Comedian, drag queen, musician and entrepreneur Trixie Mattel built a career on quick wit, dogged work ethic and an obsession with perfecting processes and products. In a recent sit-down with the Trixie cosmetics founder, she describes her journey from wide-eyed country kid to celebrated entertainer and makeup mogul. If you didn’t tune into the live Office Hours, you’re in for some inspiration. And if you can’t resist an inside look at rules and rituals of a highly successful (and invigorating) person, read on to see how the Trixie Cosmetics founder gets the absolute most out of every day.
Self-care & Attitude
What are three things you do each morning to prepare for the workday?
In the morning, I have a green smoothie and black tea, handle correspondence/check the news (gay Twitter) and hit the gym for a quick workout.
What are three things you do to wind down your workday?
To wind down my workday I put on a robe, pop a bottle of wine open and put on an episode of Bad Girls Club.
How do you stay inspired, creative?
I listen to podcasts constantly. Whether it's Ru girls' or comedians' or whoever’s, I love them. So much of my career is stand-up comedy and listening to other funny people. I like them so much, I even have my own podcast now, The Bald and The Beautiful.
Workspace & Routine
Do you have a workspace at home? Tell us about it.
I definitely have a workspace at home. I have an office that I love, complete with customized wallpaper featuring love songs that look like they’re on a jukebox. During the pandemic it got even more action than usual. I shot many projects in it. It has morphed into a full-out studio. I also spend a lot of hours in my drag room creating looks.
Do you share the space with anyone else? How does that work?
My boyfriend David and I each have our own places but spent a lot of time together during the pandemic. We love each other and enjoy spending time together. But since we're partners romantically and business-wise, it's refreshing to have solo time, too. I always call him while I get into drag. It's my routine—keeps me calm, focused and performance ready.
What do you do when you need a change of scenery?
I go for a run! One of the best hobbies I took up during the pandemic was long distance running. It's kept me sane, healthy and most importantly, fit. I'm so into it, I've even begun running marathons.
Time & Organization
How do you keep yourself on track during the day—an app, a planner, a physical to-do list?
I keep myself organized during the day via my digital calendar - the holy grail for my team and me. We all have access to it and add my commitments as they roll in. We also use productivity apps. It totally takes a village - my team and staff help keep me from riding off the rails.
What’s one habit you’ve formed to create more balance?
With so much to handle for all my work endeavors, I genuinely enjoy getting personal stuff done. Grocery shopping, cooking at home and doing my own laundry keeps me real. When business needs are really overwhelming, personal stuff takes the backseat. Things like grocery delivery and a visit from the housekeeper come in handy!
How do you approach the workday? One block of time that’s over at 6pm? An ongoing thing with personal stuff interspersed?
I approach the workday like the never-ending story that it is. I'm involved in a ton of projects with a million things going on. So, there's never time to slow down. I have a great team that helps me achieve what I need to. I'm a workaholic and never take a day off, but the work/life balance is important. After long days, I make sure to spend quality time with my boyfriend and handle personal stuff.
This interview is part of Office Hours, a series that connects you with entrepreneurs and experts with tips for running and growing a business right now. Find other can’t-miss conversations by visiting our Events page.