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She has since walked the runway, visited the White House, and used her platform to advocate for body positivity and greater acceptance for all disabled people.
A: Do you remember the moment you turned away from self-judgment and toward self-love?MC: I had to learn how to let go of wanting what I don't have in order to love what I do have. It's a never-ending journey. Can I embrace my scars, can I embrace my weight? The first step was to stop hiding my prosthetic. I recognized that it's ok to...
A: Do you remember the moment you turned away from self-judgment and toward self-love?MC: I had to learn how to let go of wanting what I don't have in order to love what I do have. It's a never-ending journey. Can I embrace my scars, can I embrace my weight? The first step was to stop hiding my prosthetic. I recognized that it's ok to...
A: Do you remember the moment you turned away from self-judgment and toward self-love?
MC: I had to learn how to let go of wanting what I don't have in order to love what I do have. It's a never-ending journey. Can I embrace my scars, can I embrace my weight? The first step was to stop hiding my prosthetic. I recognized that it's ok to not always love it - or to even ever love it. But I need to recognize how far it has gotten me on my journey.
A: What does it mean to live fully as yourself?
MC: To recognize every single part of my identity. And to be proud of each of them.
A: When you sense a disconnect between your mind and your body, what's the first thing you do to reconnect?
MC: The most important thing is to have my mind in a good place-only then can I push myself physically. So, in moments of anxiety or depression, I offer myself affirmations or short, simple to-do lists to feel effective again.
A: What's your go-to form of movement these days?
MC: Simply walking. I could walk for hours just people-watching in Bushwick.
MC: I had to learn how to let go of wanting what I don't have in order to love what I do have. It's a never-ending journey. Can I embrace my scars, can I embrace my weight? The first step was to stop hiding my prosthetic. I recognized that it's ok to not always love it - or to even ever love it. But I need to recognize how far it has gotten me on my journey.
A: What does it mean to live fully as yourself?
MC: To recognize every single part of my identity. And to be proud of each of them.
A: When you sense a disconnect between your mind and your body, what's the first thing you do to reconnect?
MC: The most important thing is to have my mind in a good place-only then can I push myself physically. So, in moments of anxiety or depression, I offer myself affirmations or short, simple to-do lists to feel effective again.
A: What's your go-to form of movement these days?
MC: Simply walking. I could walk for hours just people-watching in Bushwick.
A: What quick hacks do you suggest to maintain holistic wellness?
MC: I used to ignore my body, but now I'm all about listening to what it needs and wants. I often have a cup of tea while listening to soothing music-Sade is my go-to these days. And I love a nice at-home spa moment: manicure, pedicure, facial, Netflix.
MC: I used to ignore my body, but now I'm all about listening to what it needs and wants. I often have a cup of tea while listening to soothing music-Sade is my go-to these days. And I love a nice at-home spa moment: manicure, pedicure, facial, Netflix.
A: What's the greatest lesson your activism has taught you?
MC: No matter how positive any movement might seem, there's space for improvement. When I learned what "body positive" meant, I thought it was such a great idea to embrace bigger bodies. But we can be so much more inclusive about those who are still marginalized or not represented at all, including differently abled people. I also learned to never put pain on a scale—amputated legs, stretch marks, muffin top. No matter how different you think you are, you're never alone in your struggle.
MC: No matter how positive any movement might seem, there's space for improvement. When I learned what "body positive" meant, I thought it was such a great idea to embrace bigger bodies. But we can be so much more inclusive about those who are still marginalized or not represented at all, including differently abled people. I also learned to never put pain on a scale—amputated legs, stretch marks, muffin top. No matter how different you think you are, you're never alone in your struggle.
A: What's one thing any woman can do to experience more self-love in her daily life?
MC: When you can't love yourself fully, surround yourself with people who love you for who you are.
A: When do you feel most powerful?
MC: When I wear a suit.
A: What activity makes you feel most alive?
MC: Rock climbing.
A: What words fuel you?
MC: You got this.
MC: When you can't love yourself fully, surround yourself with people who love you for who you are.
A: When do you feel most powerful?
MC: When I wear a suit.
A: What activity makes you feel most alive?
MC: Rock climbing.
A: What words fuel you?
MC: You got this.
A: How does your community inspire you?
MC: Individuals fighting to be themselves even when they're not fully accepted. From members of the LGBTQ community to first-generation college students, these people are chasing their dreams and, at the same time, giving back to others.
MC: Individuals fighting to be themselves even when they're not fully accepted. From members of the LGBTQ community to first-generation college students, these people are chasing their dreams and, at the same time, giving back to others.
A: When things feel out of whack—mentally, physically emotionally—what’s the first thing you do to bring yourself back into balance?
RD: I make sure that I eat really well. You can’t do what you need to do if you don’t eat what your body wants.
A: Besides fresh and healthy ingredients, what nourishes you?
RD: My family, my kids and my husband. They give me perspective in a way that feeds me. Also my team. It’s so rewarding to see everyone march toward this mission in sync and watch the business grow.
RD: I make sure that I eat really well. You can’t do what you need to do if you don’t eat what your body wants.
A: Besides fresh and healthy ingredients, what nourishes you?
RD: My family, my kids and my husband. They give me perspective in a way that feeds me. Also my team. It’s so rewarding to see everyone march toward this mission in sync and watch the business grow.
A: Who empowers you the most to live fully and what does that look like for you?
RD: My husband has stepped up in a major way. We tag-team everything. This allows me to do what I love, and that makes me a better mom.
A: When do you feel most powerful?
RD: When Daily Harvest makes a meaningful impact on our customers’ lives. Whether we’re giving our customers a bit more time back in their day or allowing them to practice some much needed self-care, I feel most powerful when I’m helping others live a more nourished life.
RD: My husband has stepped up in a major way. We tag-team everything. This allows me to do what I love, and that makes me a better mom.
A: When do you feel most powerful?
RD: When Daily Harvest makes a meaningful impact on our customers’ lives. Whether we’re giving our customers a bit more time back in their day or allowing them to practice some much needed self-care, I feel most powerful when I’m helping others live a more nourished life.
A: What words—advice from others or mantra from within—power you to be your best?
RD: Trust your instincts, be persistent and believe deep in your core that your mission is worth it.
A: What does “Power of She” mean to you?
RD: Women, when given the opportunity, can make the world a healthier and happier place. We make 80% of purchasing decisions, and have the power to make more healthy, wholesome, sustainable choices. I’m excited about all of the female entrepreneurs who have bubbled up recently in the health and wellness space because they are creating things to enable this change.
RD: Trust your instincts, be persistent and believe deep in your core that your mission is worth it.
A: What does “Power of She” mean to you?
RD: Women, when given the opportunity, can make the world a healthier and happier place. We make 80% of purchasing decisions, and have the power to make more healthy, wholesome, sustainable choices. I’m excited about all of the female entrepreneurs who have bubbled up recently in the health and wellness space because they are creating things to enable this change.
A: Go-to self-care ritual?
RD: Self compassion! A few years ago, I let go of the ideal of “having it all.” I stopped feeling guilty about the necessary tradeoffs between work life, home life and self-care. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a break; that’s true self-care.
A: Your prediction for the next health food trend (i.e. the new kale)?
RD: Pine Pollen! Pine Pollen contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, and contains possible adaptogenic compounds. It has potential anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits, and is best known for its purported endocrine-balancing abilities.
RD: Self compassion! A few years ago, I let go of the ideal of “having it all.” I stopped feeling guilty about the necessary tradeoffs between work life, home life and self-care. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a break; that’s true self-care.
A: Your prediction for the next health food trend (i.e. the new kale)?
RD: Pine Pollen! Pine Pollen contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, and contains possible adaptogenic compounds. It has potential anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits, and is best known for its purported endocrine-balancing abilities.
A: When you need a break from the blender, go-to restaurant in NYC.
RD: There are so many amazing restaurants in NYC, but I love Uncle Boons, Don Angie, and Nur.
A: Your favorite DH Smoothie?
RD: Ginger + Greens
RD: There are so many amazing restaurants in NYC, but I love Uncle Boons, Don Angie, and Nur.
A: Your favorite DH Smoothie?
RD: Ginger + Greens
A: When you sense a disconnect between your mind and your body, what’s the first thing you do to reconnect?
EB: I meditate. If I'm feeling disconnection, the thing that helps me is to quiet the noise. The noise for me is the disconnection. I turn the volume down on what’s happening around me and turn the volume up on what’s going on inside of me.
EB: I meditate. If I'm feeling disconnection, the thing that helps me is to quiet the noise. The noise for me is the disconnection. I turn the volume down on what’s happening around me and turn the volume up on what’s going on inside of me.
A: What quick hacks do you have to maintain holistic wellness?
EB: Sleeping in. Spending really deep, quality time with beloveds. Leaving my schedule open. Eating something that brings a lot of pleasure. Finding pleasure in general, whatever that looks like.
A: What’s one thing any woman can do to bring mindfulness to her daily life?
EB: In Jon Kabat-Zinn’s words, mindfulness is the act of bringing your attention to the present moment on purpose and without judgment. Simply bring your full attention to one breath cycle and the space in between. The power of breath to activate the relaxation response is incredible—and it’s accessible to you in every moment.
EB: Sleeping in. Spending really deep, quality time with beloveds. Leaving my schedule open. Eating something that brings a lot of pleasure. Finding pleasure in general, whatever that looks like.
A: What’s one thing any woman can do to bring mindfulness to her daily life?
EB: In Jon Kabat-Zinn’s words, mindfulness is the act of bringing your attention to the present moment on purpose and without judgment. Simply bring your full attention to one breath cycle and the space in between. The power of breath to activate the relaxation response is incredible—and it’s accessible to you in every moment.
A: What was the best advice you’ve received thus far?
EB: True control comes from doing nothing. Our body is riding an emotional wave. Can we sit with our feelings without acting? With this in mind, I feel empowered rather than powerless.
A: What is the best advice you could give to a beginner practitioner?
EB: Meditation is like learning how to play an instrument or going to the gym. You can’t expect to master it overnight. Remember the 3 Cs: commitment, consistency and cumulative. It’s not intended as a quick fix. The esteemed meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg puts it best: “Meditation is the ultimate mobile device.”
EB: True control comes from doing nothing. Our body is riding an emotional wave. Can we sit with our feelings without acting? With this in mind, I feel empowered rather than powerless.
A: What is the best advice you could give to a beginner practitioner?
EB: Meditation is like learning how to play an instrument or going to the gym. You can’t expect to master it overnight. Remember the 3 Cs: commitment, consistency and cumulative. It’s not intended as a quick fix. The esteemed meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg puts it best: “Meditation is the ultimate mobile device.”
A: How do you work in your workout?
EB: Maintaining a healthy body means listening to my body—if it’s hungry, if it’s tired, it’s stiff. I allow its wisdom to inform me. I have the privilege at this point in my life to prioritize sleep, mediation, diet and exercise.
EB: Maintaining a healthy body means listening to my body—if it’s hungry, if it’s tired, it’s stiff. I allow its wisdom to inform me. I have the privilege at this point in my life to prioritize sleep, mediation, diet and exercise.
A: What do you think is the most common misconception around meditation?
EB: That it’s going to turn off your mind. I’ve never had a thoughtless mediation in my life. The practice requires the mind. Get comfortable with the fact the mind is active all of the time.
A: Can you speak a little to MNDFL Ed. and how you’re seeing mindfulness practices impacting young women in particular?
EB: When you’re a young woman, you have big emotions. And you’re not always sure how to manage them. These practices help regulate nervous systems and can serve as a really powerful tool to self-soothe. They help create self-compassion and compassion for others. I wish I had been taught them when I was younger.
A: How does your community of women inspire you to be your best?
EB: They lead by example. And they’re an endless source of inspiration. They allow themselves to be their own unique, wildly imperfect selves. How inspiring is that?!
EB: That it’s going to turn off your mind. I’ve never had a thoughtless mediation in my life. The practice requires the mind. Get comfortable with the fact the mind is active all of the time.
A: Can you speak a little to MNDFL Ed. and how you’re seeing mindfulness practices impacting young women in particular?
EB: When you’re a young woman, you have big emotions. And you’re not always sure how to manage them. These practices help regulate nervous systems and can serve as a really powerful tool to self-soothe. They help create self-compassion and compassion for others. I wish I had been taught them when I was younger.
A: How does your community of women inspire you to be your best?
EB: They lead by example. And they’re an endless source of inspiration. They allow themselves to be their own unique, wildly imperfect selves. How inspiring is that?!
A: When do you feel most powerful?
EB: When I’m in service.
A: What words power you to be your best?
EB: Compassion, vulnerability, honesty and love.
A: What does Power of She mean to you?
EB: Becoming familiar with all of who we are so that we can offer our whole selves up to the world.
EB: When I’m in service.
A: What words power you to be your best?
EB: Compassion, vulnerability, honesty and love.
A: What does Power of She mean to you?
EB: Becoming familiar with all of who we are so that we can offer our whole selves up to the world.
A: For many, financial literacy feels out of reach. What is your advice to women who are taking their very first steps?
SK: Try to shift your mindset from shame and scarcity, to a handful of simple rules: pay off your credit card or other high-interest debt; build up an emergency savings fund; invest in your 401k at work; and avoid line-by-line budgeting. It's like calorie counting-it doesn't work.
Can you offer a general framework to help guide the way?
SK: My 50/30/20 rule allows for the freedom to want what you want and take care of yourself over the long haul. 50% of your take-home pay goes to needs. 30% goes to fun. 20% goes to future you, which means savings and investments. If you can’t get there right away, that’s ok. Just start moving toward that breakdown.
SK: Try to shift your mindset from shame and scarcity, to a handful of simple rules: pay off your credit card or other high-interest debt; build up an emergency savings fund; invest in your 401k at work; and avoid line-by-line budgeting. It's like calorie counting-it doesn't work.
Can you offer a general framework to help guide the way?
SK: My 50/30/20 rule allows for the freedom to want what you want and take care of yourself over the long haul. 50% of your take-home pay goes to needs. 30% goes to fun. 20% goes to future you, which means savings and investments. If you can’t get there right away, that’s ok. Just start moving toward that breakdown.
A: How has your personal financial literacy been essential to your overall health, aside from material stability?
SK: Financial security is just as much key to one's wellness as physical fitness. Money is women's number 1 source of stress. Conversely, the acts of saving and investing are the greatest sources of confidence. The barrier is inertia. It feels like it's going to take forever. We took this into consideration when developing a super-fast setup for Ellevest users.
A: What's one way you maintain your holistic wellness?
SK: Peloton or wine, but Peloton doesn't always win that battle. A few deep breaths do a world of difference as I realize how much work still remains to be done. And finally, gratitude—the acknowledgement that I'm incredibly fortunate and every day above ground is a good day.
SK: Financial security is just as much key to one's wellness as physical fitness. Money is women's number 1 source of stress. Conversely, the acts of saving and investing are the greatest sources of confidence. The barrier is inertia. It feels like it's going to take forever. We took this into consideration when developing a super-fast setup for Ellevest users.
A: What's one way you maintain your holistic wellness?
SK: Peloton or wine, but Peloton doesn't always win that battle. A few deep breaths do a world of difference as I realize how much work still remains to be done. And finally, gratitude—the acknowledgement that I'm incredibly fortunate and every day above ground is a good day.
A: Who empowers you to live life fully?
SK: My kids. I just never expected I'd like my kids so much. The greatest surprise of my life: I love them and I like them.
A: Best advice thus far?
SK: Don't feel embarrassed, and get back out there.
A: When do you feel most powerful?
SK: Right after I exercise.
SK: My kids. I just never expected I'd like my kids so much. The greatest surprise of my life: I love them and I like them.
A: Best advice thus far?
SK: Don't feel embarrassed, and get back out there.
A: When do you feel most powerful?
SK: Right after I exercise.
