How Indie Beauty Bosses Take Care Of Themselves

In this edition of Beauty Independent’s ongoing series posing questions to beauty entrepreneurs, we ask 10 founders and executives: How do you practice self-care?

Jun Lee Founder, Eir NYC

As an avid surfer, I make sure I get in the water at least once a week. I feel very lucky that I live in New York City and have easy access to the beach. Rockaway, Long Beach, N.J. are just a 30- to 45- minutes drive. This ritual is very meditative and inspires me. I try for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily: Ashtanga yoga, surfing and dancing. By doing this, it gives me reserve energy to focus and be more present for my company and my staff.

Frances Thrasher Founder, Kindred Skincare Co.

The best way for me to unplug and decompress from the intensity is Shinrin Yoku or forest therapy. The natural medicine of being in the woods clears my head, lowers my blood pressure and rejuvenates. Whether on foot or on my amazing rescue horse, Chateau, I relish my time outside and try to get out five days a week to soak in all that Mother Nature offers. Chateau is better than any prescription blood pressure medicine. Riding calms my mind and body better than anything in the world. Without a doubt, this helps me be more productive and even happier once I am back in my shop.

Ikram Elharti Founder and CEO, Sahara Rose

As an entrepreneur, mother and wife, there are so many balls to juggle and try to accomplish during any particular day that self-care is of the essence. On a daily basis, 30 minutes of exercise does miracles for my well-being. On a weekly basis, I take time to enjoy our Sahara Rose signature Hammam, a spa ritual handed down over generations from my Moroccan heritage. I was introduced at an early age to this ancient method of purification, which not only benefits the skin, but is also absolutely amazing at kicking out toxins and stress from your body. When you take the time to take care of your body, the wellbeing and relaxation you get are just priceless.

Lauren Berkovitz CEO, Lauren B. Beauty

I make sure to start every morning with some sort of workout to get my body and brain on a positive track. I eat a healthy breakfast and get to the office early to conquer the day. For me, staying healthy mentally and physically is key, and remembering to keep my life in balance is so important because without a healthy leader my company and brand is not as successful.

Toks Fahm Ajayi Founder and CEO, Skot Beaute

I truly see my time with my skincare as a pleasurable part of my day, as an act of much deserved love, care and kindness to my skin and wellbeing. However, my greatest indulgence is having a day at the spa. It is the most blissful and rejuvenating experience. In the midst of managing a busy world, being a mother and a wife, dealing with all life has to offer, it’s my perfect escape. You’re surrounded by peace and calm, your worries are gone, you reconnect with yourself, and you’re pampered. Your skin gets blanketed delicately with luxurious products, and you’re feeling great and looking radiantly beautiful.

Nicole Dzurko Owner and Founder, Revival Body Care

I am a single mother of three beautiful girls and completely hands on in every single aspect of running Revival. So, needless to say, I wear many hats and have a never-ending list of tasks. A very important part of my brand message is the importance of self-care. I know personally, when I am carving out time for myself, I am a better mother, business woman, partner and friend.

It can be the little things like making a nutrient-dense smoothie in the morning and enjoying the process of all the beautiful ingredients coming together, knowing that my body will be fueled.

Pilates and barre are my absolute happy place. It gives a much needed mental break and gets my blood flowing, allowing me to feel focused, strong and energized.

After a long day of work, kids and life, I make an effort to take care of me by utilizing the beautiful range of Revival goods that I've created. That 20- to 30-minutes to diffuse at the end of the day makes all the difference. It allows me to feel good and look good, too. I always say, “Self-care is not selfish.” As women, we tend to be constantly giving and taking care of others. Let's not forget how important we are.

Kristi Blustein Founder, Khus + Khus

I have a daily meditation practice as well as a Pranayama practice, which are yoga breathing exercises. Some other things I do include daily Abhyanga massage with warm herbal-infused oils, acupuncture, yoga asana and sound therapy, usually with crystal singing bowls. You can find some really good vibrational playlists on Soundcloud. Just lay in a corpse pose for 30 minutes listening to crystal bowls, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

I also like dry brushing. I find it very relaxing and great to do before Abhyanga. I also use adaptogens, daily reishi, cordyceps and ashwagandha tincture. I use them in conjunction with nervine herbs. I change them. This month, it's passionflower, gotu kola and lemon balm.

I sleep with a diffuser next to my bed with essential oils. All of this seems like a lot, but we live in a stressful world, and you have to put back into your container if you expect to be functioning from a peaceful place. It's imperative to reset the system and maintain healthy habits that calm the mind and body.

Betty Guerre Founder, Aim HI Every Day

Taking the time to connect with loved ones at the end of or throughout the day, exercise, yoga, meditation. I’ll do mini pocket-sized meditations during the day to reset. My nighttime ritual always involves steam and aromatic oils to cleanse and decompress.

Joshua Scott Onysko Founder and President, Pangea Organics

A glass of tempranillo, dark chocolate, chamomile, lavender and lemon essential oil bath, a matcha mud mask and some Rumi poetry...done.

Lidya Wati Founder and CEO, Luvanti Skincare

It has certainly been a challenge to dedicate time for self-care while starting a new business. There are always unexpected bumps that throw you off your schedule and daily routine. One thing I never miss, however, is my skincare regimen. That is my self-care routine, and it's my way of indulging in some quiet time for myself. Another thing I like to do is to meditate for 15 minutes before I start my day. It helps me refresh my spirit and restore the mind so I am ready to take on the day.

If you have a question you’d like Beauty Independent to ask beauty entrepreneurs, please send it to editor@beautyindependent.com.