How I Thrive takes an inside look at founders, entrepreneurs and leaders and the behind-the-scenes self-care work they do to in order to live balanced, happy lives. Today's edition is with Hello Eden founder Katie Fitzgerald, who swears by an obscene amount of water, daily singing, and shows on Bravo.
Name: Katie Fitzgerald
Age: 37
City: New York, NY
Company: Hello Eden, a comprehensive daily supplement for women combining traditional eastern therapies with leading edge science to support reproductive health and hormonal balance.
Beyond the role: Wife, nutritionist, #twinmom
Morning routine:
I no longer use an alarm to wake up. Sleep is at a premium in our home so I wake up when my nine-month-old boys tell me to do so. I make myself a giant mason jar of 3 1/2 glasses lemon water while I prepare bottles for Owen and Charlie. I feed the boys and sip my water while we read and play before their first nap. Then my amazing nanny steps in. I think it’s really important to mention that I have a great support system in place, because it's definitely a mistake to perpetuate the idea that working moms can “do it all” on their own.
I grab a little breakfast (a collagen smoothie, or eggs and smoked salmon), or avocado toast. Then I get ready for the day! In the shower I take a lot of deep belly breaths and set my intention for the day. I listen to The Daily podcast from the New York Times while I do my skincare routine and put on my makeup. I don’t leave the house without hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums, a good SPF, and goodbye kisses. I grab a coffee or a matcha latte when I sit down to read emails and check Instagram and then I feel really ready to get stuff done!
The first thing I do after work:
I make meal time with the boys a top priority. I come home to make their dinner and I feed them while I hear about their day. Then I have a few hours with them all to myself to do bath time and their bedtime ritual. My husband comes home in time for us to tuck them in together.
Dinner ritual:
As new parents, we are still trying to find our footing with dinner. I love cooking, I find it soothing, and I made dinner most nights pre-babies. Now we have a lot less time on our hands and we just have to do what works. Some nights I cook, some nights I “assemble,” some night we order in. As a nutritionist, I always try to make it a well rounded choice but sometimes it’s PB&J and that’s OK, too.
Nighttime routine:
My husband and I snuggle on the couch a little, chat and maybe watch something together. When I get ready for bed I like to listen to something light — a comedy podcast or music — while I do my skincare routine. In bed I like to make a to-do list for the next day. This way my thoughts are on the page instead of rattling around in my head. I diffuse essential oils on my bedside table and do some deep breathing or a guided meditation so I can get in some zzzzs before the boys call for me.
Self-care guilty pleasure:
Bravo!
Workday self-care hack:
An obscene amount of water, movement whenever possible, and I breathe deeply while answering emails.
How I define self-care:
Anything that helps me feel like “myself” beyond work roles and mom brain.
Favorite childhood hobby or toy:
Singing! To clarify, I’m no great talent, but it is something I love and I do it every day of my life. It’s an amazing stress reliever. Little did I know how helpful it would be for me as a mom. I sing to soothe the boys, to encourage another bite, to distract them from something they don’t like—it works! They are truly a terrific audience.
State of your (email) inbox:
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Illustration by Megan Behrendt
1 comment
Great interview! As an Eden customer, I’ve enjoyed using the product and seeing its benefits. I’m so happy to have found something that works and it’s great to read more about the wonderful business woman behind the scenes, She sounds great!