Q&A WITH SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FEMALE FOUNDERS: GALENTINE'S DAY EDITION

In honor of Galentine's Day (aka the day for ladies celebrating ladies), we're featuring some #girlcrush female founders who inspire us daily. These women have built some incredible brands and delicious products we love here at the Siren HQ.  Read on for their perfect Friday night, how they like to treat themselves, and how they stay sane during the grind of running a growing business. 

Darby Jackson, Co-Founder of Apres

• Can’t start my morning without: My mushroom coffee and 10-15 minutes of quiet, alone time to meditate
• Favorite way to treat myself: A deep tissue massage and 12 hours of sleep
• What I love most about myself: My work ethic. I'm a crazy hard worker, almost to a fault
• Most likely to splurge on... Self-care rituals (facial, red light, cryo) and anything at Erewhon
• My go-to romantic comedy is: Bridge Jones Diary
• I feel my best when… I get plenty of sleep and meditate
• My perfect Friday night is… Pizza, red wine, my onesie pjs and a movie on the couch with my husband

Sylvie Charles, Founder of Just Dates Syrup

• Can’t start my morning without: Masala Chai sweetened with Just Date Syrup!
• Favorite way to treat myself: hiking with my border collie
• What I love most about myself: Not afraid to take a risk!
• Most likely to splurge on...spa treatments.
• My go-to romantic comedy is: Ha, I wasn't expecting "My Best Friends Wedding" to be the first to pop into my head!
• I feel my best when…I've had a long walk with my dog and eaten healthy all day.
• My perfect Friday night is…snuggling with my newborn, husband, and dog over Burmese food and a movie.

Ali Bonar, Co-Founder of Kween Foods & Creator of @Avokween

• Can’t start my morning without: movement
• Favorite way to treat myself: MASSAGE
• What I love most about myself: my ability to be vulnerable
• Most likely to splurge on... overpriced healthy food
• My go-to romantic comedy is: Love Actually
• I feel my best when… I've worked out, fueled my body with nourishing foods, and spent quality time with good friends
• My perfect Friday night is… netflix & chill (LITERALLY)

Susan Chen, Co-Founder of Soozy's 

• Can’t start my morning without: My meditation practice
• Favorite way to treat myself: Warm oil massage
• What I love most about myself: My can-do attitude and ability to roll with the highs and lows of start-up life!
• Most likely to splurge on... Spa day with my gal pals
• My go-to romantic comedy is: When Harry Met Sally
• I feel my best when… I sleep before 10pm!
• My perfect Friday night is… Home cooked meal and a dance party in my PJs and fuzzy socks

Eleanor Lee & Rae Michalik, Co-Founders of Meraki Narrative

Rae (@raerae_rockwell)

• What I love most about myself: Self-awareness + willingness to grow
• Can’t start my morning without: Hitting snooze a few times
• Favorite way to treat myself: A spa treatment
• Most likely to splurge on... Travel!!
• My go-to romantic comedy is: Pretty Woman
• I feel my best when… I have a super productive/inspiring day!
• My perfect Friday night is… Honestly? Staying in with a bottle of wine & a movie. Bonus if my boyfriend & pup are there ;)

Eleanor (@eleanorrlee)

• What I love most about myself: My ability to make light of situations/ I love people!
• Can’t start my morning without: Coffee. Duh.
• Favorite way to treat myself: Vintage shopping
• Most likely to splurge on... Kombucha
• My go-to romantic comedy is: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• I feel my best when… I feel well rounded! Friendships, work, family, eating habits, working out. It's hard!
• My perfect Friday night is… Wine night with the gals!

Nikki Azzara, Founder of P.S. Snacks

• Can’t start my morning without: coffee
• Favorite way to treat myself: massage
• What I love most about myself: I’m constantly pursuing my creative passions
• Most likely to splurge on... travel
• My go-to romantic comedy is: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• I feel my best when… I can get outside and run!
• My perfect Friday night is… grabbing drinks with friends then cooking dinner and watching a movie

Erica Liu Williams, Founder of Gr8nola

• Can’t start my morning without: My AM green concoction: Water, Amazing Grass Greens Energy Lemon Lime powder, spirulina powder, chorella powder, cayenne pepper, AVC and fresh lemon juice. I drink this daily and mix it all up in a recycled kombucha or water bottle.
• Favorite way to treat myself: A trip, a massage, or permission to take a day off from the business.
• What I love most about myself: My determination and hunger
• Most likely to splurge on... trips/traveling or health/food related stuff like supplements, healthy snacks and groceries.
• My go-to romantic comedy is: not so much into romantic comedies, none come to mind lol.
• I feel my best when… I'm eating clean and productive with my business.
• My perfect Friday night is… chilling at home - I feel so old nowadays!

Elizabeth & ABBY Giannuzzi, Co-Founders of Siren Snacks :)

Elizabeth Giannuzzi:

• Can’t start my morning without: Exercise, coffee, and scrolling through the news
• Favorite way to treat myself: travel, splurging on a good bottle of wine, and unplugging from work
• What I love most about myself: persistence, willingness to take risks and put myself out there
• Most likely to splurge on... Food (both at restaurants and trying new healthy snacks) and I'm a sucker for boutique hotels 
• My go-to romantic comedy is: Fever Pitch
• I feel my best when… I get 8+ hours of sleep, workout, and have time to actually sit down and enjoy breakfast
• My perfect Friday night is… Hosting a dinner party and cooking for friends

Abby Giannuzzi:

• Can’t start my morning without: Coffee and Up First podcast
• Favorite way to treat myself: A fresh manicure/pedicure
• What I love most about myself: my creativity and compassion for others
• Most likely to splurge on... self care (manicure, massage, etc.)
• My go-to romantic comedy is: Love Actually
• I feel my best when… I get to bed before 10:30pm and get in a morning workout the next day.
• My perfect Friday night is… Staying in with friends, making dinner, and opening up a good bottle of red wine!