Tell us a little about the younger version of Abigail Fraher. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be President of the US! I remember every year in elementary school we would have a project from a drawing to an essay about what we wanted to be, and my answer was always President. That has since changed, but I’ve always wanted to be a figure on a large scale that contributed to change in people’s lives.
How did you get to your career today as an Executive Director at dr LASER, creator of clothing line basicAF and co-host of #Adulting podcast?
Life has a way of leading you to and from situations meant for you. I started as a location manager after leaving my paycheck to paycheck job as a salon manager. Fast forward two years and I was running four locations for dr LASER, and opening two more. Today, I run a total of six locations with no plans of slowing down!
I love lifestyle, clothing, beauty, skincare, cooking, decoré. you name it and I love it. I think that it is very fitting that my opportunities, paychecks, and future plans all revolve around the same industry.
I was a guest host on the Adulting podcast in previous seasons, then was asked to return to season four as a co-host! From there Zack and my relationship has grown professionally and personally as we develop and mold the podcast into a feel that best represents “us”.
#Adulting is about life hacks for getting your sh*t together. When it comes to getting your sh*t together, what are your must-haves?
I must have a BUDGET. This is key. I’m addicted to numbers when they represent money. I get off to organizing my finances and creating financial plans.
What is worth investing in and what do you choose to save money on?
I splurge on my apartment and my furniture. The space I call home is super important to me. If I feel like it is cheap, I will feel cheap.
I love a good handbag, however, I buy mine second hand from places like Tradsey and The Real Real, to maximize my dollar.
I save money on ready to wear clothing, since it typically is seasonal. I love Missguided, Pretty little thing, and little melrose boutiques.
How do you start your mornings?
With a shot of lemon and apple cider vinegar, and a 6 am workout. I’m the nastiest morning person and a workout gets my endorphins going and puts me in a better space to start my day.
Do you find it difficult to close out a workday? How do you unwind?
I find it IMPOSSIBLE. Just last week I was on a mountain in Whistler, Canada answering a work email and I stopped and was like “no, no, this isn’t right.” I have to make an extremely conscious effort to disconnect or else it will literally run my life.
What are five things anyone can do right now to improve their lives?
1) Stop thinking about how others may feel about your decisions.
2) Make time to exercise.
3) Only surround yourself with people YOU want to be around.
4) Drink a gallon of water each day.
5) Be ready to work hard, and in shitty environments to get where you want to be in life.
What are you still working on when it comes to your personal growth?
I am working on continuing to be the best version of myself, to not be so critical of my failures, and to embrace the ‘moment’ rather than the ‘goal’.
What are you excited about right now?
I am super excited about the podcast and the growth we have experienced, it really is true that you have to grind endlessly before something happens and those periods of nothing can be very discouraging. So it is super rewarding to feel like career paths are finally blooming!
Rapidfire time!
I like to live my life by this motto: Unless you would switch lives with someone, their opinions don’t matter.
My favorite workout involves: On my own: Weights, and glutes, glutes, glutes. In a class setting: Hot Pilates, Soul Cycle
The one book that has changed my life: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
Most affordable, essential self-care product I can’t live without: Night Cream: Specifically Urban Skin RX Mega Moisture Night Cream ($9).
Craziest thing I do for my personal growth: Daily money manifestations in the evening. (@ManifestationBabe) has an amazing workbook.
Best app on my phone for enhancing my life: Tie between Google Drive or Audible
When I’m stressed out, this is my go-to: A deep breath, realize that I am not dying so it can’t be that bad, Tense my body up then slowly relax it, and move on.
My advice to women struggling with self-love is: Stop and look around, no one is confident 100% of the time, and no one has all of the same ‘categories’, that we like to use to judge ourselves. You’re unique and that is truly the most beautiful thing ever. If there is something that you want to change about yourself, as long as it is rooted in a healthy mindset, then go ahead! Edit yourself, change your hair, your style, eat healthier, bulk up if that what you want to do. The rule is there are no rules. Literally be what you want to be and OWN it.
#Adulting releases new episodes every Tuesday and is available on all major platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and online at theadultingpodcast.com.