Wanelo is short for “want need love.” Although this word sounds like the eager sound that slips from every caffeinated shopper’s lips in response to finding the perfect gift online, it is actually the name of a new online shopping platform. Like a shoppable online pinboard, Wanelo lets you collect images of things you love – all of which can be purchased! Shops like J.Crew, Nasty Gal, Net-A-Porter and Design Within Reach can all be shopped from this addictive platform which has quickly made Wanelo one of the fastest-growing online communities around.
We met up with founder Deena Varshavskaya to find out what a day in her life usually looks like. Sure enough, this busy young entrepreneur keeps a tight schedule, but we love hearing about the way folks of all walks of life find time to seek balance, stay healthy and stay sane! Here’s Deena…
NAME:
Deena Varshavskaya of Wanelo (Want, Need, Love)
I ALWAYS START MY DAY BY…
Checking email and then Wanelo to see all the new products posted. I’m Wanelo’s addicted user number one!
MY WORK ROUTINE IS…
I usually start working at home as soon as I get out of bed, while drinking my cup of coffee. It’s great quiet time to get the day going. Once I get into the office, there are a lot of meetings and a lot of running around.
I NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT…
A toothbrush and toothpaste. I’m obsessed with having clean teeth and typically brush them at least three times a day. On a less practical level, I always keep one of these amazing round plush toys called micro Squishables on hand! We have about 30 of them in the office in all sizes.
MY FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY IS…
Any time when I feel extra awake and alive!
LUNCH IS USUALLY…
Fat, protein and vegetables. I eat mostly paleo, so I try to avoid carbs as much as possible.
A DAY NEVER GOES BY WITHOUT…
Fun. I believe that fun is critical, and I’m always looking for ways to remind myself, and those around me, not to forget to play.
TO FIND INSPIRATION I…
Look for distance from my day-to-day work. The goal is to get perspective. When you’re in the weeds and executing, it’s hard to see opportunities outside of what you’re doing or even question whether you’re focused on the right thing. Getting distance can be as simple as grabbing coffee by myself with a laptop, getting on my treadmill at home or taking a weekend trip.
I’M MOST PRODUCTIVE WHEN…
I’m on the plane! I absolutely love, love, love working on planes. It’s one of the very few places I can be uninterrupted and do some real thinking. It’s really important to step back to see the big picture, and being on the plane really forces me to be present and do just that.
MY FAVORITE WELLNESS HABIT
The Pilates springboard. It costs less than $400 and is easy to fit into a small space because it simply goes up on your wall. I’m a huge fan of Pilates and the springboard is a really easy way to bring a bit of exercise into my house.
I TAKE A BREAK BY…
Taking baths! Especially when I travel. Because baths are usually impractical and unnecessary, the simple moment of getting into one feels incredibly luxurious. My day is filled with pressure, and a bath can instantly remind me that I’m taking care of myself and can give me some perspective. Sometimes, I take a quick one in the middle of a busy day. Shhh…
I END MY DAY BY…
Reconnecting with my boyfriend. He makes me feel grounded and reminds me that work is not the only thing going on in my life!
