Ashley Graham Advocates for Self-Care and Encourages Others to Prioritize ‘Me’ Time
Putting oneself first can be a challenging task, especially for new mothers who often find it nearly impossible. Research involving 2,000 parents revealed that most mothers only have a mere 32 minutes per day for themselves.
In spite of a busy schedule filled with commitments like meetings, photo shoots, and play dates, supermodel, plus-size icon, and mother Ashley Graham has successfully reclaimed her ‘me’ time. Moreover, she feels no guilt about it. Graham, who recently welcomed twin sons Malachi and Roman this January, along with her two-year-old son Isaac and husband Justin Ervin, credits her ability to prioritize self-care and personal time to the invaluable help and support she receives from friends and family.
According to Graham, “We have built an excellent support system around us, and for me as a mother to really flourish, leaning on this support daily has been crucial.”
Below, Ashley discusses her favorite summer beauty essentials, the positive impact of her at-home fitness regimen with Affirm, and how emphasizing ‘me’ time is aiding her in managing motherhood as a busy parent of three.
Well+Good: Congratulations on the arrival of your twins! Balancing your hectic schedule must require quick beauty routines. What’s your go-to plan when you’re on a time crunch?
Ashley Graham: The night before, I lay out everything for the next day – my bag, outfit, and any hair prep needed. This prep the night prior is essential for me to leave the house looking presentable and not forgetting anything vital.
W+G: Do you carry any special products for on-the-go touch-ups?
AG: Absolutely. I always have my trusty lipstick and lip liner from Revlon on hand. Additionally, maintaining good skin is key to looking put together, so I ensure I have rosewater or a similar product to freshen up throughout the day.
W+G: Post-pregnancy, many women notice changes in their skin’s texture or dryness. Did you experience this as well?
AG: Yes, during my pregnancy with Isaac, I developed rosacea. I started using a new brand called Fig. 1, which effectively cleared up my rosacea and provided much-needed hydration post-pregnancy. The Fig. 1 products are affordable and blend well with other items in your skincare routine, making them a favorite of mine.
W+G: With the summer heatwave, what’s your go-to summer skincare product?
AG: Sunscreen is a must. I’m currently loving the Cay Skin face lotion SPF 45 by Winnie Harlow. Its non-transferable color adds an extra layer of protection without staining clothes. I also recommend Supergoop products, especially those in stick form, which are convenient for kids and reduce the struggle of applying sunscreen before pool time.
W+G: You mentioned being a planner. How do you style your hair during the summer?
AG: I prefer my hair on the second and third day after washing. I typically part it down the middle and braid it tightly. The next day, I undo the braids for effortless beachy waves. If the waves are too tight, a quick brush through softens the look.Ashley Graham shares her hair care routine, utilizing a Mason Pearson brush and dry shampoo for quick fixes on non-wash days and John Frieda Dream Curls spray for perfect waves on wash days. She mentions how her hair texture has changed from curly to wavy due to various factors like pregnancies and styling choices.
When asked about summer fragrances, she recommends AYU body oil and Riddle Roll-On Oil in jasmine scent as her favorites. She values self-care and mentions carrying a roll-on oil with her for a quick pick-me-up.
Ashley talks about fitting workouts into her busy schedule as a mother of three by scheduling them in her calendar and reminding herself that it is essential for her overall well-being and strength for her children. She emphasizes the importance of guilt-free self-care time.
Regarding her partnership with Affirm, Ashley discusses the convenience of using the service to buy workout equipment like a Tonal or Theragun with payment plans. She recommends home gym essentials available through Affirm, including Theragun massage guns, TRX suspension trainer, and yoga gear from Target.
When asked about finding time for herself throughout the day, Ashley emphasizes creating moments for self-care without guilt. With support from her mom, she takes time to work on personal projects and encourages other moms to prioritize self-care without feeling guilty.
Ashley shares advice for overwhelmed new moms, mentioning that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure at times. She stresses the importance of creating systems and a schedule that includes dedicated “me” time for staying connected and being a better parent. She acknowledges the challenges of motherhood but reminds herself and others that each stage is temporary.
