Candace Molatore is a Self-Love Advocate, Branding Consultant and Photographer based in Portland, OR. With a passion for building community, Candace uses her photography and writing skills to broadcast the message of self-confidence, body positivity and inclusivity online. She shares her interests, inspiration, tips and everyday life with her audience regularly through social media with a mission to make everyone feel empowered in their own skin.
What time do you wake up in the morning and how do you wake up?
Before quarantine, I was solidly waking up around 8 am daily. Now, it’s a bit of a mix. More recently though I’ve been heading to bed early and waking up before my alarm by 7:45 am.
What’s on your bedside table?
So many items that I consider to be essential, but honestly, they’re mostly just there because they’re pretty and bring me joy. In addition to an alarm clock I have a few books, a catch-all dish that holds my favorite jewelry, some essential oils, a candle, a salt lamp and a water glass.
Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?
Always! Ever since my school days I’ve laid out my outfits the night before, it honestly makes me more efficient in the morning because I’m not stuck trying things that don’t work or I’m not feeling while also running late. It’s a helpful habit that has just kind of stuck around!
What are your skincare/body care rituals?
I wash my face twice a day, but the morning is more to wake myself up, the evening routine is more involved and includes some of my favorite serums and moisturizers!
What does your morning routine flow look like?
After waking up and realizing that I’m fully awake, I usually take a look at my phone, I’m totally a morning scroller and use this time to quickly catch up on notifications from the night before. Once I’m out of bed, I’ll do my bathroom routine with skincare, brushing teeth and the whole bit, I love using a jade roller in the morning to really wake up my face after washing it. I’ll usually hang out in the living room with some matcha or breakfast before getting dressed and starting work for the day.
When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?
My workday usually starts around 10 am, I always look at my inbox first thing and work through scheduling emails for that afternoon (that way I’m not playing email tag while trying to finish other tasks). I also like to listen to some music if my day consists of editing photos or planning shoots.
How does your morning routine change on the weekends?
Muuuuch more mellow. My weekends have really become sacred to me; I don’t answer emails and really try to limit work in general on weekends so that I feel less stressed and actually ready to return when the week begins again! Typically in the mornings I sleep in and watch a show in the mornings.
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?
I meditate at night so typically that helps me get a good sleep so I’m feeling less like I’m dragging the next morning. Caffeine definitely can also help, but instead of coffee, I drink matcha which has a lot of antioxidant benefits and less of a crash-factor.
What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?
Every morning needs some solid tunes, I always play music to get me in a great mood. If it’s a very luxurious morning I might even stay in my pj’s until noon!
What would you like to improve with your mornings?
I think waking up in some linen sheets would seriously improve my mornings, but I also think getting on a daily breakfast schedule would be helpful. I always try to eat a little something, but more of a meal would help my mind function better through the day.
What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?
First, know that you are so not alone. I wouldn’t consider myself a morning person but knowing how to set yourself up the night before, by meditating or laying out your outfits, can make the mornings get gradually easier!