We asked four successful Memphis-area women to share their morning routines, and we are thrilled to report each one has a routine that works magic — for her. We hope their morning routines and tips are inspiring, make you laugh and help you realize a consistent morning agenda might just work its magic for you, too.
The Morning Routines of 4 Successful Memphis Women
Daily Affirmations
Tessa Blakney, owner of Silk N Honey Boutique, encourages everyone to try saying a daily affirmation into the mirror every morning. She says, “Since Silk N Honey’s mission is to empower and encourage confidence, I can always count [on this] daily practice to put me in a positive mindset.” By doing so, Tessa says she is able to inspire both her stylists and customers.
Tessa Blakney, owner of Silk N Honey, starts every morning with a positive affirmation to inspire herself and others. Image: Provided
A Wake-up Call & Coffee
For Lisa Toro, owner of City & State and The Liquor Store, her mornings start with a wake-up call from her husband Luis. “After over 10 years of marriage, my morning routine almost always begins with a wake-up call and a cup of coffee at 6 a.m.,” says Lisa. From there, she reads the news and takes her daily dose of apple cider vinegar. “Once I’m up around 6:30 a.m., my husband and I get together in our office and go over any open items for our two businesses. Luis now runs the operations, and I support more of the marketing, menu development and retail buying.” After they wrap up, Lisa exercises with her water rower and gears up for the rest of the day. And, as if running two businesses doesn’t keep Lisa busy enough, she also works for the digital product team at American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC). “While I tend to keep my life busy, I feel as though my best work is done in the mornings, and by 9 a.m. or so, I’m ready to take on whatever the day brings me.”
Lisa Toro, owner of City & State and The Liquor Store, tells us her morning begins with a wake-up call from her husband and a delicious cup of coffee. Image: Provided
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Capture Early-Morning Hours
Cheryl Pesce, owner and creator of Cheryl Pesce Lifestyle Brands, knows the importance of early rising. “I find the morning to be the most productive part of my day. I’m an early riser, as early as 4 a.m. some days, and those are the prime hours,” says Cheryl. Before the rest of the world is up and running, Cheryl is able to clear her inbox, create social media posts, order inventory and exercise. “If you’re an entrepreneur — especially as a woman who already has hundreds of responsibilities and tasks to accomplish within a day — learning to capture those early morning hours is essential,” she adds.
“I find the morning to be the most productive part of my day,” says Cheryl Pesce, owner and creator of Cheryl Pesce Lifestyle Brands. Image: Provided
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Coffee, Yoga & a Downtown Stroll
Felicia Willett, chef and owner of Felicia Suzanne’s, starts her morning by sipping on coffee, checking emails and placing orders. She says, “Due to my work schedule and the natural fact that I am a night owl and need eight hours of sleep, my mornings usually start around 8 or 8:30 a.m.” Next, Felicia takes a morning walk to the restaurant to clear and prepare her mind for upcoming events. “I love to do yoga mid-mornings, and since we live in a condo with large windows overlooking South Bluffs, it’s a nice way to start my day grounded, even if it’s for 15 minutes,” Felicia adds.
Living in a downtown condo with picturesque windows, Felicia Willett of Felicia Suzanne’s likes to kick-start her day with mid-morning yoga as she overlooks South Bluffs. Image: Provided
A special thanks to these inspiring women for sharing their morning routines with us!
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