The Tranquil Morning Routine Behind Seed & Sprout Founder Sophie Kovic's Success
Welcome to Bedtime Stories, an interview series where we ask inspiring individuals to share their nighttime routine and sleep secrets – from the beauty products they can’t live without to the tricks they swear by when they’re too tired to function (no coffee needed).
For this instalment, founder of Seed & Sprout and The Makers alumni, Sophie Kovic, takes us through the rejuvenating sleep rituals that wind her down at night and the tranquil morning routine she swears by that helps keep her focused and motivated every day.
We often hear the key to running a successful business starts with developing a healthy bedtime and morning routine - and founder of Seed & Sprout Sophie Kovic, is proof of this.
Since launching the online eco shop that offers sustainable products aimed to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics a few years ago, Sophie has built a passionate community of conscious consumers across Australia, grown an Instagram following of over 262k and continues to play a part in saving the planet.
But how does one juggle it all, on top of being a mother, too? While her continuous drive to accomplish definitely plays a part, how she spends her downtime plays a large role. For Sophie, it's all about taking a tranquil approach - mindful walks, embodiment and a gratitude journal are some of her morning non-negotiables. As for her bedtime routine, she's not an entrepreneur who never sleeps. In fact, she admits she's sometimes in bed as early as 8pm! #goals.
Bed Threads Journal sat down with the Byron-based entrepreneur where she revealed all the bedtime and morning rituals behind her success.
Hi Sophie! Welcome to Bedtime Stories. Can you walk us through your bedtime routine?
I get into bed as early as possible. It isn’t unheard of for me to be in bed before 8.
We have early dinners with the family so I can get into bed as early as possible. In fact, it isn’t unheard for me to be in bed before 8pm! As soon as I can, I’ll hop into bed, snuggle up under the covers (I can’t sleep without something over me - even in summer) and either read a book or watch some TV. If it’s the latter, I have to wear my blue light blocking glasses or else I feel frazzled and find it hard to fall asleep. I love to light a candle or put on a diffuser, especially if I am alone.
My husband Pete, is an avid reader and he’s definitely helped me pick up the habit of ending the day with a good book. He usually falls asleep in less than a minute (this will forever remain a mystery as to how he does this!) and I lay there pinned and restless for a while until I drift off eventually.
What sleep or beauty products do you swear by that you won’t go a night without?
I love using lavender oil at night. It makes me feel calm and sleepy.
I’m also a big fan of a good eye mask, which definitely helps if Pete stays up later than me - I need complete darkness to fall asleep.
I’ve also started incorporating Gua Sha into my routine. This really helps smooth out my skin and relieve muscle tension, and is a beautiful ritual to do before bed to relax the mind.
What is your solution for those nights you simply can’t nod off to sleep?
I read a spiritual or educational book. I am currently reading Joe Dispenza’s Becoming Supernatural, and as interesting as it is, it can be super dense and never fails to put me to sleep. Sorry, Joe! I love it in audiobook form as I can digest it in longer sessions.
What time does your alarm go off in the morning?
I wake up at 6.15am every day to the Trevor Hall meditation song ‘A Reminder’, and Pete will bring me a cup of tea and a glass of water in bed.
I then put on one of my ‘positive affirmation’ playlists and try to have some pre-children silence before my day starts.
In saying all this, on some mornings we will get up straight away and do the lighthouse walk; but other mornings we will take it slow, make breakfast and sit outside on the deck to enjoy it in the sunshine.
I like to practice embodiment in the morning. This helps me get out of my head and into my body. Finding the present moment is a huge focus for me - as easy as it sounds, I’m so used to rushing and achieving goals.
I also fill in my gratitude journal - this is a habit I do without fail. I’ve been using it for 10 years and it’s like a toothbrush for the mind.
What are three things (besides coffee) that help when you’re too tired to function?
1. A 15-20 minute nap. No longer. I find a long nap actually has negative repercussions because it makes you feel more drowsy.
2. Lemon water is an instant pick-me-up and always leaves me feeling energised.
3. Invigorating scents. I’m loving lemongrass at the moment.
What do you normally eat for breakfast to kick start your day?
Honestly, breakfast is the hardest one for me. Breakfast foods are my least favourite, but I'm trying to embrace the ritual of nourishing my body in the morning.
I eat something different each day because I get bored of having the same thing all the time, unless it’s hash browns - if I could, I would eat hash browns every day.
A few of my usual nourishing favourites include avocado or tomato on fresh ciabatta from the bakery (Pete gets up super early and buys it every day), a red papaya with lime, coconut yogurt and granola and if I'm feeling fancy, or mushrooms sautéed in chilli, brown sugar or maple syrup and thyme from the garden on crusty bread.
For more from Sophie, follow her on Instagram @sophiekovic and @seedandsproutco. You can also take a tour inside her Byron home here.
Liked this? These are the sleep rituals The Beauty Chef founder Carla Oates swears by for glowing skin.
