The Sunday Sanctuary with Uli Herzner
A weekly series that profiles the most fabulous, hard-working, 24/7 hustlers, and how they spend their Sundays.
Uli Herzner is the co-founder and creative director of Believe Diapers. Uli, who was a finalist on Project Runway, is also the owner of her eponymous fashion line, Uli Herzner.
After becoming aware of the dire, nationwide need for diapers, Uli and her husband, Joe Masi, together launched Believe Diapers in 2021. Not only was it important to Uli to alleviate this broadscale need; she approached the material creation of these diapers with sustainability in mind, knowing that diapers are one of the leading causes of pollution. Crafting a diaper that is good for babies, kind to the environment, and gives back to the community is embedded in the Believe Diapers brand DNA.
Uli currently resides in New York City with her husband, Joe.
Here’s how Uli spends her Sundays:
Q: What time do you wake up or does the alarm go off ?
A: I wake up as soon as the puppy jumps on my face. We got a puppy during Covid, and lately he’s jumping on the bed at 6 in the morning and literally lays across my face, so that's what's happening. I try to stay in bed until 8-9, but then we get up and start the day.
Q: What is your morning routine (specifically the first 15)?
A: I usually check the weather, check my emails, and then get up and have a coffee. I try to go outside and drink it outside to get some fresh air. Then I’ll make breakfast and wait for the kids to get up and my husband. I try to keep it easy and not make too much of a plan and see how the day goes.
Q: What is your Sunday mantra?
A: To relax and let go, that's what we're trying, but being in the creative business your mind keeps going all the time— it's hard to stop it. But definitely try to work and read, and in summer to go fishing and do more outside things to refresh and get energy for the week. Also, try to disconnect from work which is hard to do.
Q: What’s your go to breakfast/brunch?
A: I’m definitely more of a brunch eater. Breakfast for me is just a huge coffee, a coffee latte. We go more into making something around 11:30, like an omelet or an egg sandwich or avocado toast. It’s definitely more of an 11:30 to noon kind of thing.
Q: Do you give yourself any Sunday self-care treatments?
A: Not really. Self care for me is more relaxing and going outside, taking a longer walk. Usually during the week I can’t take a long walk because I have things to get back to or a phone call, so during the weekend we like to take our time and let go. Do more outdoor exercise, talk and walk. Being outdoors is kind of my self care treatment. Not in a beauty kind of way, but in a clear your mind way.
Q: What song is a good representation of your Sunday?
A: Just depends on the mood. My husband will put on some Tracy Chapman which is very easy going.
Q: How has your Sunday routine changed over the years?
A: It has changed because I’ve been trying to really take off work, and make a Sunday more family-like, doing things with my husband and cooking together. Gardening is something I never did before but now I get that joy. That kind of stuff is completely new and we really enjoy doing.
Q: Do you exercise?
A: Definitely. As much as I can be outside, I’ll go for runs, stretching or even slight yoga. I don’t go to the gym or anything like that, I’m more outside oriented. I’ll go hop in the pool and do laps, and do a little stretching. I definitely love walking and running, and in winter I’ll try to go skiing.
Q: Do you like to spend your Sunday alone or with family/friends?
A: I try to shut off a little bit, but usually I like to invite friends over. It’s not for the whole weekend, but I’ll invite a friend over just for an evening. So for the next day I could have some time. We like to have some friends over for some time, but I also like to have some time for myself to collect my thoughts and re-energize.
Q: Do you use any apps or products for relaxation?
A: I do not. I feel like I would be into it, but I don’t.
Q: What is your ideal bedtime?
A: I would say like 10 pm. If it’s not that time, I’ll be asleep in front of the TV. The older I get, the shorter the evenings get too.
Q: What are some of your favorite Sunday activities?
A: Definitely beach walks, I keep saying that but it’s true. We like to watch movies or TV shows with the kids that interest us all. Lately, I’ve gone to the flower market and created flower arrangements for the house. In the summer, gardening for sure.
Q: How do you prepare for the week ahead?
A: I read stuff online that I could incorporate in my business. I get ready and prepare mood boards for what's coming up. I try to update myself with what’s coming up and what’s going on in the world. I try to make a list and plan to be ready for the week. Because things change so quickly, I let things come at me and plan after. I try to keep the schedule open for anything that tries to come up. It is a lot of researching now and reaching out to people and customer support, plus trying to stay on top of things.