Engaging with Riley Reed is truly delightful. “I’m a photographer, but words greatly inspire me,” she shares, sipping coffee in her South Austin home. She continues, “Many images I’ve crafted stem from words.”
She's an incredible source of inspiration (and the first person we chose for this series). Keep reading to explore the rituals that bring beauty to Riley's life.
What’s your morning routine like?
I spend a few moments reflecting on my gratitude: for the earth, my home, this season of life, and for my body and mind.
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How does your space embody your goals and values?
Your surroundings reveal what you cherish. It’s crucial to evaluate what’s on display in your space. Every room in our home showcases books—memoirs, literature, symbols of design and nature, commitments to social justice, and narratives about love, loss, and growth.
I have a profound appreciation for beauty, nature, and life's little treasures. I cherish trinkets from family and friends, explore new visual artists, collect art from my travels, and find ways to incorporate nature into our home, whether through dried flowers from nearby or stones gathered from the Gulf.
What’s your favorite area in your home?
Without a doubt, it’s our couch. Eighteen months ago, when couches were scarce, I rented a U-Haul and drove to San Marcos in search of one. To my surprise, I found a brand-new Cloud Collection couch at the Restoration Hardware outlet, just returned and discounted by 50%. It has become the centerpiece of our living room and is the most comfortable piece of furniture I’ve ever used.
How do you balance work and life? Are you structured, or do you multitask?
I maintain specific boundaries to keep focused and to remind myself that no part of my life relies on another. This includes using a Notion template (thanks to a friend), having an office, setting a ‘do not disturb’ timer, and communicating clearly with loved ones.
However, my work and personal life blend seamlessly. I consult my husband, family, and friends for advice. My writing and photography are deeply personal, reflecting my values and my desire to connect with the community. My podcast often addresses mental health, featuring guests I admire. The lines are blurred, which feels fitting for a socially conscious artist and solopreneur.
Where do you seek inspiration during creative blocks?
A creative block feels like being stuck. When that happens, I step outside to beautiful places—hiking, reading on a bench, marveling at towering trees and delicate flowers, or lying in a grassy patch. Nature is immensely valuable to me, providing perspective and a sense of smallness.
What scents do you enjoy?
A close friend, Cassie, is an apothecarist with a renowned collection called High Sun Low Moon, found in boutiques globally. She offers two loose incense blends: High Sun with a bright, clear aroma and Low Moon, which has a soft and velvety scent. I enjoy using both, depending on my mood.
Which chores do you actually look forward to?
As a child, my main chore was laundry. I’ve always viewed folding clothes as an art form, akin to making a bed, done with intention and gratitude. My mom taught me that with proper care, clothes can last indefinitely. Aware that textiles contribute significantly to waste, I pay close attention to materials and labels, opting to hang dry when needed.
I love the sound of the washing machine, the scent of detergent, and the warmth of fresh towels.
What’s an essential beauty product for you?
Promise perfume by Dominique Ropion, in collaboration with Frédéric Malle. I discovered this line in New York City after modeling, when a stylist wore Portrait of a Lady, captivating me with its notes. The boutique was stunning and atmospheric, showcasing countless scents crafted with care.
I spritzed Promise on my wrist before enjoying a glass of wine with my husband, and several people asked about the scent. It highlights how perfume integrates with one’s essence. Ropion believes, “A good perfume must always seem evident.”
Frédéric Malle has taught me a lot. He believes in helping everyone find a fragrance that resonates with their personality. His bottles lack marketing hype or celebrity endorsements; he invests in the scents themselves. He empowers perfumers with total creative freedom, viewing himself as an editor and their creations as narratives. Promise is among the richest and most profound fragrances, reminding me of my commitment to others, no matter how challenging.
How important is music in your daily routine?
I enjoy music every day. I play it during photo shoots, to set the cleaning mood, while driving, and when socializing with friends. I also love lo-fi beats to aid my focus while working.
What’s your preferred way to relax after a long day?
Lighting a candle, preparing a wholesome meal, and spending time with my dogs and husband.
What’s the best wellness advice you’ve received?
After my first year of college, I spent a summer with my grandmother. We took long walks in her Santa Barbara neighborhood, where she reminded me to breathe deeply, appreciate all living things, and consider my energetic impact on the world. Those lessons symbolize the best advice she gave me: “We are mostly not physical.”
I often remind myself that true wellness is influenced by unseen factors.
What’s the best career advice anyone has given you?
I've found rejection particularly challenging. It’s easy to think that my worth hinges on external opinions, leading to time wasted trying to please others, valuing contracts that don’t align with me, and associating with brands focused on their own interests.
After a discouraging email, I called my dad, feeling small and disheartened. He reminded me of my own worth and the legitimacy of the brand I built from the ground up. He said three words that resonate with me: “Bet on you.”
What’s a daily commitment for you?
Expressing my love to my husband.
What’s your favorite time of day and why?
I cherish dawn. It feels slow and tranquil, the quietest part of the day, allowing me the freedom to do as I please. Interruptions are minimal, and even the trees seem to be resting.
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