When it comes to brands we love, PAIGE is at the top of the list. The fearless leader behind the label, Paige Adams-Geller, got her start in Los Angeles as a fit model, where her entrepreneurial spirit took her from working as one of the top models in the industry to launching her namesake collection in 2004. Paige has since propelled it forward to the highly successful premium denim and lifestyle brand that it is today, but not without some bumps along the way. For Paige, those bumps included everything from navigating tricky career transitions, to an eating disorder, and even dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault trauma that left her figuring out how to rebuild her life. Today, she sits as founder and creative director of PAIGE, (the first female founder in the denim industry), and continues to challenge convention in an area of fashion that’s still heavily dominated by males.
Sure, there’s the effortlessly perfect fit every time I slip on my PAIGE jeans, but it’s Paige’s philanthropic efforts and unique brand philosophy that keep me coming back for more every season. Each year, the brand expands into new territory, infusing her colorful spirit into the collections. Her secret: trusting your gut and knowing who you are. “Confidence, to me, comes from being authentic. The more authentic I am, the more comfortable in my skin I am, and the more everything comes into fruition,” she says.
“At PAIGE, we believe that every choice we’ve ever made-the big ones, the small ones, the right or the wrong-has led us to this moment. We believe that the best story you can make and share is the one of your own life, and we are passionate about designing pieces that reflect and celebrate it.”
Safe to say this woman knows a thing or two about living life #likeyoumeanit – even down to her morning coffee ritual. After witnessing her grounding, intentional, music-filled AM routine firsthand, the phrase “you are how you spend your mornings” comes to life.
Scroll on to see exactly how Paige Adams-Geller starts her morning on the right foot, and the secrets she swears by to set herself up for the perfect day ahead.
What time is your wake-up call?
I set the alarm for 6:00 AM.
What wakes you up each day?
I wake up to the song Fragile by Sting. I love the melody, soothing instrumental opening and beautiful lyrics. I usually play it twice and ease my way into the morning. So I have extra cuddle time!
Early bird or night owl? And how much sleep do you usually get?
I am definitely an early bird. I cherish my mornings. The mornings are so peaceful and quiet at my house. I try my best to be in bed by 10:00 pm so I can get 8 hours of sleep.
Describe your getting ready routine from start to finish. How long does it usually take?
After I listen to the alarm music (twice!), I check my emails and texts to see if there is anything I need to address immediately and get my head wrapped around the schedule for the day. I put on my gym clothes which I lay beside my bed, and go downstairs to feed the pups. We have three dogs — London, Chelsea and Devon.
Then I drink my morning coffee — I love my morning coffee. Makes me so happy! Everything about it. The aroma, the taste, the kickstart it gives me. And, that my husband makes it for me so I can have special play time with the pups before I hit the gym or go on a run.
We have a gym in the house so I either do a kettle bell cross training workout in there, or go out our front door into nature and hike or run up to Inspiration point and back, which usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. I work out for 45 minutes to and hour every day, then end the workout with a morning meditation.
After my meditation, I go out and visit our horse, Chester, and our Donkey, Dickens. I love to feed them carrots and apples!
Then, I’m off to the shower. I wash and condition my hair, get out and put a hair towel on my hair, and wash my face. Next, I put some lotion my body or use dry oil, depending on the time of year. Then my hair towel comes off and I put some root boost hair product in my hair.
While my hair is partly drying I put my Dr. Lancer Nourish moisturizer on my face and mascara on. Then, depending on the time of year I’ll either put on some foundation or concealer — foundation during the winter and just a tad bit of concealer under my eyes in the summer. Next, I fill in my brows, add some blush, a tad of bronzer, and top it off with eyeliner. Then I blow dry out the rest of my hair with a round brush and smooth it out with a wide curling iron. This whole process usually takes me about 45 minutes total.
Do you plan your outfits in advance, or create them on the fly?
I create my outfits on the fly most of the time. I am a mood dresser and also depends on the weather. I do decide what to wear in advance if I am going to be on camera or have a special meeting, and I want to be in current or future PAIGE product.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I currently am doing the Sakara delivery service to make my life a bit easier and I do not have to think about food in advance. But typically my goto breakfast is Siggi’s vanilla cinnamon or black cherry yogurt. And some GoLean cereal mixed in it. Or a pineapple and goji PRESS bar. For liver support I use my NVFIT recipe–I take grapefruits and juice them, then add a touch of Cayenne and pinch of sea salt. For an anti-bacterial, I make a vinegar drink with honey and lemon. And for an anti-inflammatory, I’ll do a shot of coconut oil and turmeric.
Any morning media rituals?
When I am on my hike/run I listen to the beauty of all the nature around me or talk out some business issues with my husband. But I prefer to listen to the birds, rustling of the trees, and enjoy the wild while working things out in a walking or running meditation, and be quiet.
I get my energy from Mother Nature –Or Mother Nurture is what I like to call it. It feeds my soul.
If I’m in the gym, I listen to the morning news. Then I always finish my work out with a 10 minute mediation from the Calm app.
What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?
My favorite morning soundtrack while getting ready is usually dependent on my mood. If I need energy I listen to 80s music or Hall and Oats Radio. If I am in deep contemplation and need some peace I listen to Lorena Mckinnett Radio. If I am in need of female empowerment and strength, I listen to Florence and the Machine Radio. And if I’m in need of spirit, I listen to Train Radio. (That one is hard to explain – ha!) I love the song Drops of Jupiter, and have a spirit playlist on my phone that connects me to the universe.
I never leave the house without _____________.
I never leave the house without my Dr. Lancer Nourish moisturizer. It protects and nourishes my skin without being too heavy or oily. I also need it with all the traveling we do for work. I’m always on airplanes, and my skin can get sooo dry! I also rarely leave the house without my Maltipoo London!
If you could only put on one item of makeup, what would it be?
I would wear Chanel Blackout mascara or my Too Faced waterproof Better Than Sex mascara. It is the best waterproof I have found.
Do you stick to the same makeup and hair routine, or do you like to experiment?
I do not shake up my make up routine very often, but it might change a bit seasonally. I try and play around with hair color a bit –light sunny blonde to warmer golden blondes to strawberry blondes. I go from curling my hair, to straightening my hair with a softer curl, to beachy waves, and up do’s in the summer time. I also really love a classic low side ponytail.
Shop Paige’s favorite products:
Do you have a signature scent?
Yes! My signature scent I’ve worn for years is Aloha Tiare by Comptoir Sud Pacifique. It smells just like the beach. And sometimes I mix it with Lemon Love Oil or Coconut Oil.
Healthiest morning habit:
My healthiest morning habit is my work out! I really need it to clear my head and help with my endorphins. It also helps me with my recovery from my eating disorder; so I can feel good about eating healthy the rest of the day. I also take Qualia Nuerohacker supplements to help with my mental clarity.
Worst morning habit:
My worst morning habit is that I love putting real whipping cream in my super strong coffee! With Truvia and a touch of honey. It’s so decadent. But it makes me so happy!
Daily uniform:
I usually wear jeans, ankle boots, a silk blouse and a leather jacket. That is my winter uniform. And in the summer a sundress, paired with sandals and a leather jacket just in case.
Shop Paige’s favorite looks:
Shower: morning or night?
Shower in the am always!
What’s your favorite product in your shower?
My favorite product in my shower is the Gardenia shower gel from Kit Kemp that I buy at the Firmdale Hotels. And I love Olaplex 3! It saves my hair. The best hair repair treatment ever!
If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?
If I had an extra hour every morning I think I would use it to play the piano. I really miss the joy of escape it gave me. Or I would Karaoke sing for an hour! I used to sing professionally and I miss it — it puts me in the best mood! I really think i would sing my booty off!
One word to describe your mornings:
Disciplined.
