Welcome to the 1987 Blog: A Note from Jen

Some introductions, and why wellness is the foundation for success

Hi! I’m Jen, the founder behind 1987, and I’m so excited to be launching this blog alongside our incredible PR intern, Maura Johnston. We wanted to bring back that early-2000s blog energy—think deep dives, real talk, and a real behind-the-scenes look into what makes 1987 special.

There is no better way to kick things off than with a topic that’s central to everything I do—wellness.

Why Wellness?

Wellness is the foundation of how I manage both my business and my life. Over the past 10 years, I’ve created rituals that keep me energized, creative, and ready to take on each day. One of my non-negotiables? Walking 10,000 steps a day. My ideas flow best when I’m walking, especially outside in Boston (as long as the weather cooperates…)

My Morning Routine (Hour-by-Hour)

• 7:30–8:00 AM: Wake-Up Call
  I’m a big believer in sleep—so no 5 a.m. alarms here! The first thing I do everyday is tongue scraping. It might sound a little strange, but this is an integral part of my detox routine that genuinely makes me feel better and ready to start my day.

• 8:00–8:15 AM: Red Light & Meditation
  I’ll sit in front of my full-body red light panel, which helps with collagen production and overall skin health. I pair this with a short meditation or a sound frequency from an app called Soaak, which has different frequencies for creativity, focus, detox, and even “abundance.” The first time I used the “wealth” frequency, our Boston hoodie went viral…coincidence or not, I’m sticking with it.

• 8:15–8:30 AM: Journaling
  I don’t follow a strict gratitude journal anymore. Instead, I use different journals with fresh, daily prompts. I’ll script (“Today was amazing. Our drop sold out. Haley Bieber posted us.”) or reflect on challenges and values.

• 8:30–9:00 AM: Emails and a Walk
  Depending on the day, I’ll either dive into emails first or head out for my 10K walk. I like to knock out emails early so I’m not distracted wondering if something’s on fire, or if some new crisis has popped up. If I have creative work to do–like concepting shoots or designing–I’ll walk first to clear my head and relax.

• Walk Essentials:
  Podcast or audiobook always. I’m deep into the A.C.O.T.A.R. world (shoutout Sarah J. Maas fans!). I also love wellness podcasts like Pursuit of Wellness, Pretty Basic, and Well with Arielle Lorre. If nothing clicks that morning, I’ll listen to some affirmations—classic "I’m the luckiest girl in the world" vibes.

• Coffee Break:
  Coffee is a must. I try to wait 30 minutes after waking, but let’s be real—that’s a struggle. In the summer, I love an iced Americano or green tea. If I’m at home, I’ll use my Breville or Nespresso (yes, I’m spiraling about microplastics too). I always add collagen, no matter what I’m drinking.

My Midday Reset

After the walk and caffeine, I really jump into my workday. I try to structure my day into blocks—calls, finance, product development, etc.—to stay focused. I only check emails in two windows (morning and afternoon) so I’m not just reacting all day. I want to run my email, not let it run me.

After lunch, I go outside to play fetch with my dog: a much needed reset! Lunch is usually a protein-packed yogurt bowl with chia, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, and a sprinkle of granola. I also love baking my own sourdough or snacking on cottage cheese with buffalo sauce and Everything But the Bagel seasoning (don’t judge me until you try it yourself!)

My Movement Philosophy

For me, movement doesn’t have to mean hours in the gym. I’ve found that 20 minutes a day is the sweet spot. Most days, I’ll do a quick Melissa Wood Health or Forma Pilates. I actually have a Reformer at home, but truthfully, I love mat Pilates just as much (if not more), so I don’t think the fancy equipment is a must.

On weekends, I switch things up with more traditional strength training—upper body on Saturdays, lower body on Sundays. Occasionally, I’ll throw in a run or a quick Tabata workout, but Pilates is my foundation.

I used to think you had to work out for an hour every day to be fit, but now I know that consistency matters more than intensity. I’d rather move for 20 minutes a day, seven days a week, than try to force a couple of long workouts that burn me out. That approach has changed everything for me—mentally and physically.

BALANCE

But of course, wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance. In our house, Saturday night means scratch-made pizza (non-negotiable). And honestly, some of the best wellness moments come from spontaneous friend dates, late-night snacks, and heart-to-hearts with the people you love.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s this: Make space for joy, flexibility, and connection. The rituals are important, but so are the unplanned, magical moments in between.