Lauren Ireland of Summer Fridays on Embracing Every Success in Business

The first skincare item I truly craved was the Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask. I wasn’t alone; this beloved product became a must-have for many. Even if you weren’t a skincare enthusiast at the time of its launch, you likely noticed it everywhere. Fast forward to today, and Summer Fridays boasts a comprehensive line of skincare essentials. Unlike brands that flicker out, Summer Fridays demonstrates enduring appeal, thanks to co-founder Lauren Ireland.

Lauren began her career as a blogger just as the influencer scene blossomed. She co-founded Summer Fridays with her best friend Marianna Hewitt soon after. Her success hinges on leveraging her skills, following her passions, and embracing her journey.

Lauren’s morning routine exemplifies her appreciation for each moment. She practices rituals focused on reflection and intentionality to start her day purposefully. This routine is a harmonious mix of stillness and activity, allowing her to stretch, reflect, and engage physically before spending time with her children. This balance is foundational to both her business and personal life.

Her daily life often oscillates between varied priorities, from sharing personal moments online to leading team discussions. Yet, her morning rituals reveal the importance of purpose. By dedicating time to herself, Lauren cultivates space for everyday wonder.

Her focus is complemented by an openness to change, reflecting a brand that resonates with contemporary culture. These attributes foster a morning routine that teaches valuable lessons about managing priorities amid transitions.

Read on to explore how Lauren nurtures her mindful mornings and absorb her insights.

What led you to transition from being a TV anchor to launching Summer Fridays?

The change felt like a natural evolution rather than a shift. As opportunities emerged, I began a lifestyle blog during my time as a news anchor. I loved sharing my ideas, and the influencer industry was beginning to flourish.

What tips do you have for growing a social media presence?

A clear message makes it easier to build a community—this is truer now than ever. There's always room for new creators! Even back when I started, some claimed it was too saturated. If I had listened, I wouldn’t be here today.

What advice can you share about collaborating with friends?

Marianna and I spent nearly two years developing our brand before launch, merging our passions and experiences in wellness and beauty. We have a strong alignment on our brand goals.

Key tips include: 1) Establish a clear vision for both short and long-term objectives, and 2) Set aside egos.

We prioritize the brand over personal egos, which can hinder decision-making. When the brand’s interests come first, choices become clearer and more straightforward; this approach is beneficial in all life aspects.

What’s your biggest lesson from building your business?

Much happens behind the scenes that isn’t visible online. I’m thankful for my fantastic team that helps bring everything together. The most significant lesson is that setbacks are inevitable!

A successful business is not defined by its challenges but by how you respond to them.

Our mantra is “never a crisis, always a solution.” This mindset allows us to tackle any obstacle. Small victories should always be celebrated, even when losses weigh heavily.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Value those early experiences. They may come with stress and uncertainty, but that’s where the magic lies. Focus on your vision and welcome change; it can propel your business in unexpected ways.

Lauren Ireland's Morning Routine

What time do you wake up?

I get up at 6:15, stretch, hydrate, and set daily intentions. At 6:30, I work out, alternating between running, pilates, and toning circuits for about 30-45 minutes before the kids wake up.

Every workday is different, but I designate specific days for various tasks. I’m deadline-driven, a habit from my journalism days, often working against due dates.

I typically have work events 2-3 evenings each week. If not, I enjoy an evening shower, watch a show, catch up with Jake, and conclude my day.

What routines contribute to your success?

I thrive on routine, prioritizing daily mental and physical care. After waking, I stretch for 5-10 minutes and mentally outline how I want to feel and what I want to achieve that day. I prefer to engage my body before the kids rise.

Morning movement is crucial for my productivity, positivity, and patience, especially when things go off course.

Can you describe your morning beauty routine?

Currently, I use all our Summer Fridays products, which is incredibly fulfilling!

Cleanse: Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser

Creates a perfect base for your skincare. This gentle, pH-balanced formula cleanses deeply, suitable for all skin types.

Brighten: Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum

This serum features Vitamin C and Niacinamide, enhancing texture and reducing hyperpigmentation—your skin will adore this duo.

Hydrate: Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Hydration Serum

This light serum provides deep hydration for all skin types.

Moisturize: Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream

A lightweight moisturizer that quenches thirsty skin with hyaluronic acid.

Protect: Summer Fridays Shadedrops SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen

“I always apply SPF, even when working from home.” — Lauren Ireland

Lauren Ireland’s Makeup Routine

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil

This dual-ended pencil and brush is ideal for filling and blending, creating bold brows.

Rose Inc Brow Renew Shaping Gel

While 90s thin brows may return, we’re keeping bold brows in style, and this gel helps maintain their shape.

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

This clean mascara is perfect for maintaining lash curl.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color

Say goodbye to creasing; this creamy shadow glides on smoothly for a touch of brightness.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This concealer delivers outstanding coverage for dark circles and spots, achieving a flawless finish.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation

This liquid, oil-free formula provides radiant coverage while highlighting your natural beauty.

NudeStix Nudies Cream Blush

A versatile blush that adds lasting color to your eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Glossier Solar Paint Bronzer

This bronzer achieves an instant sun-kissed glow.

Tower 28 SuperDew Highlighter Balm

This clean balm delivers a luminous finish without the glitter.

Summer Fridays Vanilla Beige Lip Butter Balm

A nourishing lip mask that hydrates and adds shine.

What do you have for breakfast?

I usually start my day with coffee and a smoothie, which includes:

• Almond milk
• Avocado
• Almond butter
• Berries
• Vanilla protein powder

What are your morning media habits?

I intentionally avoid consuming much media first thing. I check urgent emails by 8 but don’t open Instagram until after 9, keeping my mind clear. This helps me stay focused for the day ahead, except when I share parts of my morning routine with my community.

What books do you enjoy?

Recently, I read Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, which offers useful strategies for determining what to accept or decline. Balancing my business and family requires discipline. I’ve learned to say no more often when it conflicts with my priorities, which include my workouts, evening routine, and rest.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

What’s on your nightstand for a smooth morning?

Water and Summer Fridays’ Vanilla Beige Lip Butter Balm.

If you had one extra hour each morning, how would you spend it?

I'd use that time for solitude—sipping coffee while crafting my to-do list and daily intentions.

What enhances your daily joy?

I stretch, exercise, and reflect on my intentions for the day.

While working out, I think about how I want to approach the day: wanting to feel patient, finding joy in little moments, feeling proud of my work, and remaining adaptable.

What would you attribute your success to?

That’s tough to pinpoint! Success stems from a series of choices. Each of us faces daily highs and lows. How we respond to both shapes our journey.

Every day presents choices that ultimately shape our path.

Success varies for everyone. For me, it means feeling at home in my body, relationships, and career. I seek love, challenge, comfort, and openness to personal growth.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: our Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: take more time for myself.

Healthiest morning habit: moving my body.

Worst morning habit: rushing through my routine.

One thing I want to be known for: how I make others feel.

My greatest fear: not being present.

When I feel that fear, I: breathe deeply to embrace the moment.

Top traits for success: kindness, adaptability, and a willingness to keep trying.

Bath or shower? Shower! I enjoy the Necessaire Body Exfoliator.