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.

Up until Summer 2020, I had been a student my entire life. I studied business in my undergraduate program and have an MBA from Chapman University. I also spent some time in law school, where I learned a lot, but it ultimately wasn’t my thing.

St. Brown & Co. is an expression of my personal creativity and resilience in creating something from nothing. St. Brown & Co. represents a standard of excellence—it elevates the moment with the strike of a match.

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

I wake up at about 8:00 am every morning. I have a Loftie alarm clock that wakes me up super gently with singing bowls.

How do you like your coffee?

I discovered my perfect drink earlier this year, so I have a super-specific answer for this one! For at-home coffee—I use a venti reusable Starbucks cup, fill it with ice, pour a double espresso Nespresso shot, fill it with unsweetened almond milk, and flavor it with Coffee Mate’s Peppermint Mocha creamer. 

If I’m at a coffee shop, I usually go for a vanilla latte (hot or iced, depending on my mood; hot if I’m feeling cozy).

What’s on your bedside table?

My Lofite alarm clock, a Himalayan salt lamp, Aquaphor lip repair, my Hydroflask (by my side 100% of the time), and my glasses. 

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

If I do prep for the mornings, I usually just clean my house. It’s always nice to come downstairs to a living room and kitchen that’s not a disaster. One less thing to think about in the morning! 

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I dry brush for circulation, ice roll my face to reduce puffiness using The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller (an investment, but game-changing), and I take freezing cold showers to wake myself up. 

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

I wake up with my Loftie, meditate using the Core Meditation Trainer, get some movement in, and listen to a podcast while I get ready for the day. This is an ideal situation—a lot of the time, I frantically bolt out of bed, get ready, and leave. But even on the frantic days, I still listen to a podcast while bolting to get ready!

The podcasts I have on repeat are The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, 6 Figure Influencer, and Entreprenista.

I classify it as a successful morning routine flow if I’ve taken time to center myself and think about nothing. A moment for myself before I start responding to the day.

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

I typically start working at about 10:00 am. I’m not a morning person, so it takes me a minute to come alive and start being a boss. Post-coffee, I like to light a St. Brown & Co. candle as a transitional action—like, “Okay, now we’re in a workflow.” 

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

My morning routine generally goes out the window on the weekends! If I don’t have anything scheduled on the weekends, I will usually let myself sleep in, spend time with my dog, and make a slow breakfast and enjoy the morning. I like to listen to music instead of a podcast or TV. And maybe even read a book for leisure! 

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?

If I take time for myself to slow down and don’t immediately start responding to the day in the morning, my mindset is calm and focused. To get in this headspace, I either meditate or take a freezing cold shower. I prioritize getting into this mindset if I know I have something important to take care of that day. 

Sometimes, if there’s nothing critical happening, I let myself relax. I’m not at a point where I’m sharp and ready to go every single day, and I think that’s okay. But I do acknowledge when I’m “in the zone” and take full advantage of that headspace and crank out critical work. 

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

Coffee and listening to a podcast are non-negotiables. Podcasts while I get ready allow my brain to focus on something while keeping my thoughts from wandering to my to-do list. 

An extra-luxe morning would probably be taking myself to a coffee shop to work. When I go to a coffee shop to work, I allow myself about 30-minutes to enjoy my coffee and avocado toast before diving into my tasks.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

Not pressing the snooze button!

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

As a person who struggles with mornings, I’d say have something to look forward to. It always helps me get out of bed or press snooze a little less when I have something exciting on the agenda. 

And not scheduling meetings too early. I personally don’t schedule anything earlier than 10:00 am. I know myself and I know I want to show up as my best self! And that definitely won’t be at an 8:00 am meeting.

Find Cassity online –

Business Instagram: Instagram.com/stbrownco

Personal Instagram: Instagram.com/cassityvictoria

Website: stbrownco.com

She offers expertise in creating courses and programs with a mission to improve the quality of education and offerings in the online space. She has successfully served over 200 entrepreneurs by developing binge-worthy courses through her detailed service offerings.

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

Usually, between 7:00 and 7:30 am every morning. It depends on what I have going on that day, as I love to sleep in when I can! I set the alarm on my phone.

How do you like your coffee?

Black with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder!

What’s on your bedside table?

The book I am reading, an essential oils diffuser, my phone charger, and a big water bottle.

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

At the end of every workday, I make sure my home office space is clean and ready for the next day. I take into account what I have planned so I can also mentally prepare and feel ready to go for my day. I put anything important that I know I need to get accomplished on my calendar, so I already have the time allocated to do it.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I follow the skincare routine my esthetician provided me! I use all Osmosis products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and hydrate my skin.

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

After waking up, my husband and I have a cup of coffee and talk about what our plans are for the day and how we want our day to be. He works from home as well (and does some work for Dreampro, too!), so we get to spend a lot of time together. After waking up a bit, we take our dogs on a long walk around our neighborhood which also gives me a ton of energy. We make breakfast, which is usually eggs, sometimes bacon, and bagels. Afterward, I get dressed and ready for the day, usually run my Roomba to clean, and head into my home office. 

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

I am usually in my office and ready to work around 9:00 or 9:30 am. I am most productive and creative in the morning, so I quickly get into my work. I spend about half an hour reviewing what I have planned for the day and centering myself. I love to listen to Dave Matthews Band radio or Leon Bridges radio on low in the background! 

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

On the weekends, I take a lot more time, long walks, and my husband and I usually make bigger breakfasts! Taking it slow helps me recharge.

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?

How you start your morning really does affect the way you approach your entire day. I always wake up grateful that I have created my life, and taking ownership over what I have on my calendar or to-do’s always puts me in a positive mood. If I know it is going to be a busy or somewhat stressful day, I usually give myself a little pep-talk to get excited, rather than let the thought of it drain me – because let’s be honest, not every day as an entrepreneur is slow-moving or relaxed!

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

Non-negotiables are definitely taking care of my dogs and coffee. Some days, breakfast just comes later in the morning. Extra-luxurious mornings are definitely when my day is planned to start later. I typically spend more time outside, read, or sometimes even play video games with my husband! We love to spend time together, so having some fun throughout the day keeps things different.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

I would love to wake up earlier to have more time. I used to wake up later, so we’re getting there! 6:00 am would be ideal. This time of year, I would also love to watch the sunrise.

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

Start slow. Don’t try to completely change your routine overnight. Add one thing at a time or change the time you wake up incrementally. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Create a morning (and life!) based on what you value the most.

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

The best days start when I’m able to wake up with the sun and walk out to watch the sunrise over the mountain or the ocean or the desert. But, such as life living in a moving home, that’s not always the case. Sometimes we wake up in Walmart parking lots and sometimes we sleep in past 9 a.m because we drove into a different time zone and our sleep schedule is off. Typically though, the sweet spot is around 7 a.m.

How do you like your coffee?

What’s on your bedside table?

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

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

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

I don’t have a set time I “need” to start working by. I’ve realized that for myself and my go-with-the-flow attitude, setting a strict time schedule for myself only makes me feel like a failure if something else comes up or I feel called to focus on another project or task. 

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

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?

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

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

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

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

On most days, I am up at or around 5:00 am. My reliable cat, Pablo, always wakes me up for his breakfast as soon as the sun starts to rise!

How do you like your coffee? 

Black and steaming hot! I love French roast.

What’s on your bedside table? 

I keep a baby monitor on my bedside table.

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

I set an intentional alarm. When I set my alarm, I tell myself how awesome my morning is going to be. I think this is really important because it allows me to really visualize the successful morning I am going to have. I used to be someone who would press snooze but that’s not an option anymore! Mornings and the energy we have in our morning set the tone for the whole day!

What are your skincare/body care rituals? 

I LOVE all things skincare and body care. Every day I moisturize my entire body from head to toe because of how it makes me feel. Radiant and sexy! I also love my skincare routine. Some people may do it because it looks good, but I love the way it makes me feel. Just luxurious. My skincare routine consists of exfoliating, vitamin C serum, and a rose moisturizer.

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

In the morning my alarm goes off at 5:00 am. The first thing I do is stand up, stretch, and then my kitties and I will go downstairs together. I feed them, give them kisses and make myself a cup of coffee. After I have my cup of coffee, I like to fit in a 30-minute Peloton workout where I love to just sweat my a** off! It makes me feel so much gratitude for my body and shows me how strong my body actually is. Then, I like to get in a nice relaxing shower where I do my skincare and body care routine — exfoliating, serums, all the things that make me feel luxurious.

I will then sit at my desk and journal all my monthly goals as if they are happening now. This helps me to manifest them because I really love to embody that energy as if it is really happening right now. If my son is still sleeping, I will go ahead and do some EFT tapping, and then by 7:00 am my son is waking up, so then I move into full-on mom mode.

I will go ahead and indulge in all the baby snuggles I can get. That is my really amazing high-five morning!

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

Nope! I have a really powerful anchor in my office where every time I sit in my chair, I am ready to get going with my work as soon as I sit down. My office is my happy place!

I make a list of all my “non-negotiable to-dos” for the day and I also set my daily intention. It is usually something I am manifesting in my life or my business. It’s usually something simple like “I accept abundance openly and from places known and unknown”. Another thing I love to do at the start of my workday is review my monthly revenue. I send out gratitude to all my students and this particular action allows me to shift into a high frequency for the day so I can serve the best I can!

How does your morning routine change on the weekends? 

My morning routine tends to stay exactly the same as it does during the week.

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 really love EFT tapping in the morning because it allows me to embody that 2.0 mindset and when I embody that mindset it allows me to really next level manifest. I release any frustrations in the morning and tap into how I want to be feeling instead.

My tips or tools for getting in a good mindset are to learn how to use EFT tapping. There are some great tutorials on YouTube and I also have them in my Facebook group, The Related Family.

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

Everything that I mentioned in my flow is pretty much non-negotiable. Maybe an extra 15-20 minutes of my baby sleeping, so I am able to get in a full tapping sequence or an extra cup of coffee. Since being a mom, the earlier I get up in the morning, the longer of a morning routine I get to have.

What would you like to improve with your mornings? 

Something I would like to improve in my mornings would be to really start getting good at getting up exactly at 5:00 am. Sometimes it is easy to just hit snooze, but I really want to just avoid that and jump into my day.

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

Just freaking do it! Mornings are the most important part of your day because it sets the vibe for the rest of the day. Having an awesome morning routine will allow you to manifest and really create that life you are desiring.

Want more morning routines? Check out more morning routines of successful women.

I also recently spoke at the Money Moves Summit presented by Create and Cultivate and MasterCard, where she covered topics surrounding budgeting and buying your first home!

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

I like to wake up naturally. I have tried an alarm, and it just doesn’t feel right. I wake up around 7:30 am.

How do you like your coffee?

Cappuccino with almond milk, oat milk, or regular milk if it’s a good place!

What’s on your bedside table?

• One book
• Lotion for a foot massage before bed
• Earplugs
• Notebook and pen
• Basal body temperature thermometer

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

Not really. Sundays are when I schedule the entire week ahead. And the evening before, I always look at the day ahead.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I get facials once a month. I am given all my products when I go for my facial treatment. I wash with water in the morning, apply vitamin C serum and sunscreen a while later.

In the evening, I wash my face and apply retinol lotion.

I love a good hair mask.

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

I need a slow morning.

I wake up naturally.

Go to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth first thing.

Walk into the kitchen and cut up a lemon slice, and get hot water.

Enjoy my drink in my comfy chair in my office while I am either journaling, meditating, or watching videos of inspiring coaches. On Fridays, I cuddle with my husband and watch television. 

Then, I will either go for a walk or start the day around 11 am. 

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

During the summer, when the days are long, I like to start the day around 11 am and end around 3-4 pm. Then I enjoy going outdoors. 

During the winter, when the days are short, I like to be outside in the daytime. My day starts around 1-2 pm.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

Fridays are different from the weekdays because it’s the start of my weekend. I take a half-day on Friday, and I do not work on Saturday.

I allow myself to watch a movie in the morning or read some blogs. I like to cook some fun foods and take it easy.

On Saturdays, I have no routine except for spending time with my husband.

On Sundays, it’s a mix. It is the first day of my week, but it is a reflective day. I reflect on the goals and achievements of last week and setting new ones for the week ahead. I like setting my schedule and getting things done.

This is the day when I have a family meeting with my husband. We talk about finances, our relationship, and upcoming trips.

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?

This is different for everyone, but I think starting in a bright sunny place in your home helps tremendously.

It helps me visualize, write ideas down, write what I’m grateful for, and read fun books.

Lately, I have been listening to a meditation about manifesting what I want.

One huge thing for me is that my phone is off or on airplane mode from the night before I start working to the next day. 

Of course, you don’t feel great some days, and you must honor that and not put yourself down.

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

Non-negotiables are water with lemon and quiet alone time.

Luxurious is if the sun is out, I go for a nice long walk! Also, if my husband makes breakfast, haha. 

Sometimes my husband and I watch television together and cuddle on the couch first thing in the morning.

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

Be easy on yourself. Accept how you feel and what you want to do.

If you know you want a slow morning, schedule yourself accordingly or wake up early to have extra time.

Understand that listening to yourself is key.

Featured in Business Insider, Jacqueline Relke is the founder of the JW Method and Gen Z sales consultant who managed over $700,000,000 on the trading floor during her corporate finance career. Now, she consults with corporate financial institutions and mentors women so they can grow in their careers and business and shatter the glass ceiling.

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

I wake up at 6:45 am to my alarm on my Apple Watch. I love it because it is a gentle vibration that wakes you up gently versus a blaring alarm. Talk about a non-relaxing way to wake up with the latter!

How do you like your coffee?

I brew fresh black coffee from a local coffee shop, Irving Farm, every morning in a percolator and enjoy it was a splash of hazelnut creamer. I used to not do this to save “liquid calories,” but life is too short, and it brings so much joy to my morning. Don’t miss out on 95% of life to weigh 5% less.

What’s on your bedside table?

There is nothing other than lavender essential oil spray, phone charger, humidifier, and hand lotion (hi, dry skin). I am a slight clean freak, so less is more.

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

I do not prepare only because I have such a rock-solid morning routine now. If I have a lot going on and my mind won’t turn off, I will do a “brain dump” – a list of everything I need to do the next day/week so my brain can turn off and go to sleep. However, if I am going to a 7:30 am pilates class, I will set up my gym clothes outside of our bedroom, so I don’t wake up AW ruffling around for a sports bra.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

What does your morning routine flow look like?

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

My workday starts immediately after my morning routine. I typically do my morning routine 7-8 am, then will work 8-10 am, then go to a 10:30 am pilates before jumping on calls for the day. I am my most productive in the morning, so I waste no time diving in.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends? 

I give myself grace on weekends. I actually do not have much of a morning routine at all! I sleep in, and AW makes coffee on the weekend. I wake up, and we watch Formula 1 or soccer. I will either read a chapter of a book or tie up a few loose ends from the week, then head to a late morning pilates session. I try to do no morning work on Sundays, but I will prep my entire next week in the afternoon.

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

Every weekday is a non-negotiable for my morning routine. Coffee, candle, gratitude, to-do’s, non-negotiables, prioritization of tasks, and scheduling workings/wellness have to happen. I try to infuse luxury into every morning. Extra-luxurious is diving more into journalling, letting thoughts flow, and working more on high-level M$W/JW Method things instead of client work. But to be honest with my client load lately, that happens on weekends now because #clientsfirst.

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

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

My name is Natalee Linez and I’m an actress and entrepreneur who made her mark in the health and wellness industry when I created MAGIC Mornings. MAGIC is a morning routine journaling method that focuses on empowering women to live to their highest potential, all while advocating for the integration of mental health and wellness tools into schools across the country. I’m also currently filming STARZ “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and you can find me as the lead in a new Gravitas Ventures film as well as a recurring character on Freeform’s “Siren.” Here’s a look at what my morning routine looks like.

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

I wake up between 5:00 and 5:30 am almost every morning. In 2019 I read a book called “The 5 am Club” and I was pretty much sold on the concept after the first chapter! I totally understand that it sounds insane to wake up that early, but your body truly gets used to it.

I don’t like looking at my phone first thing in the morning so I bought a traditional alarm clock to create this habit. Consistency is key with this one!

I am a huge advocate of waking up 1-2 hours before your normal day begins. After browsing through articles of scientific studies, reading about the psychology of “The Good Life”, listening to multiple podcasts of some of the highest performers on earth, and my personal experience, you really do have a happier and more productive day when you wake up earlier than you’re supposed to. The way in which you start your day is likely how the rest of your day will go.

How do you like your coffee? 

I go through phases. I am currently getting iced oat milk lattes with an added shot. When I make coffee at home, I use a Bialetti, froth whole milk and pour the frothed milk over the coffee. Surprisingly, I don’t do sugar in my coffee. I have the biggest sweet tooth but for some reason, I don’t like it in my coffee! But again, I do go through phases so who knows what my coffee future has in store for me! I love new coffee recipes so if you have any, plzzz DM!

What’s on your bedside table? 

My bedside table contains a reading light that I wear around my neck, a book (currently reading “How to Build a Goddamn Empire” by Ali Krugman), and a candle.

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

Often times I write out a “to-do” list for the following day. I’m not hard on myself if I don’t accomplish them, it’s more of a reminder for myself. Morning routines are very important to me, so I already created the daily habit of what to do in the AM rather than having to prepare the night before.

But in the beginning, I definitely would write out, step-by-step what I would do each morning as well as my to-do list for the day.

What is your skincare/body care rituals? 

For skincare I have a morning and night regimen that look pretty similar, the only difference is that I don’t wash my face with cleanser in the mornings, just rinse with water.

Here’s a step-by-step!

AM: Rinse face, spray toner, vitamin C serum (currently using Drunk Elephant), under-eye moisturizer, and then the most important- SPF (currently using Super goop unseen sunscreen).

PM: Face cleanser, toner, night serum, under-eye moisturizer, moisturizer!

And for body, TBH, I don’t have any rituals just a simple shower.

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

5:00-5:30 am: Read. I’m usually switching between two books but I want to be better about just knocking one at a time out! Anyone else do this?!

5:30-6:00 am: I do my magical morning routine. It’s called The M.A.G.I.C Journal and it goes like this (Meditation, Affirmations, Gratitude, Intentions, and Coffee) I do a ten-minute guided meditation on the app insight timer or YouTube, write 3 affirmations, write 3 things I am grateful for, write 3 intentions and for “Coffee” there is a motivating quote to kickstart my day.

6:00-6:30 am/7:00 am: Work out/Move my body (Yoga, BodybyBina Pilates, or the Nike training app)

7:00 am- Make coffee and I usually start to work at this time! I make my breakfast at around 8:00 am.

Of course, there are some days that look different. But because of the structure and routine set in place each morning, it allows spontaneity. Meaning that I feel grounded enough to switch it up if I need to or if something comes up! But waking up at 5:00 am allows me those extra hours in the day to really take care of myself so I can have a more successful day for myself and everyone around me.

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

Around 7:00 or 8:00 am! Before I start, I need to make sure I engage in something mindful. What I do for my mindfulness is the MAGIC method that I spoke about earlier! It has truly transformed my life. So many of us wake up, immediately check our phone, and are bombarded with different outlets vying for our attention. This leads to immediate anxiety and could eventually lead to depression (science backs this!). If we can change our daily routine slightly, ditch our phones for the first hour of the day, and swap it with mindfulness we would live in a higher vibrating world.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends? 

The only thing I am more lenient with on the weekend is the time I wake up. I sleep in an extra hour or so until around 6:00-6:30 am. I maintain my morning routine because I know that consistency is key! Of course, there are some days that will inevitably be missed and that’s ok. But if I start slipping every weekend chances are I won’t keep it up during the weekdays either. After doing the routine for a couple of weeks it becomes a habit anyway.

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 have cultivated the daily practices I have spoken about above, to keep up a healthy mindset. Some days are harder than others. Not checking your phone is one of the healthiest tips I have ever practiced. Some ways to help implement this would be to: Set your phone across the room so you don’t wake up and immediately check it, create a separate habit like immediately waking up and grabbing a book, delete social apps each night to train yourself to not click on them first thing in the morning.  

Some of these tactics may seem extreme but once you create the habit, you will have it for good! Overall my mindset is optimistic, ready for a good day.

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

Honestly- my extra-luxurious mornings are the same as my non-negotiable mornings.

Let me explain… I truly enjoy waking up and having a mindful morning to myself. I feel the difference when I don’t create the time and space to do so. I understand we all have different lives and some of us have kids, demanding jobs, and exterior responsibilities. I promise you, if you put some effort into it, you CAN create 15 extra minutes of time for YOU. By doing this you will be more equipped to take care of others, execute your goals for the day, and have an overall more peaceful and joy-filled day.

What would you like to improve with your mornings? 

I need to create the habit of eating a healthy breakfast! I tend to go for my bars or green juice. I am totally aware of the importance of having a nutritious and filling breakfast so I would like to find some good recipes to try. Have any?! Again, slide in those DM’s!

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

Start small. Start slow. Want to wake up earlier? Start in 15-minute increments. Set your alarm for just 15 minutes earlier than usual, use that time for a few days, then gradually add a little more.

Try habit stacking. If you wake up and brush your teeth every single morning, stack a new healthy habit on top of that like drinking a glass of water or reading for ten minutes.

This will ease you into your day. The worst thing you can do is wake up and rush into your day not even taking a single conscious breath! If this does sound like you, it’s okay! We all do it. Be proud that you are taking the first step by reading this and being interested in a more mindful morning.

There’s a quote I love that says “If you lose an hour in your morning you will spend the rest of the day looking for it.” Don’t spend your whole day looking for that hour, create it for yourself.

My name is Callie, and I’m a startup marketer, YouTuber, and brand photographer. I have been known by my family and roommates to stay up to the early hours of the morning, typing away at my keyboard like that one cat meme.

It didn’t take long into my adult life for me to realize that blue light screen time glow does not translate into glowy skin during the daytime. A pandemic and a half later, I switched up my morning routine to improve my overall hydration, health, and happiness. Here’s what my morning routine looks like today: 

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

Around 7:00 am, I wake up to the sound of my alarm. I WISH my body naturally woke up with the sun, but until then, my iPhone’s default alarm sound is what signals me to get my day started. 

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

The first thing I do after brushing my teeth is grab my Trader Joe’s jojoba oil and start my morning skincare routine. As someone with dry skin, this product has single-handedly kept my “thirsty” skin satisfied. You won’t be surprised by the next step – I take the time to give myself a facial massage with a GuaSha tool or an Ice roller as often as I can to feel refreshed. 

How do you like your coffee?

I could probably balance out the amount of JoJoba oil I use if I cut down on coffee, but … no. I love to start my mornings with coffee. In the winter I like it hot, but as soon as the first day of spring rolls around, iced it is. I’ll buy a big iced coffee, usually from Khalifa farms, and mix in the almond milk or creamer that I have on hand. I enjoy my coffee the most sitting outside with my go-to breakfast of eggs and an air-fried trader joe’s hash browns. 

What does your morning routine flow look like? 

I enjoy my coffee the most sitting outside with my go-to breakfast of eggs and an air-fried Trader Joe’s hash brown. At this point I’m already up, showered, dressed in workout clothes, glowing from the JoJoba Oil I slathered all over my face (again, you need this product), and trying to get my mindset ready for the workday. 

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 struggle with ADHD-like tendencies and if I’m not intentional, I can let anxiety get the best of me before I start my work day. To get into a good mindset, I remind myself that today is a fresh start. It’s a new day to feel my best, do my best, and take the steps necessary towards the big shifts I want to make in my life. I ask myself what I can do to make today a good day, at work, for myself, and for those I care about and write them down or type them out. I find that when I define what it is I want to accomplish, everything feels more doable. 

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

After setting my intentions for the day, I kick my work off with a to-do I find inspiring, exciting, or easy. Sometimes that means a marketing podcast, a current project I’m most interested in, or the quickest item on my to-do list. Starting off this way gives me that boost of energy I need to get “in the zone.” 

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

Waking up to a clean kitchen makes all the difference! I don’t always make this happen, but when I do, it’s a game-changer. My morning routine is heavily reliant on my breakfast experience so it makes sense.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

On weekends I take my mornings a lot slower. I’ll usually sneak in a workout in the morning before having a fancier breakfast. That could look like cooking at home (pancakes are my go-to) or eating out with my friends. 

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

On an extra-luxurious morning, time moves slowly for me to fit everything in. I’ll workout first, do my hair, get dressed up, edit a video, read up on entrepreneurship and wealth-building, and get organized, all before 9 o’clock rolls around.

My morning coffee is always non-negotiable, but if I’m treating myself, I’ll grab a chai tea latte and scone from my favorite neighborhood shop down the block. 

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

I started focusing on my morning routine and building daily, healthy habits in order to feel more engaged and empowered around my career and creativity.

When I realized the late-night laptop sessions weren’t cutting it, identifying what my ideal morning routine would be and incorporating moments I felt excited about helped me improve the way I wake up and start my day.

I’m also playing around with my evening routine, and one of the things that I’m testing out is being active in the mornings. Will it improve my focus? Will it make me feel more productive? Will it tire me out before the day even starts? Who knows, but I’ll be looking to add walks or runs in the mornings to get outside and supplement my typical weight-lifting sessions. Wish me luck!

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

Listen, as a night owl, I’ve been there. I never found mornings peaceful. The only time I felt inspired and focused was after the day passed and everyone and everything I was accountable to was on pause for the day. I’m still not waking up at 5 am and taking cold showers, but defining what makes me happy, and being more intentional about incorporating those things throughout my day has made such a difference.

I feel way more balanced now that I have found those quiet moments in the mornings as well. If you’re struggling with mornings, start with the small changes that will make a big impact.

Make your morning beverage special, just the way you like it.

Make time to eat a breakfast you’ll look forward to. Give yourself a pat on the back for showing up for the day. You’re worth it!

Want more fun morning routines? Browse more on our A.M. routine series.