Next, we explore the morning habits of Alex Taylor, co-founder and co-CEO of Perelel.
My first encounter with Alex Taylor was during a job interview six years ago. I was eager to become the lifestyle editor for a new outlet while she served as its executive editor-in-chief. Having just moved from Australia to Los Angeles, I was thrilled to sit down with such an influential figure in media. Ultimately, I landed the role and was fortunate to be guided by Taylor for four years until her venture into wellness.
After building beloved brands like Free People and Alo, Taylor took a bold step to create her own venture. She now leads Perelel—a direct-to-consumer vitamin company that caters to women through fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. Their products utilize high-quality, bioavailable ingredients at doctor-recommended dosages, ensuring tailored nutrition for each phase of life.
As a mother of two, Taylor faced challenges finding reliable information about prenatal vitamins. Each morning, she’d sort through numerous pill bottles, which highlighted a gap in the supplement market. Teaming up with fellow mother Victoria “Tori” Thain Gioia and Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, they set out to create a comprehensive prenatal approach, focusing on the specific needs of mothers.
We’re excited to feature Taylor in our Wake Up Call series, sharing insights into her morning routine that primes her for success—including a particular habit she skips.
For those interested in Perelel’s innovative supplements, use our exclusive code for a 20% discount on your first order: just enter CAMILLE20 at checkout.
Her Wake-Up Routine
On days without newborns, I typically rise around 5:30 to 6 am. Nowadays, however, it’s closer to 7 am. Every minute of rest is invaluable!
A Day in Her Life
Before I get out of bed, I spend a couple of minutes snuggling with Louie, our Goldendoodle. Then, I shuffle to the coffee machine while nursing my baby girl. Generally, I’m a morning person—one of those energetic early risers who kicks off the day with a workout and green tea. But with my second child just born, I’ve been in “zombie mode” due to frequent night feedings.
As I sip my coffee while nursing, my son wakes up, and we start breakfast together. This time is precious; it’s just me and my children, free from work distractions, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the morning. We also share our “gratefuls,” where my son lists family members, friends, and our beloved nanny.
If I have help or my husband is home, I sneak away for a few minutes to meditate. If I’m fortunate, I might take a quick run with our dog, then shower and dive into back-to-back Zoom meetings or emails. My day is punctuated by nursing sessions with my daughter, providing a refreshing break from work.
Since Tori and I have our toddlers in the same preschool pod, we hold in-person work sessions at her home. I look forward to these days, relishing a semblance of normalcy we had before COVID.
When working from home, days can blur together, and suddenly, it’s 5 pm, marked by tiny knocks on my door. I then plunge into evening activities with my kids: dinner, baths, storytime, and finally, bedtime. By 7:30, I’m utterly drained, only able to scroll through photos of the day before collapsing into bed to do it all again.
What She Does First Thing
I visualize my best self for the day ahead, express gratitude, snuggle my dog, and rush to kiss my children.
Her Pre-Work Ritual
Meditation significantly influences my day. It grounds me, calms my mind, and empowers me to seize the day.
I've discovered that I perform significantly better as a leader, partner, and strategist on days when I meditate, even if only for a few moments.
Morning Routine Adjustments
While I’d love to say I’ve slowed down to savor mornings, it’s the opposite. Balancing life as a mom of two with running my own business is challenging. I’m working towards a new rhythm that allows for quality time with my kids while also making time for self-care. (It feels like managing one child is simple, but two can feel overwhelming!)
Her Beauty Routine
I wash my face with cold water after brushing my teeth. If I’ve exercised, I shower and use iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. I follow with Biba Hydrating Toner, Biba Meta C Serum, and finish with Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF on my face and neck. Then, I apply makeup—typically a touch of RMS (Un) Cover-Up Concealer and a light dusting of Bare Minerals original foundation powder. I groom my brows with a Surratt brow pencil and Hourglass brow gel. Finally, I brush my lashes (I prefer lash extensions as my eyes are sensitive to mascara) and apply a hint of NARS bronzer.
Breakfast Choices
I typically grab a Perfect Bar, chia pudding, and a green juice for a quick meal. After eating, I take my Perelel Mom Multi Support Vitamin Pack with a full glass of water, which boosts my energy and helps maintain calm and focus throughout the day. Weekends are a different story! My husband makes pancakes on Sundays, and I adore waking up to that delicious aroma. My son loves adding food coloring, resulting in pancakes that are often blue, green, or even tie-dye.
What She Avoids in the Morning
I make it a point not to check my phone for the first hour after waking. It’s challenging, but it helps me set my intentions and tackle the day proactively instead of being reactive to others’ demands.
Her Favorite Reads
The Four Agreements is a brief yet impactful read everyone should experience. Another influential book for me is Women Who Run With the Wolves. I also enjoyed Shoe Dog, about Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. Recently, I've been focusing on parenting books, especially Janet Landsbury’s No Bad Kids—it's wonderfully simple yet effective. Right now, I’m reading The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry, which I highly recommend!
What’s on Her Nightstand
A large water bottle, The Daily Stoic, and my mala beads to remind me to meditate.
Her Morning Playlist
I enjoy ‘90s pop, Fleetwood Mac, or Grateful Dead (I’m a big fan).
Fitness Routine
I aim to work out as often as possible, though it can be challenging. When I do, I love running a few miles with my dog (sometimes with my son in a jogging stroller) or a quick 20-30 minute HIIT and arms session on Peloton with Cody, my favorite instructor. I’ve also recently enjoyed the Alo Moves app, particularly their Alo in the Wild series.
Her Daily Outfit
I’ve always preferred button-ups, especially those with a relaxed, oversized fit. Before quarantine, I’d wear them with jeans, but now I style them with leggings or bike shorts and furry Birkenstocks. I joke that it’s my “mullet outfit:” business on top, fun on the bottom. My husband has quite the opinion about it! Lately, I’ve been living in Les Jours’ leisure suits. They’re incredibly comfortable and stylish—an “instant outfit,” which is perfect since I lack time to coordinate my looks.
If She Had an Extra Hour
I’d spend it cuddling with my family (kids, dog, and husband) while sipping matcha.
Her Daily Mindfulness Practice
I meditate and reflect on my blessings every day without fail. (If I'm pressed for time, I even manage to do this in the shower!)
I strive to be as present as possible with my husband and children.
In this fast-paced world, it's crucial because the present moment is all we truly possess.
Secrets to Her Success
Growing up with a single mother instilled in me the values of resilience, determination, and compassion. She continues to motivate me every day.
Quick Finishers:
I never step out without… my golden hairpin.
If I had more hours in the day, I would… catch more sleep.
Healthiest morning habit… cuddling with my kids, taking my vitamins, and meditating.
Worst morning habit… Is coffee a bad choice?
One thing I wish to be recognized for is… making others feel valued and supported.
The greatest fear I have is… struggling to accept reality.
When I face that fear, I… focus on the present moment and shift my viewpoint. Or, I consult my husband, who has a knack for helping me regain my balance.
The book I always recommend is… The Power of Now—it’s dense, and I had to reread sections multiple times to fully grasp its message, but it’s a transformative book.
Essential traits for success in life are… kindness, focus, and mindfulness.
Favorite shower or bath product… How much time do I have? I adore the Indie Lee I-Recover Body Soak.
