Wake Up Call

How the Founder of Chillhouse Stays Calm and Resists FOMO

Embrace the chill.

By Langa Chinyoka

Building a business is never easy. In a career that asks you to balance being an entrepreneur with being a mother, it’s harder still when your brand is named Chillhouse. In the industry of self-care, being the arbiter of “chill” is harder than it looks. These are the constraints Cyndi Ramirez is working against, but though she’s juggling many titles, responsibilities, and goals, she makes it look like a good life. And based on the authenticity she brings forth, I have to believe it is.

The Chillhouse mission? To inspire everyone to put themselves first, prioritize self-care, and lean into the empowerment that taking up space in the world brings. With her ever-expanding empire, Cyndi helps people make wellness and leading with self-compassion a part of their everyday lives. By centering rituals and relaxation, she demystifies the sometimes convoluted labyrinth of wellness and spotlights the critical importance of supporting our mental health.

The Business of Being Cyndi Ramirez

Cyndi has a product line, a brand, and a slate of brick-and-mortar locations. But amidst the busyness of everyday life, she still makes time for herself—in fact, she considers it essential for living well. She prioritizes the things that feed her soul and energize her day. If you’re at a loss for how to carve out time for self-care in your own busy schedule, why not take cues from someone who does it for a living?

Read on to discover how Cyndi Ramirez crafts her mornings to prioritize family, work, and that ephemeral sense of chill.

Can you share about your journey to becoming an entrepreneur?

It’s been a long journey—and I still have decades ahead of me! But so far, entrepreneurship has been equally as fun as it’s been stressful. I started my first business nine years ago—a creative agency. Since then, I’ve gone on to own a lifestyle blog, a skincare product, and now a growing self-care company. 

What has been your biggest lesson over the past year?

Expansion is hard but ultimately worth the risk and complexities. Do your due diligence but also don’t be scared! 

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

I’ve always been someone who experiences FOMO, so I like to think it’s a random characteristic that has pushed me to open doors and opportunities. And having a bomb network and a strong support system.

What does a typical day look like for you? 

I wake up and check my phone… then I keep my phone away while I spend time with my family, particularly my 2-year-old, Hendrix. From there, either my husband or I make breakfast. Then it’s off to the office!

A day at the office is full of meetings and touch-bases with my team. Once I’m done with the workday, I like to either catch up with friends for happy hour, an early dinner, or do a date night with Adam. But we also like to get back in time to put Hendrix down to sleep most nights—it ebbs and flows!

Tell us about your morning beauty routine… 

I shower, wash, and condition with Oribe products. From there, I apply hair serum and oil and let my hair air-dry.

Oribe Cote d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash

u003cpu003eThis replenishing body wash restores moisture loss and softens the skin.u003c/pu003e

Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Shampoo

u003cpu003eBiotin, amino acids, and natural oils repair and restore your strands in this strengthening shampoo.u003c/pu003e

Oribe Gold Lust Repair Restore Conditioner

u003cpu003eBiotin and niacinamide are the star ingredients in this conditioner that deeply repairs damaged hair.u003c/pu003e

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

u003cpu003eThis lightweight oil completes your routine with shine and moisture, repairing damaged hair.u003c/pu003e

What does your skincare routine look like?

My skincare routine is more extensive.

I use a toner or essence followed by The Concentrate by La Mer. Then I use Chillhouse’s Have a Chill Day Face Oil, which I sometimes mix with La Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream and top off with Dune Suncare’s face sunscreen.

La Mer, The Concentrate

u003cpu003eThis antioxidant-rich serum helps renew the skin while protecting against environmental damages.u003c/pu003e

Chillhouse, Have a Chill Day Face Oil

u003cpu003eSqualane, rosehip oil, and a blend of vitamins nourish skin while Pineapple Fruit Extract gently brightens with AHAs.u003c/pu003e

La Mer, Moisturizing Soft Cream

u003cpu003eSoft skin awaits with this barrier-supporting cream with La Mer’s signature healing properties.u003c/pu003e

Dune Suncare, The Mug Guard

u003cpu003eThis gel-based sunscreen has no white cast. It also works like a serum while protecting your skin.u003c/pu003e

Your makeup is flawless. How do you do it?

I’ve been loving Fenty Beauty’s foundation and Lawless’s blush. Then I top off with Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir, a little Wander Beauty mascara, and some Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk on the lips with Fenty Beauty’s Lip Gloss. 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation

u003cpu003eThis cult-favorite foundation is a must-have for a natural, dewy finish.u003c/pu003e

Lawless Velvet Blush

u003cpu003eThis silky, pressed powder gives skin a natural flush.u003c/pu003e

Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist

u003cpu003eGet an immediately hydrating and dewy boost with this tried-and-true setting spray.u003c/pu003e

Wander Beauty Length and Define Mascara

u003cpu003eA little bit of mascara goes a long way—especially when it’s this volumizing formula from Wander Beauty.u003c/pu003e

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick

u003cpu003eThis classic lipstick is the perfect shade for every skintone.u003c/pu003e

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

u003cpu003eShea butter and shine add the perfect finishing touch to any look.u003c/pu003e

What will we always find in your refrigerator?

Hot sauce. 

What’s always on your nightstand?

Books that I never read, water, and Love Wellness Personal Lubricant

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?

An impossible question! Love throwing on some disco or an 80s playlist. Follow me on Spotify if you really wanna know what I’m into. 

What’s your daily uniform?

I’d say my style is chic, timeless, and sexy. I’ve been really into wearing all black lately. It’s either a simple black tee or a graphic tee from Anine Bing or Chillhouse. Then a black denim skirt and platform sandals! 

What do you do every day to live a more joyful life?

Family time and touch-bases with my husband. We’re super communicative and truly are each other’s best friends. It’s so important for my soul that we keep this bond strong, and therefore, we prioritize it.

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: my iPhone, duh.

If there were more hours in the day, I would: shop and maybe clean out my closet simultaneously.

Healthiest morning habit: A big glass of water, always. And kisses from Hendrix. 

Worst morning habit: Coffee?

One thing I want to be known for is: making people feel more ~chill~.

The one thing I fear the most: letting people down.

When I feel that fear, I: remind myself I’m doing the best I can.

The book I always recommend: Verity by Colleen Hoover

One trait you need to succeed in life: bravery