For this week’s I AM series, we talked to Bridgette Ricketts – a creative living in Malibu, California. Bridgette is the co-founder of Wylder Coffee Co., a probiotic coffee company that she started with her sister. Coffee… that’s good for your gut?! Yes, really.
We talked to Bridgette about the inspiration for her company, how she takes care of herself living as a busy co-founder, and some of her favorite ways to practice self-care.
Q: What inspired you to create your own probiotic coffee company?
A: It came as a marriage of the two sides of my family – my mom being in the coffee roasting industry, and my dad being in health and wellness.
My sister and I wanted to create something that was good for people and easy to introduce into their schedule, because making coffee is something most people are already doing everyday. I want to build something that’s good for you, but also good for your gut… and looks pretty on your counter.
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
A: I’m currently working on graphic design projects focusing on brand identity. I’m working on learning and expanding myself, my skill set, going back to school, and keeping creative – which is really important for me.
Q: How do you make time for self-care in your busy schedule?
I make an appointment with myself. I just schedule it like I would any important meeting. It’s dedicating and honoring that time for myself to spend either doing a facial routine, yoga, or meditating… any creative work. Having that time to spend with yourself and be with yourself really just helps your overall energy and ability to work and be present with other people.
Q: What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
A: I recently started doing 30 minutes of yoga in the morning. Right after that, I make a cup of Wylder coffee. I have this recipe that I really like to do that’s just like a warm little hug! It’s coconut oil, cinnamon, and honey blended into the coffee… it makes it nice and frothy. After that, emails and work.
My self-care is in the little details, too… like applying my eye creams and facial oils! You just need that.
Q: Which brings us to beauty! What are your five everyday skincare products?
A: The first would be the cocokind Golden Elixir – I love this for a daily body moisturizer! I use the ISUN Sapphire Oil as my daily facial oil, and follow up with their Peptide Eye Cream. I love putting on the cocokind MYMATCHA Moisture Stick right after my facial routine in the morning. Finally, I use Dr. Bronner’s Eucalyptus Soap as my everyday body cleanser.
Q: Have you faced any challenges as a female in your industry?
A: I don’t feel that I’ve had any experience where I’ve felt less of a value to my company, or the community that I’m involved with. The wellness industry is a really beautiful one. There’s a lot of inspiring, admirable characters within it that all offer an equal value. I don’t feel that I’m less valued or have less worth than a male in my industry.
Q: To you, what does it mean to be an empowered woman?
A: To me, being an empowered woman is feeling appreciated, connected, and loved by myself. Being empowered is being able to show people your beautiful and authentic qualities, and being comfortable sharing those qualities with the world.
Q: What impact would you like to have through your company?
A: I would like to be able to do something that’s good and beneficial for people. I don’t believe in putting something into this world that doesn’t help people in some way. I definitely just want to create a product that helps people’s vitality while healing them from the inside out. This is especially important with gut health, which affects your body in so many ways.
