I serve women entrepreneurs, coaches, course creators, consultants, and women-owned agencies across various industries in the online space by creating the swoon-worthy, efficient business systems and processes of their dreams.

Long story short, with the help of my internal team and their team of contractors and employees, I manage their internal and external operations so that they can get back to doing what they love in their zone of genius.

I absolutely live my best life when I’m working behind the scenes in my clients’ business operations, systems, and funnels.

My mission is to help my clients optimize and restore their business operations foundation without wasting time and money.

My approach to completing projects is centered around lean fundamentals and the overall goal to keep things streamlined from A to Z while cutting out wasted steps so that everything that is happening, is adding value to the process.

My clients typically come to me looking for help streamlining their business operations or to help clean up, fix, audit, and automate the processes that once served them but now after they have scaled their business, no longer serve them.

In this period of time, they have rapidly grown their business and their team and aren’t in the position to pause what they have going on now to troubleshoot and repair what is happening behind the scenes. The cost of halting their operations to fix it is much greater and that’s where I step in.

I got started in the online space in September of 2020 and began my entrepreneurial journey as a virtual assistant.

Over the course of the last near 3 years, I’ve expanded my business and transitioned into and out of various roles: from a virtual assistant to an online business manager, a launch manager, a funnel specialist, an operations manager, and now a COO and integrator (or an operations and integration specialist).

While it may seem like hopping around from one role to the next, it was actually a quick but smooth period of growth from mastering one focus to wanting to learn and develop skills in other areas that complimented each other.

From my first day until now, I’ve truly leaned into allowing the flow guide me in finding where I’m truly aligned, and I’m happy to say that I feel more aligned in what I do each day. 

After finishing college with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration in 2019, the moment I found this world and the possibilities that came with it, I knew that I was in the right place.

Now, 4 years later I’ve grown from being a solo part-time entrepreneur (while still full-time in the corporate world) to running a business full-time at home, bringing my husband on the team full-time, and recently hiring our first contractor to start expanding the business in more ways. It’s been a rollercoaster of success and failures but the most rewarding journey.

The beauty of the entrepreneurial world is that you’re allowed to make those shifts, operate a life-first business, and redefine success for yourself. The moment I let go of the corporate world and the stress that came with it was the first time I felt space and ease and found it possible to actually enjoy what I do for a living. We only live once, so why not do it while chasing what you love in a way that feels good to you? 

My days look completely different every single day, week, month and so on, but I try to follow the same approach to prepare myself for what can happen so that I can keep myself in a flow state in order to resolve issues and provide the transformation that my clients come to me for.

A Day In The Life Of A COO and Online Business Owner

Morning Focus & Routine

Depending on the day, I typically hit the ground running between 4:30AM and 6AM CST. In order to prepare me energetically for the day and get me in the right mindset, I make sure I have time to fully wake up, get ready, drink water, and pour myself a cup of coffee. 

What I’ve found out is that the first hour or two of my day truly determines how that day goes. If I wake up and immediately jump on my computer and induce a sense of rush and stress, then I’m going to be stuck in that pattern all day and usually end up working into the late night. (I’ve learned this over the years through trial and error.)

So, the way that I set myself up for a busy day with multiple clients and communication with team members is allowing myself time in the morning to ease into waking up, take my time getting ready, get some fuel and water into my system, and ease into my day. Approaching the day in that relaxed state ramps up my productivity level and I’m usually able to end the day early in the afternoon, depending on what projects we have going on.

In order to achieve that, sometimes that means waking up earlier than I want to but it’s the ultimate reward of having my work days be centered around productive energy especially when I’m working on projects and tasks that require more intensive focus and troubleshooting. In my case, it’s not usually a problem to wake up early for that extra time since I go to bed around 9PM. (Insert your old grandma jokes here!)

Day Planning & Prioritization

The second most important piece in determining my productivity is the first 30 minutes to one hour of my work day. Each day I take time to focus on what is going to be priority for the day by looking at my call schedule first and then determining what time I have left to accomplish tasks. That time outside of calls is what gauges my capacity and what I can truly get done during the day. 

Typically Mondays are a heavy call day and I only have a few hours in the afternoon for productivity so in knowing that I make sure to prioritize the heavier lifting of work throughout the rest of the week. Otherwise, I make sure that after assessing time capacity, I’m focusing on what is a priority for each client.

I usually outline 3-5 priority focuses or tasks for each of my clients and make my way down the list based on turnaround priority across the board. This helps me stay balanced and working on each client while accomplishing what is to be completed that day or week. 

I’ve found that by approaching my workload this way, I’m able to keep that balance longer versus only working on one client for an extended period of time. If I’m chipping away at the higher priority, the ease of flow increases over the week’s time.

I not only approach each day this way, but I do this once at the beginning of the week as an overview planning session and then I “re-do” it each morning to account for any changes that have happened.

Workflow, Client Calls, & Communication

From there, I’m able to get in the zone, stay heads down and focus on the things that need to get done externally for my clients and internally for my own business. In the mix of “doing-the-things”, I’m usually communicating back and forth with my clients and team over Slack.

While this can cause interruptions during the day, I consider that time productive because I’m in the moment with my clients and team. The most important thing you could do as an online business owner is prioritize communication while keeping your work hour boundaries of course.

The more I’m in constant and necessary communication with my clients and team, the more trust, comfort, and cohesiveness are formed. Creating this environment with clients and team members not only benefits your relationship with them but it keeps you in a forward motion and rhythm of focusing on what is important NOW versus what is just on the list for the week.

While the actual “things” I do during the day are usually never the same, the way I show up is and that is what is my individual priority. Maintaining a flow that keeps me showing up and performing for clients, my team, and myself. 

Daily Recap & Reprioritization

After a long work day, I revisit my task and priority list that I made at the beginning of the day and do a quick de-brief session that usually only takes a few minutes. I look for areas I accomplished, areas I made progress in, and areas that I didn’t get to touch. This will help me in the planning phase during the next day because I’ll know what is most priority so that I can keep things moving.

What Matters & Why You Should Focus On Your Flow

Being an entrepreneur who manages multiple clients and teams across the world, and different industries and zones of genius, the one thing that keeps me going and thriving in what I do, is my flow state.

Focusing on my flow and my energy every day is what has allowed me to grow, shift, triple my yearly income, expand my team, develop new skills and so much more. If you allow yourself to prioritize how things feel first, then you’ll know where you need to apply your skills second. 

Shift your mindset from what your role is or what tasks to do, to how you show up best. If you’re focusing on just getting things done, things won’t feel rewarding or like you’re making an impact. Focus on how you operate best and you’ll start operating even better. While keeping that mindset, it’s important to also let yourself be guided into new areas and lean into the uncomfortable. Of course, there isn’t a “physical” movement to actually feel but once you start opening up your days to what actually matters and where things feel right, you’ll start allowing that to flow back into your world.

“Your goals are the fuel that propels you forward in life.” – Ed Mylett

“Your job is to feel good and be ready to receive the things you are wanting. And when you are ready to receive it, it will come.” – Esther Hicks

“Don’t let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.” – Anonymous

“Manifestation is an act of trust. It is the belief that what you desire is already yours.” – Gala Darling

“If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.” – Oprah Winfrey

“Power is not given to you. You have to take it.” – Beyoncé

“Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett

“The key to manifesting your desires is to focus on the feeling of already having it.” – Esther Hicks

“The minute you learn to love yourself, you won’t want to be anyone else.” – Rihanna

“The path to achieving your goals may not always be smooth, but every challenge you encounter is an opportunity to grow and become stronger.” -Marie Forleo

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

“I don’t want to be famous for being famous. I want to be famous for making a difference.” – Lady Gaga

“You have to be fearless and take risks. Have the courage to fail. It’s not the end of the world if you do.” – Charlize Theron

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” – Estée Lauder

“Manifestation is a co-creation between you and the universe. Trust the process and surrender to the magic.” – Gala Darling

“You are a powerful creator. Use your thoughts and energy wisely to manifest the life you desire.” – Esther Hicks

“Your goals should be a reflection of your innermost desires and values. When you align your goals with your true self, the journey becomes more fulfilling and meaningful.” -Lewis Howes

“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama

“Manifestation begins with a clear intention and unwavering belief in the possibilities.” – Gala Darling

“Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” – Aisha Tyler

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.” – Anonymous

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

“Success is not a destination; it’s a journey of continuous improvement.” – Tony Robbins

“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself.” – Jordan Belfort

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson

“The distance between your dreams and reality is called action.” – Anonymous

“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good and go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller

“It’s okay to want more, to want to be ambitious, to want to be successful. You don’t have to apologize for that.” – Shonda Rhimes

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

“Dreams don’t work unless you do.” – John C. Maxwell

“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” – The Wolf of Wall Street

“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” – Batman Begins

“Success is not for the chosen few, but for the few who choose.” – Anonymous

“Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from taking bold steps toward your goals. The greatest opportunities lie on the other side of fear.” -Marie Forleo

“The road to success is always under construction.” – Lily Tomlin

“Don’t let anyone define you. You define yourself. Set your own goals and follow your own path.” – Miley Cyrus

“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path.” – E.O. Wilson

“Don’t wait for the opportunity, create it.” – Anonymous

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.” – Anonymous

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” – Anonymous

“Success is not about luck; it’s about hard work, persistence, and learning from failure.” – Ed Mylett

“You are never going to feel like it. Start before you’re ready, and your motivation will catch up with you.” – Mel Robbins

“When you visualize, then you materialize.” – Esther Hicks

“You have the power to manifest your dreams into reality. Believe in the magic of your desires.” – Gala Darling

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.” – Michael Jordan

“The more you believe in your own ability to succeed, the more likely it is that you will.” – Shawn Achor

“Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.” – Les Brown

“The universe responds to your vibrations. So, make sure your thoughts and feelings are in alignment with your desires.” – Esther Hicks

“The key to building something extraordinary lies in setting clear goals and staying committed to them, even when the path gets tough.” – Guy Raz

“Manifestation is about aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with what you want to create in your life.” – Gala Darling

“If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.” – Eddie Harris Jr.

“Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.” – Anonymous

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“Goals are not achieved by mere intentions; they require deliberate and disciplined action every day.” – Ryan Holiday

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” – Aisha Tyler

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Manifesting is not about wishing for something and waiting for it to magically appear. It’s about consciously co-creating your reality through intention, visualization, and inspired action.” – Unknown

“You are never too young or too old to set goals and chase your dreams.” – Tony Robbins

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson

“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

“Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett

“The only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves.” – Bob Proctor

“Your dreams are on the other side of your fears.” – Jenna Kutcher

“Your goals should be a reflection of your values and what truly matters to you. When you align your goals with your priorities, you’ll have a greater sense of fulfillment.” – Chalene Johnson

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Lewis Howes, The School of Greatness Podcast

“The power to change your life lies in the simplest of steps.” – Mel Robbins

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” – “The Pursuit of Happyness”

“When you set a goal, the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” – Jay Shetty, On Purpose Podcast

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Jenna Kutcher, Goal Digger Podcast

“Don’t be afraid to dream big. Your goals should scare you a little and excite you a lot.” – Marie Forleo, The Marie Forleo Podcast

“Dreams are not heavy. We make them so by the sheer density of our lack of attention.” – Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

“Your goals should be a reflection of your true desires, not what you think others expect from you.” – Ed Mylett, The Ed Mylett Show

“Setbacks are simply opportunities in disguise. They allow us to reevaluate our goals, adjust our strategies, and come back stronger than ever.” -Lewis Howes

“You can’t just sit there and wait for life to come to you. You have to go get it.” – “Gilmore Girls”

“Ambition is the first step to success. The second step is action.” – Unknown

“Ambition is not a dirty word. It’s believing in yourself and your abilities to achieve greatness.” – Unknown

“The greater the ambition, the greater the achievement.” – Unknown

“Ambition is the fire that fuels our desires and propels us towards our goals.” – Unknown

“You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” – Shonda Rhimes / 79?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it’s the courage to continue that counts.” – The Darkest Hour

“Don’t be afraid of hard work and setting ambitious goals. That’s the path to greatness.” – Sara Blakely

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller

“Goals allow you to control the direction of change in your favor.” – Brian Tracy

“Setting audacious goals and embracing failure as a stepping stone are the hallmarks of successful entrepreneurs.” – Guy Raz

“Don’t just set goals, create a vision for your life. Goals without vision are just a to-do list.” – Chalene Johnson

“The more goals you set for yourself, the more reasons you’ll have to become successful.” – Jay-Z

“Never lose sight of your dreams. They are the compass that guides you through the journey of self-discovery and creative fulfillment.” – Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

“Set your goals, follow your dreams, listen to your heart, and don’t let anything stand in your way.” – Brandy Norwood

“Follow your dreams, even if it means standing alone.” – Taylor Swift

“The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.” – Anna Quindlen

“You don’t have to wait to be chosen or recognized, you can choose yourself. Set your goals, take action, and make it happen.” – Ryan Holiday

While I think it’s totally okay to do and eat whatever the heck you want while traveling, sometimes making an effort to do a few things for your self-betterment. Just because you’re on vacation mode, doesn’t mean you can’t add in some healthy things without depriving yourself of the local fun!

I feel so much better when I have a little me-time or some version of a routine in place, and make a couple of healthy choices while enjoying a new adventure. Like everything, it’s a balance!

So if you’re looking to add some self-care to your summer travels, we’ve got you covered on everything from your packing list to your plane ride to when you are enjoying your destination.

Here’s a list of self-care activities you can add to your travel itinerary:

1. Pack a comfortable pillow or neck support for the plane or long car rides.
2. Bring your favorite book or download an audiobook to enjoy during your travels.
3. Bring a journal to write about your experiences.
4. Take time to stretch and do some light yoga or exercise.
5. Wear comfortable and breathable clothing. And pack comfortable shoes!
6. Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle.
7. Use SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
8. Wear a hat or sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
9. Take breaks and rest when you need to.
10. Bring your own snacks to keep you fueled and satisfied.
11. Practice deep breathing or meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety.
12. Listen to calming music or your comfort podcasts.
13. Use noise-canceling headphones to block out unwanted noise.
14. Take a warm bath or shower to relax after a long day of travel.
15. Use a sleep mask or earplugs to help you sleep better.
16. Take a break from technology and enjoy the scenery around you.
17. Take a nap if you need to catch up on sleep.
18. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and carrying hand sanitizer.
19. Take a morning hot girl walk to get coffee, or plan a hike to explore your destination.
20. Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment.
21. Visit a local farmer’s market or grocery store to buy fresh and healthy food.
22. Stay connected with loved ones back home through video chat or social media.
23. Learn about the culture and history of your destination.
24. Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare local cuisine.
25. Use a travel pillow to make sleeping in unfamiliar beds more comfortable.
26. Pack a small first aid kit with essential items like bandaids and pain relievers.
27. Carry a small bag with you for day trips or excursions.
28. Take a break from alcohol or limit your intake.
29. Keep a positive attitude and remain flexible if things don’t go as planned.
30. Take a break from social media and enjoy the present moment.
31. Use aromatherapy to help you relax or sleep better.
32. Bring a reusable tote bag for shopping or carrying items.
33. Take a break from work and truly be OOO while you’re on vacation.
34. Get plenty of rest before and after your travels.
35. Keep a travel journal to document your experiences, or write it out on your Notes app.
36. Treat yourself to a special souvenir or gift. Bonus points if you collect something from all your destinations.
37. Take a dip in the pool or ocean to cool off.
38. Use a travel-friendly skincare routine to keep your skin looking healthy.
39. Practice gratitude and appreciate the opportunity to travel.
40. Take a day off from being on the go with sightseeing and relax by the pool or beach.
41. If you have it, take advantage of hotel amenities like fitness centers and spas.
42. Enjoy the journey and have fun!

Up next: Sometimes it’s not possible to totally log off while you’re traveling, so here’s a blog with workcation tips if you’re running a biz while traveling!

What will you takeaway from this self-care list for your next vacation?

Who doesn’t love a chance to get to know each other better?

Use these for your besties for a fun night in, at a party with a group of friends, or for some deeper conversations with your partner.

Card games can help initiate those questions and conversations that might be difficult to start, or might have never crossed your mind but leaves you feeling more connected to your friends at the end of the night. Who doesn’t want more purposeful friendships?

These are some fun options for card games that’ll get your friend group feeling more intimate.

1. Where Should We Begin – A Game of Stories

Esther Perel designed a game to help you get into storyteller mode with your friends and family. If you’re not already familiar with Esther Perel, you need to be. She’s a speaker, podcaster, and author who talks about intimacy in relationships – and her approach is transformative. Use this game with friends to deepen your bond with the power of story.

2. Holstee Reflection Cards

Want a wholesome option for card games? Spark meaningful conversations with this deck that’s all about mindfulness and is informed by positive psychology. 

You can use these cards with friends, family, a partner, and even by yourself in your journaling practice.

What do your friends really think about you? Each question starts with “Who in the room…?” 

For example, “Who in the room pees in the shower?” And everyone points to the one they think best fits the prompt.

You’ll definitely need a kind-spirited group for this one, so no one gets their feelings hurt. But who doesn’t love to stir the pot and liven up a party with some fun banter?

4. We’re Not Really Strangers

You’ve probably already heard of this card game, but we couldn’t keep it off the list. It’s a staple for a reason. It’s such a fun game for asking questions to go deeper with your friends. They have several expansion packs to make it work for your friend group vibe.

5. Let’s F*cking Date &  Let’s F*cking Play

If you want to turn things up a notch and get a little bit spicier, try the Let’s F*cking Date card games by Serena Kerrigan.

She hosted a dating show on Instagram Live during the pandemic – the first person I’ve ever seen to do something like that. Let’s F*cking Date is a card game best played with someone you’re dating or interested in.

The Play edition is more about pleasure and self-care, so use that one for your friend group.

Want more fun & play in your life? Tune into Playground To Purpose, a podcast with our founder Coley & her childhood best friend as they navigate adding more play in their everyday. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

But come on now. We’re in 2022 – and being in your thirties is still young. I turned 30 last year and discovered Brittany Allyn of ThirtyWaves and felt so connected to her story, her love for travel, and her coined term of “MeMoons” aka a honeymoon to celebrate your love for you.

So we chatted with Brittany all about her mission and why she’s living her best life in her mid-thirties, and you can too! I hope you take away a lot of inspiration here, especially if you feel like you’re starting over in your thirties or want to make a change and feel like it’s too late for you!

Let’s get into it!

@thirtywaves Day 1: my bougie #memoon in the South Of France #travelvlog #memoon #solomoon #30s #travelbucketlist #frenchriviera #fyp #foryou ♬ I Love You So – The Walters

Coley: I discovered you through your amazing TikTok @ThirtyWaves from a video talking about how you’re living your best life in your mid-thirties, can you share what the inspiration was behind this account?

Brittany Allyn: Yes, to be honest, I’ve actually been doing this for over a decade! 

In my twenties, as a way a cathartic way to work through relationship and life’s problems I’d sit in bed and blog every night. I started a website called twentywaves, discussing the ups and down (the waves if you will) of your twenties. I took a break for a few years, and later developed thirtywaves.

It started as a blog and insta, and then Covid’s Tiktok phenomenon came around and the rest was history! I never loved the perfectly curated image and always wanted to focus on the captions and storytelling, so videos made more sense.

I started getting messages on the daily from other women finding it relieving to see other women on a similar path (alternative in terms of marriage or society timelines), and those sweet messages were, and still are, what keeps me going. 

What did you think your thirties would look like when you were younger & what surprised you about them?

Ha! Like many of you: Married, perfect husband, suburb life with 2 kids by 30. 27 was my dream marriage age. I was in a relationship from 21-25 and almost went down that route. Then, when I got closer to that age I realized my soul was pushing me in a different direction. I wanted to see what it was like living in new cities, traveling the world, and expanding life as I knew it. As the years went on, I realized I was always meant to live this more independent life and have never had doubts that I made a mistake by moving away.

You’ve started completely over in your 30s several times. You went to NYC to London, can you tell us about these experiences of deciding to do something completely new?

Yes, I moved to NYC the week I turned 30.

What’s funny is I felt SO young then, and that the world was my oyster. It didn’t feel any different than I was 25, and while it can be a detriment sometimes in terms of avoidant attachment styles, NYC is a glorious little bubble where you don’t feel like you have to “act your age” or pressure to grow up.

Of course, I would sometimes compare my life to friend’s back at home on the marriage/children track, but I focused on enjoying my new experiences. I’ve also always known that I can settle or go on the other track at anytime if I want. I just followed my gut and what felt right…which also led me to London last fall.

What does living your best life look like for you? And how did you figure that out for yourself?

First and foremost, being independent.

For years in my twenties, I didn’t prioritize my career or being financially responsible. I figured I’d get married one day (by 30 at the latest) and it would all work out. I wish I could shake my younger self and tell her that I had so much power to make my mark in the world, make my own money, and make my own freedom.

I grew up in a community where many of my friend’s mothers stayed at home and many women I went to University with followed on that path. I have a lot of respect for raising a family, but I idealized that as being the end-all-be-all best way to live.

And for me personally, it isn’t. As I’ve built my career and seen growth, I realize that I enjoy having my independence and it’s something I work for every day to get more of. With that, I think living your best life of travel, planning fun experiences with friends, and living in a space you love, comes with it. 

Can you tell us about “me moons”? What are they, and what did you do for yours in the French Riviera?

Yes! My coined term #memoon is when you stop waiting for the perfect relationship or opportunity for your dream trip, and take it yourself – aka a solo honeymoon!

It’s crazy all the amazing feedback I got after I went on my first one. Some may think it’s depressing, but I promise you, you will feel SO empowered on a fabulous trip with yourself, in a beautiful setting, and it’s still magical. 

You do some solo travel, what are your best tips for someone wanting to do that but feel afraid to go alone?

Break up the days with activities in a few hour time slots. For example, morning pick a really cute breakfast spot and people-watch.

Bring a journal or work. Plan something in the afternoon to see like a museum or cool shop. Then it’s already lunch! Go home and get all dressed up and take yourself to a happy hour for sunset, followed by a dinner- and there’s almost your whole day.

If you stay busy and focus on exploring and seeing new things, the chatter in your head is less. 

What are your best skincare recs?

I’m constantly testing products on the weekly. If I had to pick one, my favorite skincare product I’ve discovered this summer is the Tulip Dew Sunscreen serum by Bloomeffects. It’s a lightweight, glowy serum with all the vitamins you need that’s also mineral-based SPF 50. I’ve tried so many sunscreens, and this wins hands down. 

For bougie skincare, Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and Bilogue Recherche PS50 is a dream combo.  For more affordable I love Beauty Pie and Belif. I’ll make a TikTok on my day and night routines soon! 

Do you have a life motto? Or a quote you are inspired by?

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? It leaves me feel empowered to make bold moves. Especially when traveling and if I get scared or nervous. If I knew it was going to work out, or told myself that, I’d be SO brave and take on the world. 

Lastly, what would you say to someone in their thirties who is feeling “behind on life”? 

That even if you got married at 45, you could have 40 years with that partner!

Age is different in society now, and there’s never been a time where women can be independent for 10-20 years in adulthood.

So, try to enjoy it- we are the lucky generation! Also, all the “things” you feel behind on aren’t all perfect or fun, they come with their own positives and negatives and each path is not better or worse than the other.

Now GGC is a multifaceted community with a podcast, apparel line, classes + courses, a membership, and craft fairs in Oakland, CA + Salem, MA.

I integrate my seven years of yoga teaching experience with my foundation of intersectional feminism and creativity into my work as a business owner. My mindfulness practice can be experienced in how I manage projects and my team, and I hope I integrate into my teachings! When I’m not working you can find me exploring outside, thrifting, or drinking iced coffee. 

What does a typical week in your life look like?

I do A LOT in a typical week. I’m teaching classes, packing orders, preparing for launches, meeting with my team, designing new products, sending emails, working with partners, filming content, designing graphics, and I hope to go outside once a day. 

When do you plan your weeks?

I’m a Virgo! And also get easily distracted. So having a plan is crucial to my success. Planning my week was revolutionized when I implemented two separate things: one-throwing away my to-do list and scheduling instead, and two-theming my days. The to-do list is literally never done, right?

And that makes us feel SO shitty when we get to the end of the day and we haven’t completed our tasks, and if the to-do list always exists, you’re always going to feel that you’re not doing enough, and F THAT! So instead, schedule your tasks.

Pick a few things a day that YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO. That way each day you can feel accomplished. Need to plan a doctor’s appt, put it on your cal, need to write that blog? Put it on your cal. Your cal becomes your to-do list.

Secondly, I started theming my days.

• Monday is CEO Day (planning my week, having a clear vision of what is coming)
• Tuesday is Internal Day (meetings with my team and whatever I need to do for them)
• Wednesday is Content Day (planning + filming videos, designing graphics, writing)
• Thursday is Community Day (Podcasts, Partnership work, Coaching)
• Friday is Financial + Overflow day (accounting, + whatever else I didn’t complete during the week) 

By having themed days it is easier for me to plan and schedule, and I stay in the flow better, instead of getting sidetracked switching tasks or having decision paralysis and not knowing what to do.

Obviously, some things get a little switched around sometimes, and that is ok, but I generally try to stay on theme as much as I can. 

When I say these 2 concepts CHANGED MY LIFE I am not joking!

What systems do you use to plan your week and why?

I use Google cal to plan my weeks (and life!) and use Asana with my team so they know what’s happening as well. 

Attached is a pic of an example week. I care less about the hours/time for non-meetings, and more use each day as a bulletin board for my day. I turn each task GREEN once it is done. 

Try themed days! And throw away your to-do list! Most importantly, come to your desk with a plan! (Otherwise, you’ll just scroll social media, let’s be real)

For more tips, you can check out our podcast! Or grab one of our free resources.

I started the first arm of the KC Brand in 2020 after quitting my 5th-Grade teaching job with just a broken keyboard and no Plan B. The business grew quickly to 6-figures in just 14 months thanks in a large part to using Day Rates to reduce my client workload. 

In 2021, I retired my partner from his job, moved us to Mauritius, our dream island in the tropics, and expanded our offerings to include mentorship opportunities for other copywriters and online service providers ready to scale, too.

I believe in building companies that are not only highly profitable – but fun, fulfilling, and freedom-filled! So every week you can catch a new episode of the Freedom Found Podcast for your latest copywriting, business, and mindset insights to help you create a life you can’t wait to wake up to. (Oh and I’ve been told my emails are bingeworthy, too.)

So, what’s it like being an island-living CEO? Let’s get into it!

What time do you wake up in the morning and how do you wake up?

Most days I let the sun stream in through the window and – wait, that doesn’t sound right… The sun comes up as early as 5:15 am here in Mauritius in the summer and I need a little more shuteye than that. I keep my blackout curtains drawn until I wake up to the sound of birds in nature from my alarm around 6:30. 

What’s on your bedside table?

Lavender hand cream from L’Occitane, my favorite. My wave sound machine, if ever the cats are too noisy to sleep. My phone charger, a glass of water, and current read – which right now, is The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

I’ve learned that the best way for me to have a great day is to have a great night’s sleep. For me, that looks like no phone time after 8:00 pm, in bed by 9:45 pm, and setting my alarm after my wonderful partner takes a quick glance at my morning calendar and lets me know what time my first scheduled meeting is. 

This way I don’t open my calendar and start to think about everything happening the next day. We started this a few months ago and I love it! I don’t ask what the meeting is for or who it’s with to keep my brain disengaged from work and just make sure that I know when my first in-real-time obligation is.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I don’t do much in terms of skincare except apply sunscreen before my mornings outside and moisturizer on occasion.

What does your morning routine flow look like?

I think this is the part in our relationship where I should tell you something about me – I’m a snoozer. Yep. 

I tend to hit the snooze button 1-2 times in the morning and enjoy an extra cuddle with my man before I hop outta bed, pull back the curtains, and grab my bikini or yoga pants.

Most mornings I either grab my paddle board or put on my Nikes, head across the street to the beach, and take a 5k walk or paddle along the shore. I like to get my heart rate up but in all honesty, I stop a lot. Sometimes I sit and think about new, exciting ideas or directions for the brand, or something big-picture for life. But most often I just try to appreciate everything. 

It’s truly beautiful here: Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, beautiful homes, palm trees. I try to be present – something that can be challenging with busy lives and businesses – and just enjoy the fact that I don’t have to head into my old teaching job and am right where I wanted to be just a few years ago. (Again, something that deserves reminding when you’re usually looking forward.)

I’m a huge audio-book lover so while I’m walking I usually listen to my latest non-fiction book or favorite podcast.

On the mornings I don’t head to the beach, I go to my favorite Vinyasa yoga class where my teacher can be counted on to challenge me to do something new and different than I have before. I always leave feeling clear-headed and ready for the day.

I then head home, make a smoothie and oatmeal, and eat breakfast with my partner in the sunroom. I either read my current novel or journal on what I’m grateful for, what I’m excited to help clients with, and what I’m working toward that day.

Then as I finish breakfast I’ll hop on Voxer and check-in with my coaching clients. We usually chat back and forth for a little while and then I head to my office to get started for the day (perhaps with a cheeky 20-minute stop at the piano on the way there). 

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

Part of living on an island far from North America where most of our KC Brand Clients are based means my schedule is varied throughout the week based on meetings scheduled.

(In case you didn’t know, Mauritius is a small island nation nestled near Madagascar and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. That means we have pristine beaches, perfect year-round weather, and gorgeous marine life, while we compromise on being a little further away from home and 9-5 compatible timezones.)

I usually start my workday between 7-9:30 depending on the day and my call schedule. Days that I have later meetings that start around 5:00 pm because of timezones are days where I’ll take a slow and relaxed morning and maybe even jump in around 11:00 am so I don’t end up over-working. 

When I first sit down at my desk I check in with my team via Slack to answer questions and get them anything they need to fulfill their day’s responsibilities. Then I prioritize my to-do list. I find that I have the most energy in the morning and evenings so I’ll use this time to focus on whatever big project we’re working on, a new idea, or reviewing copy for our KC Copy Studio clients so my most creative energy is used wisely.

I’ll save my inbox, and other click-tasks for later in the day.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

I’m usually up bright and early on a Saturday morning to go hiking, snorkeling, or otherwise exploring this beautiful country! My partner and I are pretty obsessed with climbing to the top of all the gorgeous volcanic mountains here and like to get up and going before the day gets ahead of us.

Sundays are usually slow and relaxed days where we head to our favorite beach with friends, tie our paddle boards to a perfectly-placed buoy, and talk, and laugh, and float until we’re tired of the sun. 

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?

Up until the time I sit down at my desk, I don’t check my phone.

I firmly believe that if you can control your mornings, you can control your day, and if you can control your day, you can control your weeks, your months, and your life. 

When I used to check my notifications in the morning, I’d usually feel stressed about something I needed to do or obligated to respond to messages before I’d spent time filling up my own cup first. Switching things up and creating a boundary for my own personal brain space every morning has been imperative to cultivating productive and positive days!

I also keep all notifications except from friends and family off during the day. So I manually have to go into apps to check on things (think: Instagram, Slack, Voxer, etc). This both helps with productivity so you don’t get unnecessarily pulled out of a certain task and into another and also in reducing the mental drain that can come when so many things are happening at once.

It might seem difficult at first, but I found that with just a couple of weeks of practice it became a new routine that’s now a must-do. 

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Exercise is a requirement for me. When I get up and move my body right away, I step into my day on a clear and fresh note – the days I don’t start with yoga or a walk always feel like something’s missing so I stick to this pretty tightly.

And on many-a-luxurious occasion you can find me snorkeling down the beach with our neighborhood sea turtles or at the piano playing songs with my partner for an extra 30 or 45 minutes before we start work. Our top favs include anything from Disney, A Star is Born, and Damien Rice.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

I’ve been slowly working toward waking up earlier. 6:00 am or earlier wake-up times are in my near future which means sunrise walks or extra time for snorkeling and paddle boarding shenanigans.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Let me just say, I don’t subscribe to the idea that you need to master a morning routine or wake up at 5:00 am to be successful. I just think you need to create time and space to fill up your own cup. Whether that means you wake up before the rest of the house to hit the gym at 5:00 am (something one of my clients does every day before she sends her kids to school) or you get up at 9:00 am and kickstart the day with a journal session and your favorite pump-up playlist – YOU DO YOU.

Just don’t not prioritize filling up your own cup. Taking care of yourself first is the one thing you can do to set yourself up for helping others in a way that won’t drain your energy. And when your cup is full you can bring more support, positivity, and care into other people’s lives throughout your day.

Read through more CEO morning routines!

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, diving into entrepreneurship in 2017, and building a brand with global impact, I know what it takes to build a business from the ground up. I love to infuse business strategy with intentional lifestyle so our clients can build a business that is sustainable, aligned, and impactful.

Through my simplistic approach to business, I empower women to own their power as CEO, deeply connect with their vision, & sustainably scale their business with the long-term trajectory in mind.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up? (To an alarm, music, the sun, etc.)

I am a morning person through and through, so I love waking up earlier rather than later. In this season, I enjoy rising between 6:30 and 7:00 AM to my alarm clock. This allows me to have plenty of time to prioritize my morning routine before heading into the office for the day!

How do you like your coffee (if you drink it)?

“IF” I drink it?! Everyone in our community knows that I’m a huge coffee lover – not only for the taste. I truly love the practice of making my morning coffee. I use our pour over and allow it to be a moment of presence, gratitude, and slow moving as I ease into the day.

Normally, I love a good black coffee if we’re making it here at home. Right now, it’s Spring here in Raleigh, NC so when we go out for breakfast, I love a good lavender latte as well. 

What’s on your bedside table?

A huge mason jar of water (hydration, yes please), an essential oil blend I’m loving at the moment (right now, it’s Orange + Lavender), and whatever book I’m currently reading – right now, it’s The Shadow and Bones Trilogy.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

Yes, but very minimally. I always like to take a look at my schedule for the following day so I have a nice refresher on what to expect and prioritize. 

If I have anything on my mind, I’ll do a quick brain dump in my Awakening Notebook to get all of my thoughts out of my head and on paper to reference the next day (in really busy and / or creative seasons, I’ll just keep my notebook at my bedside table so I can write in the middle of the night if a thought pops in my head). 

I also like to lay out my workout clothes and create my workout for the day (if it isn’t already pre-created), so the morning feels easy breezy.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I love to keep my morning skincare routine fairly simplistic and easy and leave more of the luxury steps for the evening!

In the morning, I start by using my CocoKind Cleanser. This cleanser is so gentle and always leaves my skin feeling so soft! From there, I pat this Brightening Essence into my skin to lock in moisture and provide an extra glow. I complete the routine with this Brightening Lotion. I love it because it’s very soft and lightweight so it absorbs into the skin really well – which is nice if I’m going to wear makeup that day!

In the evening, I like to add some steps in:

1. CocoKind Cleanser (From the morning routine)
2. Brightening Essence (From the morning routine)
3. From there, I massage this Eye Cream in. We love anti-aging around here.
4. *This is my favorite step* I use this Brightening Lotion, and it’s my favorite I’ve ever used! It is thick, silky, and creamy which is exactly what I want for overnight.
5. Finally, I use this CBD Beauty Boost oil to lock everything in. This leaves my skin oily, dewy, and SUPER moisturized!

What does your morning routine flow look like?

6:30: I hear my alarm clock ringing and wake up. The first thing I do before I ever leave our bedroom is make up our bed. I put on my workout clothes that have already been laid out, brush my teeth, and pull my hair up.

6:45-7:30: After waking, the first thing I prioritize is movement. I’ve come to the realization that if this isn’t prioritized first thing, it won’t get done.

Moving my body is a huge priority for me – not only because it makes me feel better, but also because I’m sitting at my desk for most of the day.

Right now, I’m enjoying a mix of CrossFit workouts, punching with my husband, or a long walk. Having a variety of options allows me to honor how my body is feeling – either tapping into excess energy or moving easy on a recovery day if my body is super sore.

No matter what workout I’m doing, I like to be outside and in the sunshine – yes, even if it’s cold! This allows me to accomplish my first three goals of any day: 1) movement 2) fresh air and 3) Vitamin D.

7:30-8:00: From there, I head back inside to take a quick shower, do my skincare, curl my hair, and put some makeup and clothes on (if I’m taking meetings that day).

8:00-8:30: Then, we nourish the body. My husband and I alternate every other week on making breakfast, but no matter who is cooking we always like to have a substantial meal to start the day.

Lately, we’ve been having eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and half an avocado. When I made the shift from having a morning protein shake to a full breakfast, I noticed the biggest shift in energy and stamina throughout the day!

Finally, I move on to my second set of 3 in the morning: 1) My adrenal cocktail (this is a mix of orange juice, coconut water, collagen powder, and a sprinkle of salt) 2) Espresso (in my well-known espresso cup from Italy) 3) Wellness shot – depending on the season (this is a combination of ginger root, turmeric powder, honey, lemon juice, and water). 

8:30-9 or 9:30: Once we’ve wrapped up movement and nourishment, we move over to mindset and soul care. This tends to look different day-to-day depending on what I need. Some of the things I love doing during this time: 

• Praying and declaration
• Getting grounded through journaling what I’m grateful for
• Brain-dumping when I’m feeling chaotic in my mind
• Embodiment practices: envisioning my next level self, what she believes, thinks, does, says, has and integrating 1-3 of those things into my day. For example, if I know my 7-figure self has a spacious schedule, I may set aside an hour to go to the pool mid work-day.
• Reading my affirmations out loud. I create key affirmations each year that are aligned with my current season, beliefs, and what I’m working to create in my life and business – so, I reference these at this time!
• 5-minute breathing exercises to get grounded and present
• Visualization (similar to my embodiment practice but more so tapping into the visionary space and having FUN with it)
• Reading my Bible or current business book (I’m obsessed with anything leadership based)

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

I like to kick off my workday around 9 or 9:30 depending on 1) how long my morning routine was and 2) what my schedule looks like that day. My favorite way to start the day is:

1. With my espresso in hand (yes, I am known to be the slowest drinker of all time which means I still have my espresso in hand at this point)
2. Looking at our Awakening Wall (post-it-note style with all of our Awakening Students names on them) and speaking abundance, breakthrough, divine opportunity, clarity, and confidence over them.
3. Supporting our private clients on Voxer. I love to start each day by catching up on messages, strategizing and supporting clients, and checking in with those that have key projects in the works that day. I always tell our clients that I love to be “in the trenches” of their businesses with them. This is one way I’m able to do that!
4. Once this is wrapped, this is the point where I finally make my morning coffee before diving into either A) meetings or B) creative projects.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

It changes pretty drastically because my theme over the weekends is “go with the flow.” This means that I usually don’t set an alarm clock. I allow myself to sleep in and have really slow, spacious mornings with all the caffeine, journaling, and reading my heart desires! Short answer: it isn’t structured at all. Just super spacious.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?

It depends on the day. Obviously, not every morning is “picture perfect.” Some mornings I’m feeling high vibe and confident and others I may be feeling “bleh.” But I do believe that the way you start your day determines how you approach the rest of your day, which is why I almost always prioritize my morning routine no matter how I feel. This ensures that I give myself the space, care, and opportunity to “reset” that I need.

That said, I do aim to enter into an empowering mindset at the start of every day – tapping into my purpose, passion, drive, vision, and belief. One of the main ways I do this is through declaration. I speak life over myself every morning. I’ll give you a peek into part of my declaration:

“I am destined for greatness and goodness and all that I touch prospers. I walk in light and favor everywhere I go. I am a champion, earth shaker, and atmosphere shifter. The seeds I’m planting today are creating a ripple effect on future generations.”

I encourage you to create your OWN declaration. Speak this over yourself at the start of your days until it is so ingrained into your mind that you know it by heart. Let it sink into your subconscious and rewire your beliefs.

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Non-negotiables are movement, nourishment, and embodiment – basically, all that I have listed for my morning routines. At this point, I have this down to a science so I’m usually able to make all of these happen each morning! If I need to decrease my workout time, journaling time, or whip up something easier for breakfast, that’s okay. But each of these key elements have to be prioritized for me!

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

Honestly, I would love to train my body to wake up on its own around 6:30 without a device necessary. The idea of waking up to the sunshine or birds chirping vs. my phone alarm, sounds like a total dream.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Find out what works for YOU. If you’re a morning person by nature, you may be able to expect more of yourself in your morning routine. If you’re not a morning person, release the pressure! Identify what your non-negotiables are, and let that be enough. Your morning routine should be designed to serve YOU not to fit into a construct based on what everyone else is doing or what “looks good” on Instagram. 

Want more morning routine inspo? We got you. Check out our collection of past morning routine features from inspiring women.

Sometimes you’re looking to learn something new with a podcast, and other times you just want to laugh and unplug for a bit. These podcasts are lighthearted, will make you giggle, and give you a boost of dopamine – so you feel a little lighter going into the day.

8 Playful podcasts for adding more fun to your life

1. Playground To Purpose

Join childhood best friends, Coley Bouschet (Life Goals Collective Founder) & Nina Soon as they explore the connections between childhood whimsies and adult career paths. Each week, they find new ways to add more play to your purpose. There are solo episodes and episodes with guests who have fascinating and fun careers and pastimes.

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

2. Bone Marry Bury

It’s like a hot mess TV show rolled into a podcast. Follow along as we discover who Allie hooks up with, who she marries, and who she kills all in the span of a month. In this reverse whodunnit, cringe at Allie’s life decisions as Gabe, Allie’s best friend, narrates the whole thing. If Euphoria had a sense of humor… you’d get Bone Marry Bury, maybe. Play detective and listen for some good ol’ raunchy fun!

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

3. Unlocking the Magic

If you’re planning a playcation to Disney World, listen to Bruce & Connie give relatable tips on how to truly experience the magic of the parks. The hosts share amusing anecdotes from their own family trips, all the while “unlocking” the magic behind all your fave Disney attractions!

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

4. The Fearless Chase

Madison Anaya is the BFF we all need. Her podcast feels like you’re hanging out at a sleepover party where everyone wants to live intentionally. She covers friendship, mental health, dating (though she’s been with her husband since middle school!), and self-love.

Listen to our founder, Coley’s episode on Fearless Chase, where they talk hobbies, enneagram, and being an adult.

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

5. SmartLess

If you love Armchair Expert, but want another podcast that’s a bit more lighthearted – Smartless is the podcast for you. The hosts are Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, so you already know it’s going to be funny. The premise is that one of the hosts chooses the guest for that week and surprises the rest of them. It’s a fun podcast, and even the ads will leave you belly laughing.

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

6. Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy is hosted by a comedian couple, Naomi Ekperigin and Andy Beckerman. They “gab with their favorite actors and comics about their romantic pasts, presents and futures.” It’s a hilarious relationship podcast with heartfelt responses to listener questions.

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

7. Anna Faris is Unqualified

Anna Faris is such a gem, and this podcast is so quirky with the best celebrity guests that are rarely interviewed, like Dylan O’Brien. Her questions and games are so playful, like asking celebs about their deal-breakers. They also take callers in each episode and she and the guest give them “unqualified” advice.

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

8. Girls Gotta Eat

I don’t know why I resisted this podcast for so long, but it’s such a fun dating and comedy podcast. Hosted by Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg, this podcast features episodes from a variety of guests – from reality stars to matchmakers to Elizabeth Warren. And then you get your cheeky sex and dating content. I love how relatable this podcast is, even though the hosts are super outgoing, they’re inclusive and give truly helpful tips.

Listen on Spotify. Listen on Apple.

What playful podcasts would you add to this list?

Up next: Best Hot Girl Walk Podcasts

In 2016, I started my own podcast educating on the intersection of sports medicine & business (her niche expertise) and then began providing mentorship for those desiring to start and scale their own business.

After several years of informal mentorship, my husband and I decided to officially pursue business consulting as a formal venture and Pennington Perspective was born. Shortly after, we had our daughter, Tatum, which completely changed how we approached life and business. She became the priority and so we shifted all our work to include her and we became entrepreneurs + parents.

I invite you to follow me on Instagram and join our weekly email series Clarity Is Confidence, which helps the overwhelmed business owner identify the next steps in business with simple, yet foundational techniques.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up?

Most days, I naturally wake up with the sun, which now that it’s spring time, is around 6:30a (in winter it can be as late as 7:30a). My daughter’s baby monitor is on my phone, so on rare occasions she wakes up before me and her babbling will wake me. 

How do you like your coffee (if you drink it)?

I don’t drink coffee anymore (since pregnancy), but I still love a warm cup of something in the morning. So now I make myself a London Fog, which is an Earl Grey Tea Latte, made at home with steamed almond milk + splash of vanilla creamer. And I add collagen each morning as well. 

What’s on your bedside table?

On my bedside table, I have my phone & watch charging. Additionally, I have the “Super Attractor” affirmations deck from Gabby Bernstein (which I typically pull from each morning or night), and recently added the @omnilux face mask that I also wear either day or night depending on the flow of my day. 

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

I don’t really do anything the night before to prepare for mornings, aside from taking myself to sleep at a reasonable hour (which is 9p-10p). Waking up each morning, responsible for a toddler, can require a lot of energy, so I make sure I don’t stay up late and make myself crabby.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I don’t do much with my skin in the mornings, except for sunscreen + Vit. C (I don’t always remember both!). At night, I wash my face, use a toner, apply retinol, and a moisturizer.

If I am using my omnilux mask, I will do that treatment before any ointments. I don’t wear much makeup anymore, sometimes just an underage brightener and some powder to even out my skin tone. Otherwise, its au natural + Lashify. 

What does your morning routine flow look like?

Once I wake, I check to see if Tatum is up yet. If not, I will close my eyes and either do some gratitude practice or pull a Super Attractor card and meditate on it’s words. If Tatum is up, I will get up and get myself fully ready (brush teeth, apply face ointments, get dressed, put on wedding ring + watch).

Then I go into her room, she usually greets me with a high pitched “MOMMY!” and then proceeds to tell me about each of her stuffed animals (same thing, every morning, lol). She stays in the crib while I grab her vitamin, a new diaper, and choose her clothes for the day.

Depending on her mood, I either dress her completely in the crib or she comes out and wanders around her room while I chase after her with pants and shirt in hand (we’re quite the site!). She then goes to the bathroom where she “climbs tower” to brush her teeth and get her hair done.

After completing both of those, we head downstairs to have “toast” before she gets dropped off at one of our moms’ house.

I get her toast started, and also get the water boiling for my tea at the same time. In her independence, she wants to spread the butter and cut her bread, so its a constant battle of letting her do things and finding ways to be safe.

Once she is eating, I complete my tea latte (which she helps stir + add the cinnamon atop), then we head out the door. Tatum goes to each of our moms’ house 2x/week, so we have care 4 days a week, which is incredibly helpful for us. After she gets dropped off, I either head to Pilates (2x/wk) for 50 minutes or I come home and get straight to work. 

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

Each day I start my work by addressing outstanding emails (deleting or marking as unread, as needed), then go to my calendar to see what is scheduled for the day, then straight to my OneNote to see what I need to get accomplished this week/month/quarter.

I am pretty strict about writing a new note every Monday, so throughout the week I don’t have to spend brainpower thinking about “what do I need to do?” It’s all listed right in front of me.

I usually tackle the hardest/biggest projects first and then work down from there. I also sync my work productivity with where I’m at in my menstrual cycle to ensure I am focusing on tasks that best suit the stage my brain is most adept to. 

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

The morning routine looks pretty similar on weekends. On Saturdays we take Tatum to gymnastics, so we might not be right out the door after toast, but we do head out within about an hour or so.

On Sundays, we usually have nowhere to be, but I like to get out and play/walk in the mornings, so we’re usually out the door headed to a park or farmers market. We try to keep the routine very consistent for her so she knows what to expect in her days, despite what we have going on in our lives.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day?

Most mornings I have a pretty optimistic and positive mindset. I believe this is due to a few reasons: I prioritize sleep, so I don’t wake up tired or grouchy most days; I am naturally a morning person, with most of my energy and focus being in the first half of the day; I am able to do a gratitude practice or meditation to start my day fairly often; I enjoy waking up and being with my daughter (even when she’s grumpy or difficult, I still really enjoy having that time with her).

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

My primary non-negotiable is getting myself ready before getting Tatum up. Giving myself the 10-15 minutes I need in order to feel ready for the day creates space for me to show up for her and for other people as needed.

And an extra-luxurious morning is when Tatum sleeps in later than expected and I get an elongated morning to myself. If I can meditate, and drink my tea, and maybe even answer a few emails before she wakes up.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

If I improved my mornings, it would include some intuitive movement prior to getting Tatum. Perhaps a few sun salutations, combined with deep breathing, and stretching my body as it desires.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Mornings have always been a favorite time for me because I have something to look forward to. Perhaps identifying something to look forward to when you wake up could make mornings easier, as simple or profound as it may be.