What are your non-negotiable morning rituals Before Life Happens?
I wish I could say I was one of those morning people who get up early and have an entire morning routine… but I’ve always been a night owl and am way more creative and productive in the evening. My non-negotiable is sleep and caffeine. I will sleep as long as I can and savour every moment. Once my alarm goes off, I consciously take a few deep belly breaths and do a short meditation. Taking a moment of mindfulness before my day begins to land back in my body. Then it’s time for matcha or a black coffee and my day begins.
Did you always imagine an entrepreneurial life for yourself?
When I was younger all I ever wanted was to be a dancer. I didn’t imagine much beyond that. Dancing is not a steady job and you’re always hustling to find work wherever you can. So yes, I guess I have always been an entrepreneur, collaborating, creating, and searching to do what I love. With that being said, I never thought I would be a co-founder of Jaybird and have studios on both coasts with another location set to open in Toronto in 2023. This would never have been possible without my incredible co-founder Barbie Bent and our team, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Where does your love for movement and dance come from?
To be honest, I think I was born with it. I have always loved moving and dancing. Movement brings me into the present moment. It allows me to drop out of my head and into my body — a place where I feel the most connected and alive as me.
What other self-care practices do you have that support you in feeling your best?
Self care can look different for everyone. I know I still struggle to take time to rest and relax and not feel guilty about it. My biggest tool is my breath. I try to be constantly curious and mindful of it. Most of us don’t breathe and it adds to our stress and anxiety. Breath is my best tool to keep me grounded, calm and connected to myself. I constantly remind myself to breathe deeply in and out of the nose down into the belly so my nervous system can stay in a calm and rested state. This has a trickle-down effect on the way I show up in my life. The more I consciously breathe the less I react unconsciously and can show up the way I want to in the world.
I also love taking The Balance class at Jaybird, cold/hot therapy at Othership, and Sundays are my sacred day. In a perfect world they consist of sleeping in, sports (NFL football) snuggles, sex, good food, and wine with those I love. Yes.. that’s my perfect Sunday, and what self care looks like for me.
How do you end your day?
A good skincare routine, clean sheets, and a shower make me happy after a long day. When I get into bed, I come back to my breath. Slowing down my inhales and exhales, I can calm my mind and connect back to my body and what’s happening in the present moment. I let the day go and do a short meditation reflecting on things I’m grateful for and then embodying a manifestation I’m holding for the future. If my mind is racing, I will quickly write down anything I need to remember, and then commit back to my breath and being present where I am in that moment. It’s not always easy, but always worth the effort.
