I'm Working to Reimagine Your Medicine Cabinet—This Is How I Start My Day

What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? A well-rounded morning routine sets the tone for the day and gets you prepped—both mentally and physically—before diving into a packed schedule filled with emails, chores, happy hours, workouts, and more. Our series Morning Person profiles those who have mastered the art of the morning routine.

Tune in every Monday and Friday morning here and on our Instagram to learn exactly how the pros get it all done before the sun comes up, from their go-to breakfasts to their a.m. workouts.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to be able to work from home during this pandemic, you’ll know that adapting your routine in quarantine has its trials and tribulations.

For Hilary Quartner, co-founder and co-CEO of Hilma, a startup that produces clinically backed natural remedies to its OTC counterparts, WFH life has been a time for her to reincorporate some wellness rituals in the time she would be commuting to and from work.

Keep reading to see the healthy habits that Quartner integrates into her typical weekday morning routine. 

6:30 A.M.

The first thing I do when I wake up is have water and then coffee from my Nespresso. I like Hazelnut. I have always liked to wake up early so that I can feel mental space before starting the day. I like to be in the quiet and feel like I’m able to get ahead of the workday if need be. 

Quarantine mornings for me are a bit different than usual. I’ve been able to repurpose the time we would have otherwise been commuting.

6:40 A.M.

I like variety in the morning, so I alternate working out and meditating. For workouts, I’ve been loving Peloton’s yoga, which has a bunch of instructors and time options (especially if you need a quick one). I’ve also been a big fan of Megan Roup’s classes, which are a really fun dance cardio and sculpt option.

On the days I don’t work out, I meditate for about 15 minutes. I like the Ten Percent Happier app because I feel like I always walk away having learned something new.

7:10 A.M.

I take a quick shower and get ready for the day ahead. My co-founders introduced me to SkinCeuticals. I use its Gentle Cleanser and Metacell Renewal B3 moisturizer and Bioderma's toner. 

I wear SPF every day. I like Algenist Sublime Defense. I’ve also been experimenting with a primer lotion by Isla, which has a nice subtle rose scent.

7:30 A.M.

I love breakfast, and my recent go-to has been tomatoes in olive oil (Brightland’s version is a treat) with salt and pepper on whole-grain toast and a soft-boiled egg. I can have the entire meal ready in under six minutes!

I finish the meal with my Hilma Immune Support and Hilma Indoor/Outdoor Support and catch up on the news before diving into my emails.

8 A.M.

I take the next hour to go through emails and get organized for the day.

9 A.M.

I love our morning kickoffs with our full team. We start each meeting by sharing a work priority for the day and a quick personal anecdote or fun fact. It’s been a great way to feel connected while we’re all working remotely and a fun way to start the day off on the right foot!

Up next: How the Founder of This Activewear Brand Starts Her Workday in Venezuela