The Soothing Morning Routine That Preps Jewellery Designer Emily Ko for a Day of Success
Welcome to Bedtime Stories, an interview series where we ask inspiring individuals to share their nighttime routine and sleep secrets – from the beauty products they can’t live without to the tricks they swear by when they’re too tired to function (no coffee needed). For this instalment, jewellery designer and founder of Sit & Wonder, Emily Ko, shares her incredibly soothing night and morning routine.
Most of us begin our days startled by the sound of a blaring alarm, with which we're left hitting snooze on repeat or lying in bed dreading the day ahead. It's why Emily Ko doesn't believe in morning alarms.
The jewellery designer and founder of Australian fine jewellery label Sit & Wonder, has one of the most tranquil morning routines we've had on our Bedtime Stories series — no alarm, freshly brewed coffee and a refreshing skincare routine.
Then, after a busy day at work, she winds down with y relaxing in a hot bath, sipping camomile tea, listening to an audiobook or podcast, and slipping into her favourite Bed Threads sheets, all of which lull her into deep sleep so she wakes up feeling refreshed (again, no alarm needed).
Her self-care rituals are a nod to her dainty pieces she creates for her jewellery brand — you can't help but feel tranquil every time you style yourself with her designs.
What time do you go to bed? Can you walk us through your bedtime ritual.
I aim to go to sleep by 11.30pm but I’m usually in bed about 90 minutes before I wind down, relax and turn the lights out. My bedtime ritual involves cleansing and skincare as well as removing my jewellery – unless I’m conducting ‘wear tests’, which means I’ll keep certain pieces of jewellery on all the time. I’ll then slip into my sheets (Bed Threads in Terracotta, of course) and spend a good hour in bed just cuddling with my four cats, scrolling through my phone or listening to an audiobook or podcast.
What sleep or beauty products do you swear by that you won’t go a night without?
I always moisturise with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and will occasionally use a serum like Génifique by Lancôme or a retinol cream.
What is your solution for those nights you simply can’t nod off to sleep?
A long hot bath with epsom salts, cup of chamomile tea and listening to a relaxation playlist on Spotify before bedtime.
What time does your alarm go off in the morning?
I actually hate being woken up by an alarm, so I usually don’t set mine. However, my husband’s alarm will go off around 7 or 7.30am and I try to snooze through and only get up when I feel ready – I know this sounds incredibly indulgent for most people! Obviously, if I have meetings or commitments in the morning my day will be different, but I try not to schedule anything too early.
I always have coffee and a quick shower in the morning, and apply vitamin C powder (The Ordinary’s 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder) to my moisturiser to combat my facial pigmentation. Then, I’ll put on my favourite jewels – usually my Double Initial Necklace, some stacked earrings and my engagement ring and wedding band.
What are three things (besides coffee) that help when you’re too tired to function?
1. Sleep: I really prioritise sleep so if I’m exhausted, I’ll try to catch up on it if I can – even a quick nap helps.
2. Music: Music can be really energising so if I need to keep going I’ll put on something really upbeat.
3. A walk: Sometimes we don’t realise how little we move in a day, so going for a quick walk and moving the body helps to wake me up.
What do you normally eat for breakfast to kick start your day?
I don’t usually have a proper breakfast but I always start my day with a cup of coffee using my favourite coffee beans from ONA.
For more from Emily, follow her on Instagram @msemilyko and @sitandwonderjewellery.
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