Editor’s Letter
I know how much you can learn from an intake. The right questions, asked well, tell you everything. So that’s what this is. The Intake is my new interview series. I’m asking people I find genuinely interesting and would want to sit next to at dinner, to fill out a chart. Their habits, their health, their secrets to well-being.
If this one feels like a paid placement for DOCTOR STOLBERG, it's not. Jess just can't help herself. She's the one who helped me bring the brand to market when we re-launched last June. We have spent countless hours on campaigns, copy, and conversations that had nothing to do with either. She's also the one who told me to start a Substack. I miss her. This felt like the right way to catch up.
Jess Eggert
Jess Eggert is a brand consultant and founder whose work sits at the intersection of product and culture.
Over the past decade, she has helped build some of the most beloved brands across wellness, beauty, food and bev (including DOCTOR STOLBERG) and is the founder of Orist, a forthcoming beauty brand for the mouth inspired by the concept of oral fixation.
Born and raised in New York and now based in Los Angeles, she lives in sunny Silver Lake with her fiancé and their sweet dog, Grace.
CHIEF COMPLAINT
Tell me about something you were struggling with and finally figured out? Mental, physical, logistical.
Stopping talk therapy. While I loved (and maybe felt a little emotionally attached to) my therapist, I realized I was spending too much time talking and thinking about living rather than just…living.
That said, I know therapy can be life-changing for many and I’m not opposed to returning in a future season of life if I need it.
HISTORY
Name 3 small habits that have had the biggest impact on your well-being.
Eating a protein-forward breakfast to regulate my blood sugar and avoid turning into a monster by 12pm — even if that means just a couple of boiled eggs and Ella’s Flats.
Moving my body every day. Current go-tos are a walk around the Silver Lake reservoir or a 30-minute Pyro sitch. But I’m debating whether to work with a personal trainer ahead of my wedding in November if you know anyone great on the east side of LA…
Sun time. Not to be confused with sunbathing. Sun time is simply standing or sitting in the sun for just a few minutes in the middle of a busy day to re-charge the mind and body.
Tell us about a time you trusted your gut and it was right.
This may be an obnoxious answer, but I don’t think I believe in right or wrong! I believe our lives orient around the decisions we make and it always works out one way or another. Takes the pressure off.
DIET & LIFESTYLE
Call time. Do you set an alarm? If so, what time? Walk me through your morning, what happens before anyone else needs something from you?
7am alarm, shoot the shit in bed with my fiancé for a few too many minutes, wash my face, brush my teeth with my delicious Orist prototypes, gulp down a big cup of water, walk Grace (which does as much for me as it does for her), eat my eggs and Ella’s, digest while I deal with anything urgent, exercise if I have time (otherwise it’s a midday/early evening thing), lock in on work.
Breakfast. Yes or no, and if so what?
Yes because I know it’s important and it helps me stave off the demons that come with coffee (and Dr. Stolberg would kill me if I didn’t!). Lately it’s just eggs and Ella’s Flats with salt and pepp. Easy, nourishing, delicious.
Lunch. What’s feeding you lately? Books, food, people, share all of it.
Lunch is usually some form of leftovers, Goop Kitchen or LA Grocery but more importantly I’ve been making these snack boxes inspired by Shira Barlow, which she appropriately calls adult lunchables.
Dinner. Dining in or eating out? 5pm or 8pm reservation? ? Who’s at your table and what are you eating and drinking?
Both dining in and going out are critical to me. I’ve been dining in more now that I’m on a health grind, and it makes dining out feel all the more special. Win-win!
We pop down to our neighborhood L&E Oyster Bar almost weekly for a martini and oysters because we work hard and we deserve it.
My fiance proposed to me a couple of months ago on our walk down to L&E.
Bedtime. Do you have a bedtime? Walk me through your evening routine.
My mind and body typically shut down at 10pm.
I always drink Rest + Digest after dinner, usually while watching something (right now we’re re-watching 30 Rock to fill the void Hacks left), then I wash up and do my silly little skincare, roll some magnesium on the soles of my feet, pop on my white noise machine and sleep mask, and lights out.
CURRENT HABITS
What does your exercise routine look like and has it changed over the years?
A variety of 30-minute workouts ~4x/week. Reservoir walk 1-2x/week. Sunday hike in Griffith when our friends lure us with home-cooked brunch after.
In New York I used to wake up at 5:30 and get to Equinox by 6:30 on weekdays. So yeah, it’s changed. I’m healing in LA :)
What do you eat with zero guilt? You know my philosophy. Indulge. Rest. Digest.
Most things! The only time I regret it is when I overdo it on sweets every now and then. For example, I consumed almost an entire box of sour patch and peanut m&ms when we went to see Devil Wears Prada 2 the other week. That said, Rest + Digest to the rescue!
What’s always in your bag?
Several lip products for every mood and need — Vaseline Rosy Lips (work horse), Prada Astral Pink (a perfect gift from Dr. Stolberg!), Fara Homidi Lip Oil (glam), Glossier Balm Dot Com (the OG).
Sunnies. DOCTOR STOLBERG single serves. Wire headphones.
REVIEW OF SYSTEMS
What’s on your nightstand? And what’s in it?
On it: Sleep mask, Vaseline, Book
In it: More books.
A wellness purchase you were skeptical about and then completely converted by.
I don’t purchase wellness products I’m skeptical about. That said, I purchased a red light mask with full confidence and I can’t confidently say it does anything for me.
The product you’d be devastated if they discontinued.
Oooo. It’s a tie between Rest + Digest, Ella’s Flats and Vaseline Rosy Lips.
Something that reminds you the world is a soft place.
Hugging and kissing Grace 🐶
SOCIAL HISTORY
Name a cool girl you want to be like.
Grace 🐶
Something uncool that you think is actually cool.
Toothpaste. We all use it twice a day every day (I hope) and yet it’s deeply uncool because it’s boring and uninspired. I’m changing that :)
Best gift you ever gave.
Saying yes to my fiancé lol that’s right!
Best gift you ever received.
Love and support from him, my family and friends<3
RAPID FIRE
Your #1 secret to becoming a well being:
Stop sitting and thinking. Start doing and learning.
Favorite way to stay warm:
Wear my favorite colorful socks.
The last thing that made you laugh out loud:
Watching 30 Rock re-runs last night: “I don’t get why people like brunch. What’s the benefit of combining break dancing and lunch?” — Tracey Jordan. God bless.
What’s your burger order:
At In-N-Out because I know that’s what the people want: Animal style with chopped chili and raw onions. Yes, animal style already comes with grilled onions. Yes, I do need both grilled and raw onions.
Guilty pleasure TV show:
It used to be Love Island but I fear I binged too close to the sun. I’ve been meaning to get into Housewives for years, someone hold me accountable!
Favorite mug:
Tie between my pink green yellow Peter Shire and “Courage to Heel” from the last DOCTOR STOLBERG vintage mug drop. I have mood mugs!
Thank you for being here! Well Being is my way of reaching those I may never see in the treatment room. A like or comment means the world and helps others find their way here too.
love you jess sm 🌞🤸🏼♂️♥️ adult lunchboxes forevs
This intro 🥹💛