For the first ‘In Bed With’ feature we turned to a couple of our friends who are not only female founders, but they are focused on sustainability and slowing down the currently fast paced fashion industry.
Maria & Yulia are the dynamic duo behind cult brand, Conscious Citizen, launched with the mission to change peoples mindsets and create a positive view of the fashion industry in relation to sustainability and style - with a change in perspective, comes a change in your actions. We wanted to find out what a typical day looks like for them, how they switch off, and what their bedtime routine looks like.
Yulia
What does your bed time routine look like?
I don't really have a specific ritual but I'm not the best sleeper so usually need time to wind down. I usually have a bath or shower about an hour before I want to go sleep. My phone goes into sleep mode, I make a tea and either read, listen to a bedtime story on Calm app or put something easy to watch on tv, usually something I've seen before so I don't have to pay attention to it and just fall asleep. I've recently started journaling every night before bed, where I write all the good things that I am grateful for which happened that day
Tell us 3 things on your nightstand
This Works deep sleep lavender pillow spray
Note book to journal
Hand cream
Currently reading:
Becoming Supernatural by Dr Joe Despenza, it's incredible as it truly explains the science behind the power of positive thinking and shifting mindset for those who might be a little sceptical about manifesting, this is a great book to read.
What keeps you up at night?
These days it's Euphoria and usually just my brain thinking about the 1 million things I need to do, which is why I need to either listen, watch or read something to sleep so it's occupied with something else that's easier for it to switch off from.
Are you a night owl or early bird?
Definitely night owl, but I do wake up around 6.30 every morning too mainly because I'm not a morning person and like to take the time to go through a morning routine to set myself up for the day. I'm not a jump out of bed and straight into the day kind of gal.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days vary so much depending on what's happening with work and with Conscious Citizen it's hard for me to say what an average day is. I could be working from home, or in the office, or with clients, or on a work trip, or in meetings all day then usually trying to fit in everything I need to do for Conscious Citizen around mornings, evenings and weekends. I'm very grateful to have the most understanding business partner in Maria. I like to work out, It helps me keep a very clear and focused head with so much going on at the same time and I will always take my dog for a nice long walk in the morning or in the middle of the day depending to help me focus.
Has your bedtime routine changed since launching Conscious Citizen?
It has but I wouldn't say its because of the business more because I have learned a lot more about the value of sleep and because I've never been the best sleeper I've tried to create good habits to help me.
Does having your own business affect your sleep?
Not for me, if anything Conscious Citizen frees my mind because I love working on it so much and I think the message behind the brand is so positive and powerful.
Whats the best piece of advise you've been given?
A very long time ago my dad told me "in life figure out what you love and enjoy and then find a way to make a living out it" I have lived by that always.
What's the one piece of advise you'd tell a younger you?
I'm absolutely a perfectionist so I would tell myself to not be so scared of getting something wrong or not knowing an answer. You only know what you know and learning is the fun part.
What brings you the most joy?
My Dog Derek, My Friends, Conscious Citizen and Coffee
First thing i do when I wake up in the morning?
Snooze for 15 minutes then make coffee!
Maria -
Tell us about your bedtime routine and what helps you get a good night sleep?
Once I get my daughters to bed (ages 5 and 2 years old), I have a tea with my husband, read and journal about all the positive things that happened that day.
Tell us 3 things on your nightstand?
A photo of my husband and I on our wedding day, my positivity journal, and my crystal collection.
What are you currently reading?
The Source by Dr. Tara Swart
What keeps you up at night?
I am naturally a really good sleeper. The only thing that would keep me awake at night is my 2 year old!
Are you a night owl or an early bird?
100% an early bird.
Describe a typical day in your life
On a typical day, I wake up at 5:30am, have a coffee, journal and get on my peloton for a 20 minute ride, before the rest of the house wakes up. I always make sure to do the school drop off and pickups, and in between, I keep my blinders on and stay hyper-focused, being as efficient as possible at work. After school pick ups, I like to be present with my girls, however, there’s flexibility for me to tend to work obligations if necessary. Yulia and I always have a catch up towards the end of the day, giving gratitude for all the success Conscious Citizen has achieved that day and as a whole. We have dinner as a family, and I make sure to always be in bed by 9:30/10pm.
How has your bedtime routine changed since starting your Conscious Citizen?
Since starting Conscious Citizen, I have become way more regimented with my routine. I have found that staying organised is essential for my sanity, and I absolutely thrive with a nice structure in place.
Does running your own business affect your sleep?
I would say running my own business has improved my sleep. It keeps me very structured, and I believe this is very important for a good night’s sleep. We will have the occasional late nights when our stock arrives, packing preorders, or dinner meetings, but when this occurs, I make sure to be gentle on myself the next day for my body to adjust and recover.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Focus on what you want, one day at a time. I have realised how important it is to embrace the present moment in order to achieve your dreams. We can have a particular goal we want to reach, however, it’s the inspired daily action where the happiness and fun lies.
What’s the one piece of advice would you tell younger you?
Follow your heart and trust your instincts. A lot of my early career decisions were based on a rational, least risk involved thought process. When I reflect back, I wish I would’ve followed my dreams sooner, but eventually we all get on the right path in the end.
What brings you the most joy?
Spending time with my family, staying active, and watching Conscious Citizen evolve.
Whats the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I’m definitely a coffee person. I make a cup of coffee and write in my 5-minute journal (highly recommend).
What’s your favourite MWL style + colour?
I adore the Isla bamboo pyjamas in Blush. I love the elegance of the style and colour combination, and the cozy softness of the bamboo material.
