch so I can eat and check in on emails and then again for the end of the day. Keeping this reserve time has really helped me stay on top of things.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
I think my days as an entertainment publicist have trained me to stay on top of emails and to respond to things as they come in. It’s a slippery slope once you start falling behind and so I try to be proactive as much as possible.
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Day in the Life: Ariel Kaye, Founder & CEO of Parachute
“Creating something that people care about and that has an impact are my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur.”
We’re back with another installment of our Day in the Life series! Today we’re sitting down with Ariel Kaye, founder & CEO of the beloved home brand Parachute. We’re obsessed with her focus on responsible sourcing, customer happiness, and smart scaling. Read on to check out her wisdom for yourself!
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I definitely prefer life as a morning person. My baby girl, Lou, was born in January – she tends to dictate my mornings these days! Now that I’m back to work, mornings are when we get to spend a little extra time together. I also like to work out early in the day, and then I’ll come home to go through my emails.
By late afternoon, I typically start to feel a bit foggy. So if there’s something really important that I’m working on, I like to make sure to carve time out for it earlier in the day. It’s a big change from when I used to do some of my best work into the wee hours of the night!
What’s your commute like? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks? Any current faves?
My commute typically takes me about 25 minutes. What I listen to during my drive really depends on my mood. Some days I actually prefer silence, using that extra time to think. But I’m also a big fan of SiriusXM – some of my favorite channels include ‘90s on 9, ‘70s on 7, The Beatles Channel, Soul Town, The Groove, and Yacht Rock Radio. It’s quite a range! I also listen to several podcasts, including The Daily, WorkParty, Goop, How I Built This, and Pod Save America.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office/to your desk?
As soon as I get into the office, I immediately fill a large glass with water, get to my desk, open my emails and scan for anything urgent. Then I open my calendar and decide how I’m going to use my time between meetings. Hyper-efficiency is a major focus for me right now.
“Creating something that people care about and that has an impact are my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur.”
What are you working on this week?
I’m currently working with my team on some exciting potential partnership opportunities, strategic new hires, and preparing for an upcoming board meeting.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running Parachute? The most challenging?
Creating something that people care about and that has an impact are my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur. Our customers are at the center of everything we do, from developing new products that help them start and end their days feeling their very best, to creating unique and engaging shopping experiences right in their neighborhoods. Thinking of the looks on our customers faces when they touch or feel our products for the first time, or find the exact inspiration they are looking for in one of our stores, is extremely rewarding.
As we scale, so do the magnitude of the decisions and the effects they have on the organization. For that reason, I’m always concerned with staying flexible and supportive as we continue to grow. Start-ups are often measured by the speed of their growth, but growing a brand does not happen overnight – and scaling a business while protecting company culture gets challenging.
Ultimately, I try not to focus on the optics of start up success, but rather the true health of the business, my team, what customers are saying, and how we can provide them the best home essentials and shopping experience in the world.
You’re super involved in the production process for Parachute. Do you still travel a lot for work? What trips do you have coming up?
I do tend to travel pretty often. The majority of my business travel these days is for press opportunities, speaking engagements, visiting potential new store locations and spending time with members of our new communities during our grand opening celebrations. I’m also still very involved in the process of selecting the best possible manufacturing partners to bring our products to life.
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication CEOs are so familiar with?
Very rarely! I’ve probably only achieved “inbox zero” twice in the past few years.
When it comes to managing my inbox, it’s all about prioritizing my email responses based on their degree of urgency, and delegating when it makes sense. I also probably wind up deleting 30-40 emails every morning that aren’t relevant to me or my business, or are clearly spam.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I make a point of taking a break during the workday to go for a walk around the block, clear my head, and make sure I get some fresh air. I’m also better and more focused when I’ve worked out in the morning, and took some time to get the blood flowing. Being organized and keeping a to-do list definitely helps me make sure that I’m accomplishing everything I need to do. And maintaining good lines of communication with my team so I know where I can support is critical.
“Maintaining good lines of communication with my team so I know where I can support is critical. ”
What are you reading/watching right now?
I just started reading Educated by Tara Westover last night – so many of my friends and Parachute team members have been raving about it. In terms of TV, I’m currently watching “The Act,” “Billions,” and “Queer Eye,” and I just finished “Shrill.”
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
I typically go to bed between 9-11 p.m. There’s no such thing as optimal sleep right now – I’m waking up with the baby!
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Getting home after a productive day at the office and spending quality time with my husband and baby girl.
What’s something not a lot of people know about you?
I’m a trained opera singer – though you’d probably only know this if we’ve been out to karaoke together and I’ve had a drink or two!
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Day in the Life: Amy Nelson of The Riveter
“It’s important for me to understand all the moving pieces of the company if I am tasked with leading the whole.“
In today’s installment of our monthly Day in the Life series, we’re going behind the scenes with Amy Nelson, founder of the wildly successful women’s coworking space The Riveter, which has location in Seattle, Austin, LA, and Dallas, with spaces in five more cities forthcoming. Below, Amy gets real on what it’s like to run a business based all over the country—all with three children (and another on the way)!
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
One of my girls is undoubtedly up by 6 am… but if I beat them to it, I’m up at 5am. I read through news updates (Fortune’s BroadSheet is a favorite) and head down to the treadmill in our garage. I love to start the day with a work out. Even if it’s only 20 or 30 minutes - and it often is - it’s a little bit of “me time” to stay balanced. (And right now, at 32 weeks pregnant, I’m definitely walking and not running!) We also have “family breakfast” at our house, as it’s a better time for my husband, myself and the little girls to spend quality time together than at night. It’s something I really cherish.
What’s your commute like? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks? Any current faves?
Each day’s needs are different. I use commute time for calls with board or team members, wrangling childcare, scheduling doctor appointments, mentally preparing for meetings and speaking engagements, etc. Both my company and my family are in a period of growth, so this means I haven’t been able to settle on a routine. I do love listening to two podcasts - Committed (by the amazing Jo Piazza) and Dot Complicated (with the best host, Randi Zuckerberg) - when I have the chance!
“Block out times with your team and for yourself where you forgo phone calls and quick meetings and instead use the time strategize toward a clearly defined objective.”
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office/to your desk?
Apparently I could learn a lot from Mark Twain. I don’t have a regular-enough day to have a blanket statement. Airport as the office? Often. The Riveter locations and coffee shops in other cities are my floating desks. I do regularly sweep through unanswered email and check in on priorities with team members early in the day. I also look at my calendar so I can remind myself of the day’s priorities! (Also, let’s be honest. Wherever I am, priority number one is a cup of coffee.)
What are you working on this week?
This week, I’m preparing to give a keynote address at WNORTH in Whistler on Advocating for Mothers in the Workplace (fun!) and preparing the deck for our board meeting next week (less fun - but crucial!). I’m simultaneously working on our upcoming Riveter openings in Dallas, Portland and Denver. And I’m also working on making sure I get enough sleep and water. The third trimester is no joke. It’s such a busy time!
You have coworking spaces in four cities, with plans to launch in five more cities soon. How often are you traveling, and what do your days on the road look like?
I’ve traveled 3-4 days a week for the past two months (and will be keeping the pace until I am a month out from my due date in early June!), mostly for speaking engagements and to visit cities where we are opening The Riveter locations. My days on the road consist of meeting business and social innovators in our soon-to-be-Riveter homes to learn about their work, exploring amazing opportunities to work with other amazing women-led movements, spending time with key stakeholders and really laying the ground-work to ensure that our new space is a success. What is special about The Riveter is that, as we expand across the country, we are creating spaces and community that are an extension of the already-existing ecosystem of each city. It’s important for me to take the time to build those relationships and learn from other business leaders and community members, and that’s what I prioritize with my travel. No two Riveters are the same, nor should they be.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
It’s so difficult to balance time “on the business” versus “in the business” and I work to perfect this process every day. One tip I would give is to set very clear, tangible long-term goals for yourself and your company. Throughout the week and as needed, block out times with your team and for yourself where you forgo phone calls and quick meetings and instead use the time strategize toward a clearly defined objective. As a daily action item, make time at the end of each day to reflect on your work - you should be able to connect every task you did in the day to the big picture. The other piece of advice I have is to tie all of the “small acts” to each of your “big goals.” If the small isn’t tied to the big, you have to question whether it’s a good way to spend your time!
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I strive to have some understanding of every aspect of the business and, by extension, a working relationship with every employee at The Riveter. It’s important for me to understand all the moving pieces of the company if I am tasked with leading the whole. This allows me to learn from the very talented individuals on my team, no matter if they’re on the ground in Austin leading events or in the C-Suite with me directing our operations. I can weigh in where I can to optimize productivity and also keep the company on track to where we need to be.
What do evenings look like for you?
There’s always an element of chaos getting everyone home from afternoon activities, preparing dinner and getting three small children ready for bed. When I’m in town, I do try to make it home for afternoon activities once a week so I can join in on swim lessons, dance, or whatever else is going on! Once the house is quiet, I normally take another hour or so to finish up work for the day and plan for the day ahead. This is also the only time I have to spend with my mother (who lives with us) and also my husband, so we’ll debrief our days and catch up.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
10:00pm is typical. I strive for 7 hours of sleep a night.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Spending time with my little ones, by far! It is incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and see what they accomplish daily. I love their energy and joy, and I learn so much from them every day.
What’s something not a lot of people know about you?
I love to camp. From the age of 13-20, I attended and later worked at a camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area between Minnesota and Canada. I went entire summers without running water and spent endless weeks on the water, paddling miles. My husband is from Minnesota and, coincidentally, went to camp in the same area, and we can’t wait to take the girls camping when they are a bit older.
Love what Amy had to say? Check out our other Day in the Life features here!
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Day in the Life: Shilpa Shah & Karla Gallardo of Cuyana
“Customers craved more, they were tired of expensive low-quality products—we created a brand to fill that need.”
Welcome back to our monthly series, Day in the Life! Through this Q&A series, we’re giving you an inside look at the day-to-day lives of some of the most inspiring women in business. This month, we talked with Shilpa Shah and Karla Gallardo of Cuyana, the lifestyle brand for the modern woman interested in simple functionality.
Below, hear what these co-founders have to say about filling whitespace, what advice they have for for work-life balance, and the habits they’ve developed to be the best versions of themselves.
Tell us a bit about Cuyana. What whitespace did you see in the market? What need did you want to fill?
Karla: Fewer, better things is the philosophy behind all we do. We started Cuyana to inspire consumers to shop intentionally for high-quality pieces crafted with integrity. We saw the need for luxury-made items at an affordable price point - the consumer mindset was shifting, and we had the opportunity to be the better choice within fashion.
Shilpa: She was seeking higher quality products with purpose; logos and overt branding were no longer relevant. Customers craved more, they were tired of expensive low-quality products - we created a brand to fill that need.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
Karla: I’m a night owl but have recently been successful in transitioning to being a morning person. Getting an earlier start to the day enables me to spend more time with my son, Mateo.
Shilpa: I’m a night owl by nature. I’ve tried to become more of a morning person, but I’m still a work in progress!
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
Karla: I’m up early to ensure I have breakfast together with my family - with such a busy work schedule, breakfast is more dependable than dinner. The shared time together sets the foundation for my whole day.
Shilpa: I spend my mornings coming up with creative ways to cajole my kids out of bed - they’ve clearly inherited my night owl mentality! The rest of the morning is a wild dash to get everyone to where they are supposed to be and making it happen on time.
What’s your commute like? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks? Any current faves?
Karla: I spend my commute looking at everything I’m devoting time to, ensuring that each task or meeting has purpose.
Shilpa: I take my time on the train to peruse the New York Times app or listen to podcasts and audiobooks - listening to "Becoming" narrated by Michelle Obama has been a wonderful experience.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office/to your desk?
Karla: Grab a cup of coffee - my brain doesn't process information until the first sip of my morning latte. I then head right to an early meeting with my bag and latte in tow - I rarely make it to my desk.
Shilpa: Definitely not eating frogs! I am typically in meetings first thing in the morning. I’m lucky if I even make it to my desk, but always have coffee in-hand.
What are you working on this week?
Karla: Everything from annual internal reviews to our exciting plans to expand retail!
Shilpa: I’ve been focused on exciting collaborations and our seasonal marketing strategies.
What advice do you have for balancing the minutiae of day-to-day tasks with big-picture planning?
Shilpa: Break down the big-picture plans into smaller, discernible milestones. Then you can plan all tasks the same way!
Karla: We plan our annual strategy every January, and it serves as the overarching framework for everything we do. New items pop up every day though, and it is important to constantly review my week to ensure that every meeting and task continues to ladder up to the big picture. I re-prioritize my week on Sundays to make sure I achieve key results by Friday. Also, I am very close to the data. It reveals whether the path we decided to take in January makes sense, and it will sometimes challenge me to make changes in the overarching strategy. I spend 2 hours looking at reports and thinking about the big picture strategy every week. It is my “zen” moment, and it brings back the focus.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
Karla: I make time each day to do something for the people I care about most. I then get some me time by working out a few days a week at home on our Peloton.
Shilpa: It’s not the quantity of time, but rather the quality way in which you spend it. I make sure that I connect with my husband and kids in ways that also meets their needs. It’s amazing how outsourcing the household tasks opens up more meaningful time together.
What are you reading/watching right now?
Shilpa: Anxiously waiting the last season of GOT!
Karla: Honestly, television is my way to zone out - I love watching laughable and outrageous shows at the end of my night.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
Shilpa: Between 12-1 am. I would love to have 7 hours of sleep, but I usually end up near 6.
Karla: I get up early now, so I’m in bed by 11!
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Karla: The time with my son and husband. Whether our family breakfast in the morning or watching Mateo’s favorite movie, Moana, the moments I spend with my family are the best.
Shilpa: I cherish the time spent with my family. Sometimes, getting in those last few hours of quiet work time at the end of the day can feel rewarding too!
What’s something not a lot of people know about you?
Karla: I already revealed my guilty television pleasures!
Shilpa: I actually wasn’t very organized until I met Karla. It’s been amazing to see how our “fewer, better” philosophy has changed the way I live.
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Day in the Life: Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow
“I’m pretty laser focused on my own stuff. I don’t allow myself to compare and despair.”
We’re back with the second installment of Day in the Life, a monthly series where we’re sitting down with some of the most inspiring women in business to get an inside look at their day-to-day life.
Today, we’re chatting with designer, blogger, and home design extraordinaire Justina Blakeney. Justina is the founder of Jungalow, the blog that convinced all of us that plants are not optional home decor, and author of the acclaimed home tour book The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes. Read on to hear Justina’s take on morning routines, what she’s working on now, and the dangers of comparison.
What’s your mantra/mission statement/work ethos?
“If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing.” ~ Nigerian proverb
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
I’m probably more of a morning person, but I do enjoy staying up late when it’s really quiet to do my deep creative work. I usually wake up at first light.
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
I get my daughter dressed for school, throw on something comfy, walk to my local coffee spot to grab a latté, take said latté on a 30 minute walk along the L.A. river to get in some ‘steps’ before work. I listen to a podcast or the news at this time. I am at work by 8:30.
What’s your commute like? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks? Any current faves?
I walk or bike to work. My go-to podcast is “How I Built This” from NPR.
Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” What’s the first thing you do when you get into the studio?
Eeeuuuwww!! Haha. The first thing I do when I get into the studio is any work that I need silence for. My staff arrives at 9AM so I have 30 minutes of quiet time and usually use it for things like drawing or writing.
“I’m pretty laser focused on my own stuff.
I don’t allow myself to compare and despair.”
What are you working on this week?
This week I’m designing a new pillow collection, putting together a presentation for a talk I’m giving in a couple of weeks, doing a photoshoot for a social media campaign I’m working on for an appliance company, finishing to design the custom sofa we’re putting in our new ADU remodel project, meeting with financial folks to create our forecast for 2019 financials and finish up our tax planning and payments for 2018, and going through the strike-offs for our new wallpaper collection.
What do you wish you had more time for in your day?
I do enough in a day, LOL.
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
I’m pretty laser focused on my own stuff. I don’t allow myself to compare and despair. I always do at least one creative thing per day that’s off the computer (drawing/painting/working with clay/crafting etc.) I go on walks outdoors frequently throughout my day. I take dance breaks.
What are you reading/watching right now?
I’m a magazine junkie and I go to the magazine stand at my local bookstore every month and buy about a dozen magazines, most of them international shelter mags or business magazines. I’m not reading any book-books at the moment but I am watching some fun shows. Current go-tos include Shark Tank, Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show, and the Outlanders—it’s my guilty pleasure.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
I’m 11pm - 6:30am like clockwork.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Hanging with my daughter is just the best. But honestly, I’m very lucky. I feel my work like and home life are both extremely rewarding.
Day in the Life: Rachel Krupa of The Goods Mart & Krupa Consulting
The genius behind our favorite little shop tells all.
Welcome to the first installment of our new monthly series, Day in the Life! Through this Q&A series, you’ll get an inside look at the day-to-day lives of some of the most inspiring women in business.
To kick things off, we sat down with Rachel Krupa, a true force of change in the health food and wellness industry. At her PR agency, Krupa Consulting, Rachel promotes food and wellness brands through press, social, and events. Her newest venture, a “healthy convenience store” called The Goods Mart, puts her knowledge of that same space to work through what The New York Times calls “A 7-Eleven for all you organic people.” Read on to hear Rachel’s take on routines, self care, and the best snacks at her shop right now.
Are you a night owl or a morning person? When do you do your most important work and why?
Honestly, I’m both… I love getting up early and hammering through emails or taking calls before 9am, and then I get my second wind at 5 or 6pm. I love the quiet, calm feeling in the mornings and the energy that the just post-dusk evening brings. I live for the the sunrise and fall peaks of each day.
What time do you get up? What’s the first thing you do upon waking?
I wake up around 5:45-6:30am – it just depends on my day! But every day, I wake up and roll right into a workout class – Pilates or yoga!
What does your morning, pre-work routine look like?
I like to have a structured morning…wake, workout, and after the workout, I mediate when I get home, drink a liter of water, listen to music, dry brush, oil pull (while showering), take my Chinese herbs, collagen, and sprinkle on some essential oils with quick glance at emails to see what’s coming in…I try to swing by the store before heading into the office if I don’t have a meeting.
What’s your commute like? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks? Any current faves?
During my commute, I’m either listening to music or rolling calls. I keep it simple — KISS FM, or still listen to Pandora (so old school ☺). Right now I’m obsessed with the “Dreamy Snowy Day” channel.
You own a consulting business and also run The Goods Mart. What’s the best and worst part of running two very different businesses?
Crazy enough, my two business actually compliment each other. Krupa Consulting is a PR agency focusing on food and wellness. We work with incredible restaurants (Shake Shack, Milk Bar, maman, Hanoi House, Monty’s Good Burger, byChloe), the tastiest CPG brands (MatchaBar, McConnell’s Ice Cream, Vital Farms, Good Catch, This Bar Saves Lives), and the best wellness brands (goop Wellness, Clean Market, WTHN, Fleur Marche). Our goal is to build media and consumer awareness and we often discuss how to drive more traffic to their stores, studios, and sites by sharing the cool things they are doing.
With The Goods Mart, I’m pretty much doing the same thing but it’s my own brand.
I’m never not learning something! I’m able to see what consumers are talking about in the store and share it with our brands. It’s FUN to get real time feedback from real customers!
The worst part - I wish there was more time in the day to get more done! And juggling two inboxes can get a little crazy at times.
What are some exciting projects you’re working on this month?
Last week, I was at Fancy Food in San Francisco, a very large specialty food and beverage show where we got to see and taste the new products and trends in food. We had a handful of clients exhibiting, and then I walked the show to find cool new products to bring into The Goods. Also this week, Monty’s Good Burger just launched the Impossible Burger 2.0, we’re doing desk sides with Fleur Marche in New York, and I looked at a few new spaces to potentially open another store!!!
We just signed a few new clients, Kiito (an incredible plant-based protein drink) and Juneshine (a hard Kombucha), so this week we’re in planning mode with them. It’s our time to get really creative and present our ideas. We’re also doing a farm visit with our client Roam, a female-centric cannabis vape company. I love how transparent our clients are and how they welcome us to see all parts of their business. I’m jumping on a red eye on Wednesday (I’m not excited about that), but on Thursday, I’m speaking on a panel. The Goods Mart will be curating all the snacks for the event and we’re bringing in our slushie machine! I’m excited for the event guests to try our kombucha slushies!
Do you ever reach inbox zero? How do you handle the constant influx of inquiries and communication entrepreneurs are so familiar with?
In my dreams, my inbox would be at zero! Earlier in my career, I couldn’t sleep if I had unread emails, but boy, times have changed. Now, I actually mark emails as unread if I need to keep them on my radar.
I also believe email is not always the best method of communication. Slack has been a lifesaver for internal communication for both Krupa Consulting and The Goods Mart. It helps to streamline communication and greatly reduced office chit chat!
What product are you currently most excited about selling at TGM? Why?
It’s really had to narrow them down!
Rind – it’s a local Brooklyn brand that dries fruit with the skins on. The persimmons and kiwis are ridiculously good.
We just brought in a new spice soda called Dona – the pink peppercorn lemon is so refreshing!
I’m also a fan of Laiki (they taste like a Bugle, but with only 3 ingredients) — we’re the first to carry their new Vegan Cheese flavor.
Little Secret Wafers (hello, better-for-you Kit Kat)!
Delish Fish — they taste like a Swedish fish but without all of the artificialness)
Dang Sticky Rice Cakes — I just polished off a bag.
…and last but not least.. our pineapple kombucha slushies!
What are some work habits that help you stay healthy, productive, and on track to reach your goals?
At our office and in the store, I believe you need to create a mood to be more productive and keep energies high – it’s about the smells, the music and the energy of the work environment.
We always have aromatherapy on (or burn incense). In the office, we alternate playlists to coordinate how people are feeling, while in the store, we have some really rad playlists created depending on the time of day.
At Krupa Consulting, we try to step away from our computers during lunch so we’re not eating and working. Each team meets on Mondays to discuss the goals for the week for our clients and then meets again on Thursday or Friday to discuss how the week went. It keeps the communication flowing!
And I’m a believer in getting out of the office during the day to walk around and clear your mind. Every day at 4pm, I walk to get a matcha. It’s my time to clear my mind so I can finish the day strong. It’s also important to add small hints of wellness into your day – rub on a dab of essential oil, think about breathing, talk about something really random to make yourself and other laugh. We all work REALLY hard, but you need to break it up, even if it’s for a minute.
Any favorite apps you use regularly?
Top used apps currently are: Slack, Dropbox, Delta, Square, Instagram, Insight Timer, and Sleep Cycle.
What are you reading/watching right now?
I need to read more books… I have Howard Schultz “Pour Your Heart Into It” on my nightstand.
Before I go to bed, I need to watch an easy show it helps transfer my mind away from emails. My guilty pleasures are The Magnificent Mrs. Maisel, New Amsterdam, and You.
How do you spend an average evening?
An average night is spent doing more emails from home. I turn the lights low, blare some tunes, and spend some quality time with my inbox. But at least two nights a week, I make plans with friends/clients to have dinner and catch-up sessions.
I’ll also toss in, weekends are very much a time for self-care. I regularly get massages, acupuncture, and IV drips. I need to give my body some TLC because I know I push it hard.
When do you go to bed? What’s your “optimal” # of sleep hours?
I tried to be in bed by 11pm, but normally it’s closer to midnight! I aim for at least seven hours a night, but I feel good as long as I have more than six hours.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Going to work! I love what I do and the people I get to work with daily. The teams at both Krupa Consulting and The Goods Mart are stellar; they put their heart and soul into it. I’m inspired by them daily. We also get to work with so many outstanding brands.
At The Goods Mart, we’re able to introduce new, better options to our customers and have them leave with smiles on their faces. Shopping can be FUN!