Ever wondered how accomplished women like CEOs and doctors kick off their days? Their morning routines reveal unique approaches to ensuring a successful start.

Each woman’s morning ritual is distinct. Some leap out of bed into a flurry of activities, while others embrace a calmer pace. What does your morning look like? Is it a rush of showers, outfit selections, and lunch prep? Or do you prefer a tranquil start with meditation, yoga, and a warm cup of tea? Maybe you tackle your to-do list, responding to emails before you even finish brushing your teeth.

We spoke with four remarkable women about their morning routines. While there’s no single “correct” way to begin the day, certain themes emerged: prioritize breakfast and include at least one joyful activity.

Shama Hyder, CEO and Founder of Zen Media

Shama Hyder, a digital marketing visionary, discovered her passion for technology as a teenager. After her family moved from India to Dallas when she was 9, she founded the Marketing Zen Group at 23, now known as Zen Media.

Her leadership has earned her accolades, including recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine and Forbes’ “30 Under 30.” She has also been honored at the White House and the United Nations. Her best-selling book, “The Zen of Social Media Marketing,” further solidified her influence.

Though her mornings vary with her busy travel schedule, when she’s in Dallas, she maximizes her productivity. “I’m always meeting clients or traveling, so my days differ,” she shares. Here’s how her mornings typically unfold.

Hyder’s Morning

  • 7:30: Rise and immediately check emails for urgent matters.
  • 8: Get dressed. Since I struggle with mornings, I shower at night to ease the process.
  • 8:30: Enjoy breakfast—scrambled eggs, toast, and tea. I never skip breakfast, as my busy schedule often leads to missing lunch.
  • 8:45: Commute to work.
  • 9: Team huddle with staff to discuss strategies and updates.
  • 9:30: Sip tea while outlining my priorities for the day.

Leesa Evans, Costume Designer and Celebrity Stylist

Leesa Evans’ love for fashion is rooted in her upbringing, influenced by her mother, a successful designer. While studying at Parsons, she discovered her passion for costume design through a brief internship.

She has crafted costumes for numerous films, including “Bridesmaids,” for which she received an award nomination. Evans also styles celebrities like Claire Danes and Maya Rudolph.

With a demanding career, she prioritizes calm mornings. “I work long hours, so starting with tranquility is essential,” she explains. Here’s her morning routine in Los Angeles.

Evans’ Morning

  • 7: Wake up and meditate in bed.
  • 7:30: Indulge in a bath to stay centered, despite its time commitment.
  • 7:45: Get dressed. I opt for a “work uniform” that’s quick to put on and stylish.
  • 8: Savor a delicious cup of coffee and a green smoothie while discussing the day with my husband. I check emails for the first time after turning off my phone the night before.
  • 8:30: Head to work.
  • 9: Meet with assistants to plan the day ahead.
  • 9:15: Jump into work, whether it’s sourcing fabric, organizing alterations, or heading to shops.

Reem Rahim, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Numi Organic Teas

Reem Rahim took a unique route to becoming a leader in the tea industry. Originally from Baghdad, she moved to Ohio at age 5. After studying biomedical engineering and art, she co-founded Numi Organic Teas following a transformative trip to the Grand Canyon.

Since its inception, Numi has garnered acclaim as one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing companies. Rahim also participated in a White House Forum on Business Innovation.

Currently residing on a farm in Petaluma, California, her mornings are refreshingly simple.

Rahim’s Morning

  • 6:30: Woken by my puppy or stepson. We chat about our dreams, and he sometimes brings a book to read together.
  • 7: Prepare him for the day—breakfast, getting dressed, snacks, and homework help.
  • 7:30: While my husband takes our son to school, I care for the puppy and make breakfast, which includes coffee and farm-fresh eggs.
  • 8: Enjoy breakfast with my husband, discussing daily tasks and projects.
  • 9: At my desk, I review my journal to list goals and time estimates for the day.
  • 10: Brew my first cup of tea.

Vicki Hoefle, Author, Professional Speaker, and Parenting Expert

A mother of five, Vicki Hoefle has balanced family life with a thriving career. After moving from Southern California to Seattle, she embarked on years of travel before settling into a corporate job. Eventually, she became a stay-at-home mom.

To supplement her income, she started a daycare, driven by her philosophy that children thrive when encouraged to contribute positively. What began as a small operation grew into a full-fledged center.

In 1995, she relocated to rural Vermont, where she remarried and had five children in quick succession. Amidst parenting and coaching, she authored four books and created the award-winning Parenting on Track program.

Hoefle’s secret to maintaining balance? Designing her mornings to align with her natural rhythms. “I follow my instincts rather than a strict agenda,” she shares. This flexibility fosters creativity and productivity.

Hoefle’s Morning

  • 6: Start the day writing in my journal or reading something inspirational.
  • 7: Enjoy tea and a light breakfast or juice.
  • 7:30: Listen to mood-enhancing music to guide my day.
  • 9:30: Connect with my business partner to discuss our schedule and upcoming projects.