When it comes to wellness, nothing works in a vacuum. That’s why when Vanessa Packer created modelFIT, the fitness studio’s environment was as important as its exercise routines and nutrition consulting. After noticing a gap in the market when it comes to well-designed workout spaces, the New York native set to work making a beautiful studio in SoHo. With a fashion background and a holistic nutrition degree, the idea came naturally to her. With clients like Karlie Kloss, a second studio location in LA, and a rapidly growing brand, her holistic fitness hunch was decidedly on point.
Packer talked with us about the late-night snacks that put her to sleep, her bedtime rituals, and everything else she does between the sheets.
What’s keeping you up at night right now?
Vanessa: Work, evolving, and this ever-changing fitness industry we live in. Trying to sustain an inspiring, uplifting, fun, dynamic wellness company.
What do you wear to sleep?
Vanessa: Naked!
Go-to late night snack?
Vanessa: Almond milk turmeric latte, which is the most delicious thing. You take turmeric, ground cinnamon, steamed almond milk, and a little honey. It is so good and you sleep so well.
How many hours do you sleep?
Vanessa: I want to say seven [or] six on average! I really could use nine though. I feel like I need more sleep than I’m getting.
What makes you want to get out of bed?
Vanessa: Exercise, going to class, working out. It gets me out of bed in the morning! I practice what I preach!
What else do you do in your bed besides sleep?
Vanessa: Meditate, sex – what do I not do in my bed? Read, work on my computer. It’s the place for everything! Endless possibilities!
What makes you fall asleep?
Vanessa: Melatonin and magnesium, or a hot Epsom salt bath works well too!
Why is modelFit important to you?
Vanessa: I feel like it really makes a difference in people’s lives. When you can impact people in a positive way, I think that it really makes you get behind what you do more.
What gives you energy throughout your day?
Vanessa: Cold brew coffee!
What is your favorite life hack?
Vanessa: Honestly, because I fly so much, I would say just having the American Airlines status app, TSA pre-check, and my carry-on only (shout out Tumi). Anything to make my travel time more efficient.
How does sleep impact your day?
Vanessa: Without sleep my brain doesn’t work!
What’s your relationship with your electronics?
Vanessa: It’s love-hate. I need my phone and computer, but I fight the feeling of attachment to them.
What is your bedtime ritual?
Vanessa: After my contacts are out and my teeth are brushed, [I have] a proper skin routine that includes exfoliation and layering many serums and creams. Hot tea and wind-down time before bed is essential. I plug my phone into an outlet in the bathroom and stick it in a drawer so it’s nowhere near me when I’m sleeping. Replacing my phone on my bedside table with a digital clock has improved my sleep tremendously.
How do you deal with stress?
Vanessa: Exercise, hot baths, sleep, meditation, electronic detox.
If you have an extra 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
Vanessa: Call someone I love!
What do you want to be when you wake up?
Vanessa: The best Vanessa I can be!
What city do you sleep in?
Vanessa: My name is Vanessa Packer and I sleep in New York City!
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
The views, opinions, and positions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of Tomorrow Sleep LLC, its affiliates or their employees.