My morning sets the tone of my day, so I try to remove distractions and consistently practice the morning routine I've created for myself. My day begins with a quick podcast session for motivation while I walk my dog, and then an hour workout before work. Lately, I've also added drinking warm lemon water because when I do, I've found that it keeps me hydrated, flushes out toxins, and gives me an extra spurt of energy.
After talking to a few of my favorite girl bosses, I've found a common thread in our daily morning routines that impacts our business and productivity: This whole idea of intentionality is something that's present in each queen's routine below.
Keep reading to learn more about the morning routines that help them bring their best self to their work every day.
Arielle Loren, Founder & CEO, 100K Incubator
Image via Arielle Loren
"I'm usually awake at 6:30am, but I give myself an hour to fully wake my body up before I jump into the day. I sleep with my phone off, so once I'm fully awake, I turn my phone on, check my email and calendar, and check my Instagram. Then, I get dressed and prepare to workout with my trainer.
"By 10:30am, I'm starting calls and jumping into my workday. I keep my routine simple---no complicated meditations or anything over-the-top.
"The most important thing is that I feel rested. I don't wake up to an alarm. I give my body time to acclimate to the day before turning any electronics on, and I get in alignment with whatever God needs me to do that day."
Lady Jade, Nationally Syndicated Morning Radio Co-Host, K104
Image via Lady Jade
"Since we start our national morning show at 4am, my alarm goes off Monday-Friday at 2:30am. The first thing when I get out of bed is turn on the overnight news so I can be up-to-date on current events that happened overnight.
"After I get out of bed, I take a shower to wake up, get dressed; and to get my mind right, ready and focused for the day I listen to [the] Word on my 20-minute commute to work. I love T.D. Jakes' podcast or I look up Pastor Mike Todd from Transformation Church to get motivated. I want to fill myself before I face the day."
Corvaya Jeffries, Founder, The Career Penny & Carmen
Image via Corvaya Jeffries
"I typically get up around 6am every morning. If I have a late night, I'll adjust as needed. Proper rest is a priority for me. Before my feet touch the floor, I take a deep breath and say a prayer. It is a brief but intentional conversation with God. If I wake up anxious or uneasy for whatever reason, I make it a point to write the prayer down in case I want to revisit it later in the day. This sets a tone of gratitude and peace.
"After a morning prayer and conversation with God, I get up and drink one standard-sized bottle or a full glass of water that I put at my bedside each night. Most people don't realize that after multiple hours of sleeping, our bodies and brains are dehydrated. This increases the oxygen to my brain and gives me that alert, on-point feeling I need to get right.
"Dehydrated is a bad way to start the day, especially if the goal is to be productive.
"After hydration, I move to another space in my room or apartment and do a short visualization exercise. I take 5 minutes to visualize a 'future me' because, for the rest of the day, I will try my best to focus on the present. As ambitious and purposeful women, we must find the balance between working toward our dreams and finding contentment and gratitude with what we already have.
"Then, it's hygiene time (face, teeth, body). I listen to a podcast, music for motivation (anything from Tasha Cobbs to Meek Mill) or an audiobook while doing this. Post-hygiene, I have breakfast---something aligned with my body or weight goals for the month. Finally, I check in with my team, catch up on emails, and open my planner which has an overview of my day, week, and month along with prioritized tasks. (Prioritizing is part of my nightly routine!)"
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Featured image courtesy of Corvaya Jeffries
RELATED
On Feb. 4, Venus enters Aries, Jupiter goes direct in Gemini, and the energy and passion return. Venus in Aries is fiery, dynamic, and puts self-love first. While Venus is in Aries for the entire month, February is all about going after the things you want in love, and trusting that you will be supported here. Jupiter goes direct on the same day after being retrograde since Oct. 9, and we can see our blessings manifest more effortlessly now, especially regarding communication matters, networking, short travels, education, and the mind. Jupiter finishes its Gemini transit on Jun. 9, so over the next few months, this is a good time to expand your mind and your vision, get creative, and meet new people.
What February 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
The Full Moon of February occurs in Leo on the 12th, and this is the Snow Moon of the year. This Full Moon brings emotions to the surface and creates self-clarity and honesty in the process. This Full Moon is a time to let go of old versions or ideas of yourself that don’t align with who you are today and to focus on what feels authentic and empowering for you right now.
On Valentine's Day, Mercury enters Pisces until Mar. 3, and the mind is on love right now.
While Mercury is in Pisces, we speak in words of poetry and spirituality, and mental connections turn into romantic ones. This is a beautiful energy to walk into on the day of love, signifying an urge to be around people who truly understand you right now.
Pisces season begins on Feb. 18, and we move into a time of closure, healing, creativity, and introspection. On Feb. 23, Mars goes direct in Cancer after being retrograde here since Jan. 6, and being retrograde in general since Dec. 6. With Mars now direct, there is more energy and direction at our disposal, and less confusion on where to go from here. Mars will be direct in Cancer until Apr. 18, and there is a lot of love, support, and intuition to be felt right now. Mars in Cancer supports others while also cherishing boundaries, and this is a good time to feel more stability in matters of the home and heart.
We end the month with a New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 27, and this is a time of magic, dreams coming to fruition, and romance in the air.
A New Moon in Pisces reminds us that what has been lost always comes back around in a new form, and helps us see what our heart is grateful for right now. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for the future and to dream the dream. Overall, February is an inspiring and enlightening month, and your heart is the one leading the way right now.
Read for your Sun and Rising Sign below to see what February has in store for you.
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is all about love for you, Aries. You are thriving within relationship matters as Venus is in your sign for most of this month. Venus moves into Aries on Feb. 4 and will be here until Mar. 27, however, Venus will be going retrograde in your sign on Mar. 1. So, use February to walk into some new beginnings in love, but remember to take your time with things here as well. You are overall feeling more reciprocity, support, and positive recognition now, and self-love is key this month.
On Feb. 12, we have a Full Moon in fellow fire sign Leo, and this Full Moon occurs in your 5th house of romance.
This is a beautiful Full Moon for seeing love bloom and for experiencing a sense of fulfillment that brings you closer to another. Before the month ends, Mars goes direct after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with the home, family, close loved ones, and emotional stability. With Mars now direct here, new foundations can be built in your world, and you feel more supported and secure as you end the month.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is a time to reflect, accept, and move into your new beginning, Taurus. There is a lot to process this month, and with the Sun in your 10th house for most of February, a lot of your focus right now is on your goals, purpose, and life path. The Full Moon happening mid-month is an opportunity for you to see things clearer in the home, and to create space for more support and nourishment here. You are letting go of what is weighing you down or making your emotional world feel more difficult to process this month.
Mercury enters your 11th house of hope, community, friendship, and manifestation on Valentine’s Day this year, and you move into a time of inspiration. You are thinking of all the things that make you feel empowered, loved, and in tune, and it’s time to create more of this energy around yourself. We have a New Moon in this same area of your chart before the month ends on Feb. 27, and you are ready to look forward in life rather than at the past of what could have been.
Overall, this month is about listening to your heart and spending more time taking care of yourself.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is a chance to take a break, Gemini. You need more time to process and prepare for what’s ahead of you, and you are taking the time to do so this month. February begins with Jupiter going direct in your sign after being retrograde here since Oct. 9. Jupiter, the planet of blessings, will be direct in your sign until Jun. 9, and won’t be here again for another decade. This is your opportunity to set intentions, focus on your dreams, and make some important achievements happen.
Extra good luck and support from the universe are with you now, and the key for you is to let things come to you naturally through patience and dedication.
On Feb. 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and some important culminations are coming through in matters of the mind. You are coming to some conclusions about something, and it’s changing your perspective overall. Before the month ends we have a New Moon in an area of your life having to do with your career, professional world, and reputation, and this is a good time to set your intentions for what goals you want to see through right now.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is a month of enlightenment, Cancer. You are aligned with the path you are walking on right now, and everything is starting to make a little more sense to your heart. This month we have a Full Moon in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving away from an emotionally heavy space. You are letting go of a lot of what has kept you conflicted, and there is a sense of peace that is being obtained in the process. This is your month of inspiring others through your resilience and gift of forgiveness.
Mars goes direct in your sign on Feb. 23 after being retrograde here since Jan. 6. With Mars retrograde in your sign since we began the year, there has been a lot for you to reflect on and emotionally process, and you are seeing yourself and your life with a new perspective and passion. Mars will be in Cancer until Apr. 18, and this is the time to take action on the things that you haven’t been ready to move forward with these past few months. On Feb. 27, we have a New Moon in Pisces, and you are leaving the month in the mood for an adventure.
This is the time to get out of your comfort zone, travel, or do something fun.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is about protecting your energy and what you are bringing to fruition in your life, Leo. With a Full Moon in your sign mid-month, you are moving through a time of culmination, release, and inner clarity, and there is a lot to reflect on right now. You are recognizing your need to create boundaries from those who don’t serve you or your life path and are focusing on the things that feel good for you.
With the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month as well, you are gaining clarity on the relationships you want to move forward with, and where you need to create more space.
Venus is in Aries and in your 5th house of romance, self-expression, creativity, and joy for most of the month, and your heart is yearning for some excitement. When it comes to love in February, opportunities are coming to the surface for you to get out of your head and into your heart, heed the call. At the end of the month, Mars goes direct in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving into a breakthrough. You end February with less weight on your shoulders and more energy to just be.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleTrust your intuition this month, Virgo. February is a month of getting organized, gaining clarity, and feeling purposeful. With Jupiter going direct in your 10th house at the start of the month, blessings follow through regarding your career and professional world. The intentions you have been setting and going over these past few months, are coming to fruition for you now, and you are being recognized and supported for your efforts here. This is a month of feeling a level up in your life, and like you are where you want to be.
Mars goes direct on Feb. 23, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with friendship, community, and your hopes and dreams over the past month or so. With Mars now direct in Cancer, it’s easier for you to feel hopeful and to see and experience the magic in life. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in your sister sign Pisces on Feb. 27, and love takes on a new beginning. This New Moon is one of the best of the year for you to set your intentions for love, and trust where your heart is being called to right now.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is all about perspective and the intentions you are setting in your life through the thoughts you are thinking, Libra. The Sun is in your house of romance and Venus is in your house of partnership for most of the month, and there is a lot to look forward to right now. New developments are coming to fruition within your relationships, and you are reaping what you have sown, feeling grateful for what has come to fruition for you.
This is a beautiful month for travel, moving forward in your partnerships, and feeling more commitment and support in doing so.
With Jupiter also going direct this month, your home life and foundations see improvements and expansion. Anywhere you have been feeling limited here is being lifted for you now, and you are able to breathe and think bigger about what is possible for you and your sense of stability in life. The Full Moon happening on Feb. 12, is a chance for you to connect with the people who inspire you, and to let go of anything that doesn’t feel authentic to who you are today or how you feel about things.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is a month of feeling loved, Scorpio. Everything's coming together for you exactly how you have envisioned it, and with the Sun in your house of family, support, and foundations, you are feeling closer to your loved ones in the process. We have a Full Moon in your 10th house of career in mid-February, and culminations are coming through in your professional world, as recognition for your efforts and hard work are here for you now. This Full Moon is about taking the time to congratulate yourself for how far you have come and to feel gratitude for your progress in life.
On Feb. 23, Mars goes direct in fellow water sign Cancer, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with travel, adventure, spirituality, and education over the past month or so. With Mars now direct, travel plans follow through and it’s easier for you to see the bigger picture. The New Moon of the month takes place on Feb. 27, and this is a beautiful time for you to experience joy and pleasure. You are ending the month by making your inner child happy, showing up, and connecting with the love that surrounds you now.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is a transition month for you, Sagittarius. You are moving on from what has been, and a few of you may even be moving physically or traveling during this time. This is a month of getting into new energy and letting things go where it is needed. February begins with your ruling planet Jupiter going direct after being retrograde since last fall, and you are able to experience more of the blessings in love that you have been looking for.
Love turns a new page this month, and it’s because you are no longer settling for things that don’t align with what you want for yourself or your future.
On Feb. 12, a Full Moon is happening in an area of your life that has to do with your passion, inspiration, travel ventures, and perspective, and you are getting the full picture right now. This Full Moon is about accepting the truths that have come to the surface and following through on plans that you have had for yourself. Mars goes direct in your 8th house of transformation on Feb. 23, and you end the month experiencing a personal breakthrough. A lot is changing for you in February, and you are the one leading these efforts forward because you are owning the life you deserve.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleA new month is here, and you are looking forward to all of the new experiences you are about to get into, Capricorn. February is an inspiring, passionate, and eye-opening month for you and you are making a lot of progress. With the Sun in your 2nd house of finances, values, and self-confidence for most of the month, you are spending a lot of your time developing new plans and intentions for yourself, especially financially. Mid-month we have a Full Moon in your 8th house of shared resources, and the support that you need to thrive and expand financially right now is becoming clearer to you.
Towards the end of the month, Mars goes direct in your sister sign Cancer, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with love, partnership, and harmony over the past month or so. With Mars moving forward again, so are you in love, and your relationship dynamics feel a little more balanced and empowered for you. On Feb. 27, we have a New Moon in Pisces to close out the month, and this New Moon for you is all about setting your intentions regarding communication, networking, and the ideas you want to build off of right now.
AQUARIUS
Your season is here, and everything is falling into place for you now, Aquarius. This is a month of feeling a positive culmination of everything you have been working towards, and seeing the rewards for your efforts. With the Sun in your sign until the 18th, all eyes are on you and you are focused on your personal goals, investments, and self-courage. Jupiter goes direct as we begin the month, turning things around for you in love and helping you see things with a new perspective here.
Blessings and understanding within relationship matters bloom for you now, and you can finally take a break from the confusion here.
With Venus in your 11th house of friendship for most of February, this is the month for connecting with the people who you resonate with on a soul level and giving your heart more time to enjoy the company. The Full Moon happening mid-month occurs in your opposite sign, highlighting your romantic life and sense of partnership. Love comes full circle as you let go of the past here and see the gifts of the partnerships you have been building in your life.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is your month of abundance and opportunities, Pisces. There is a lot to tend to this month, but you have the empowerment and passion to do so. Jupiter goes direct in your 4th house as the month begins, and you are feeling stronger foundations emotionally and within the home right now. Progress is being made in the spaces that are close to the heart, and you are feeling the blessings of support and stability in your life. The Full Moon happening on Feb. 12, is about letting go of unhealthy daily routines or habits and giving yourself more space to figure out what feels right for you.
On Valentine's Day this year, Mercury enters your sign, and your mind is focused on love, understanding, and connection. The conversations you are having now are fulfilling your heart and inspiring you, and you are gaining clarity in relationship matters as well. Pisces season officially begins on Feb. 18, and it’s your time to shine, to love, and to be loved in return.
Before the month ends we have a New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 27, and this is one of the best times of the year for you to set your personal intentions, manifest, and reinvent yourself.
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Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
Horror, Family, and Soul: Ryan Coogler’s Most Personal Film Yet
Sinners marks a major shift in his career, as it’s his first venture into the horror genre. But it’s not just about the scares—it’s a deeply personal project for Ryan, where he’s able to dig into his own family history.
“I had an uncle named James, who I came up with my whole life. He actually passed away while I was in a post-production on Creed. And he was from another town in Mississippi, but wouldn't really talk about Mississippi unless he was listening to the blues. I miss him profoundly, and with this film, I got a chance to dig into my own ancestral history here in the States, not dissimilar to what I was doing with the Panther films,” Ryan shares.
This film allowed him to explore generational ties, as the story touches on themes that are close to his heart. “I had a chance to really go to the South and scout and think… the film is about the music that was so special to my uncle, and I couldn’t be happier with the film that we’re going to show you in a few months.” It’s clear that Sinners is a deeply emotional project that blends his passion for storytelling with his own roots and personal history.
Bros for Life: The Unstoppable Coogler-Jordan Duo
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have become one of the most iconic director-actor duos in Hollywood, collaborating on five films together and pushing each other to new creative heights. Their dynamic relationship began with Fruitvale Station, where both of them were stepping into new territories—Ryan as a filmmaker and Michael as the lead in his first feature film.
Reflecting on their journey, Ryan shares, “It’s incredible. When Mike was a working actor, he had been on some incredible television shows, basically been a professional actor since he was a school-aged kid, but he hadn’t had a feature-length role where he was the lead just yet. So when we worked together on Fruitville Station, that was his first time in that lead role in a movie, and it was my first time making a movie. So in many ways, we’ve grown up together in this industry, and definitely found a kindred spirit in him.”
What’s even more impressive is the respect and admiration Ryan has for Michael, not just as an actor, but as a person. Their relationship is a true partnership built on trust and shared ambition.
“He’s somebody who’s incredibly gifted. In some ways, it’s kind of God-given—his charisma, his ability to channel empathy without even trying. But the other facets, the things under his control, his work ethic, his dedication to the craft, and his constant desire to push himself to increase his capacity to continue to stretch—those are the things that really set him apart.”
And when it comes to working with Michael, Ryan is all about the chemistry.
“Working with Mike again is always a joy. We’ve been doing this together for a long time now, and there’s a certain shorthand that we have. We can get to the emotional truth of a scene quickly because we understand each other so well.” That’s what makes their collaborations so special.
If you’re a fan of Ryan Coogler’s work (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Sinners is a must-see when it drops in theaters on April 18th. With powerhouse performances, a gripping plot, and emotional depth that hits hard, this film is sure to be another winner in his already legendary career.
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Feature image by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival