The first Skin care products I want (like, desire-for-weeks-after Wanted), is the Jetlag Mask Summer Friday. I am no longer alone in coveting my favorite skin saver. Even if you’re not (yet!) a skincare fanatic when Summer Friday When it first came out, you saw masks everywhere. Years later, Summer Fridays are full of skincare essentials. And while some brands capture the internet in a bright but short-lived flame that will eventually burn out, it’s clear that Summer Fridays still hold power. Co-founder Lauren Ireland is proof.
Lauren started as a blogger right when the influencer industry started to grow. With her best friend Marianna Hewitt, Lauren founded Summer Fridays shortly after. Her key to success? Rely on her skills, her passion and her willingness to embrace the journey.
Lauren’s morning routine is a fitting example of her willingness to cherish every moment. She practices rituals around reflection and intention to start her day on purpose. It’s an ingenious blend of stillness and movement—time to relax, let her mind wander, and exercise her body before connecting with her children. This balance is at the core of her business and daily routine.
From sharing moments from her life on social media to leadership team meetings, Lauren’s days often shift between different priorities. But the way she spends her mornings is proof of the power of purpose. By carving out time alone, Lauren creates space for everyday magic.
Lauren’s focus is balanced by her willingness to embrace change, creating a brand that still captures and embraces cultural fervor. These qualities inspire a aspirational morning routine that can teach us all a little bit about how to manage priorities even through major changes.
Read on to learn how Lauren spends her morning mind-blowing and prepared to absorb all the wisdom.
Before Summer Friday, you were a TV presenter. What inspired your career?
The transition happened quite naturally. It was like less rotation and more of a natural progression as my opportunities changed.
I started a lifestyle blog (in the early days of blogging!) while I was working as a news anchor. I love the idea of sharing my own content and ideas, and the industry around being an influencer is growing.
What advice would you share with someone looking to grow their social media presence?
Community growth is easier if your message is clear — I think that’s more true than ever. And have always room for more content creators! Even years ago, when I started, people said it was “too crowded.” Can you imagine if I listened?
You co-founded Summer Fridays with your best friend, Marianna Hewitt. What are some tips for working with friends?
Marianna and I worked on the brand for almost two years prior to its launch. We combined our passion and personal experience as both health and beauty influencers to launch the brand. Marianna and I work very well together because we are very united about our goals for the brand.
In terms of advice, there are two key takeaways: 1) Having a very clear vision for the brand, both short and long term, and 2) Putting ego aside.
None of us have egos when it comes to making decisions. Often, founders – especially co-founders – can get in the way of their own success because they allow their ego to manage their decision making. But when you can put brand First, decisions become clearer and easier to implement. It’s a remarkable change and I recommend it to everyone in all aspects of life – not just business.
What was your biggest lesson in Building a Business?
Too much happens beyond what can be shown online. I am grateful for a great team that has helped create so many miracles. The biggest lesson of all failures is just – there will be much their!
A good business is not defined by its failures, but by how you manage those disappointments.
Our mindset is, “never a crisis, always a solution.” When you approach things that way, nothing feels too big to handle. Losses can feel heavier than wins, so you have to remember to celebrate every win, even the small ones.
What advice would you share with your younger self?
Appreciate the early days. Yes, they come with tension, pressure and lots of questions — but It’s a Magic. Don’t expect the journey to go far because the journey is why you’re taking it.
Focus on building your vision and don’t be afraid of change. Change, when welcomed, will boost your business in ways you can’t imagine.
Lauren Ireland shares her morning routine
What time is your wake up call?
I wake up at 6:15, stretch, drink water and make plans for the day. At 6:30, I exercise. I swap between running, pilates workouts, and my own toning circuits. Usually, I have about 30-45 minutes to exercise daily before I need to be with my kids in the morning.
Work looks different every day. I look forward to having specific days focused on my various work obligations. I’m very focused on deadlines – this dates back to my days as a journalist – so I usually work on due dates. That’s just my nature!
I usually have a work event 2-3 nights a week, and if not, then I take an evening shower, put on a show, catch up with Jake, and end the workday.
What habits have you established for success?
I love a routine, so I’m disciplined in how I take care of my mind and body on a daily basis. When I wake up, I stretch for about 5-10 minutes and set an intention for how I want to feel that day and what I want to accomplish. I want to move my body before the kids wake up.
Morning movement is by far the biggest factor in my entire day’s output. I’m more productive, more active, more patient, and arguably more open-minded when things don’t go as planned.
Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish.
I use all of our own products on Summer Fridays, which is so rewarding!
Lauren Ireland’s makeup routine
What do you eat in the morning?
I usually drink coffee and smoothies in the morning. For smoothies, I mix together:
- Almond milk
- Avocado
- Almond Butter
- Berry
- Vanilla protein powder
What are your morning communication rituals?
I purposely don’t have a lot of media exposure at the beginning of my day. I will check my email before 8 o’clock for anything that might be urgent, but I plan on not opening Instagram until after 9 o’clock, allowing my brain to stay as sharp as possible for until I start my work day. This allows me to be in a more clear head space and be ready to tackle one day. An exception is on days when I intentionally share part of my morning routine with my community (e.g. exercises, smoothie recipes, etc.).
What are your favorite books?
I just read Generalism: The disciplined pursuit of less. There are some helpful tricks in trying to determine what to say yes or no, it’s been a constant battle for me. I want to be everywhere, but the reality is, I can’t!
I need to be present a lot for both my business and my family, which requires increasing discipline. I have less problem speaking are not now if it takes away my priorities. Those priorities include things for myself, like workouts, nighttime routines, and sleep.
What do you always have on your nightstand to have a smooth and successful morning?
Water and Summer Friday’ Vanilla Beige Lip Butter Balm.
If you had an extra hour in the morning, how would you use it?
Honestly, I would use it for more alone time — nothing but coffee in the morning and writing down my to-do list and my plans for the day.
What do you do every day to live a more joyful life?
Stretch, move my body and think about how I want to approach the day by setting intentions.
For example, during exercise, I consider how I’m feeling so I can best handle what might happen during the day. “I want to feel patient, I want to find joy in the little moments, I want to feel proud of my work, I want to make others feel fulfilled, I want to feel flexible when received news I didn’t expect…” the list goes on.
If you could mark your success on one thing or one moment, what would it be?
Impossible! Success is always a series of decisions. Each of us experiences wins and losses every day. That’s how we handle it both Highs and lows really determine our journey.
We have the opportunity to make choices every day, and each choice will ultimately determine our path.
Success looks different to all of us. For me, success is feeling at home in my body, relationships, and career. I want to feel loved yet challenged, comfortable yet motivated, and extremely open to self-evolution.
Sentence complete set:
I never leave the house with youtour Jet Lag mask for summer.
If there were more hours in the day, I would: spend more time alone.
Morning healthy habits: move my body.
Worst Morning Habit: always rush through his prep routine.
One thing I want to know is: the way I make people feel.
What I fear the most is: absent.
When I feel scared, I: Breathe in the moment so I can feel it.
The top traits you need to succeed in life are: kindness, flexibility and a willingness to try forever.
Bath or shower? Shower head! I love Body scrub for the whole body.
