Lorna Jane Clarkson doesn’t just design activewear – she invented it! Clarkson started designing activewear (ie, casual sportswear) on her lounge room floor by night while she was busy working as a fitness instructor by day.

Her unique, fashion forward pieces were so popular that she turned a hobby into a global business. Today, Lorna Jane boasts over 200 stores around the world, and Clarkson has numerous fashion design awards to her name and a series of bestselling books under her belt.

Jane continues to inspire women every day with her active living philosophy, which is achieved through the daily practice of “move nourish believe”. Jane’s story is a real inspiration to every woman and she proves that with hard work and self-belief, anything is possible.

THE MORNING ROUTINE

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Tell us, when you are at your most productive? I’ve been an early riser for as long as I can remember. My motto is, get up an hour earlier to live an hour longer! I’m definitely a morning person. I absolutely relish those quiet moments, when it feels like the rest of the world is still sleeping, and truly find those to be among my most productive of the day.

What time does your alarm go off?

During the working week, the alarm is set for 5.30am. On weekends, though, I don’t set an alarm; I just allow my body to wake up naturally.

What are the three things you tend to do before your workday begins?

1. I like to be active first thing, either taking part in a yoga session or taking my dog for a walk.

2. I usually start the day with a nourishing breakfast. That usually involves oats during the week while I enjoy smashed avocado on toast when the weekend rolls around.

3. Taking time out for a ten-to-15-minute meditation session is a non negotiable.

SETTING UP YOUR DAY

How long after waking up do you like to check your email, and why?

I try not to check my emails until after I’ve had breakfast and completed a workout. That “alone time” in the morning is really important to me – it clears my head and puts me in a good place to ensure I’m ready for whatever the day throws at me.

How important is it for you to maintain a routine, especially in the morning?

I’ve always been really big on creating rituals to ensure I make time every single day to do the things I love. It can be so easy for women to get caught up in seemingly never ending demands of work or motherhood and not leave anytime for themselves. But it’s so often the little things that really enrich your life, so why wouldn’t you want to do them every day? 

Why do you think it’s important to start your day the right way?

Making the right decisions in the morning sets you up to make good decisions for the rest of the day.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

I love enjoying a home-cooked breakfast with my husband followed by a drive somewhere scenic like Byron Bay, where we’ll go for a long hike or a swim in the ocean.

Do you like structure or prefer change?

I like both. I like my days to be structured, but I also love the ease of just letting my day unfold naturally. In this business, if you don’t move quickly, have the ability to adapt and embrace change, you can quite possibly get left behind.

How many hours do you manage to sleep at night? 

I make it my mission to get at least eight hours every night. Lack of sleep affects so many things, from your stress and hormone levels right through to your digestion.

What would you say to those that aren’t ‘morning people’?

Set your alarm, because it’s never too late to change.

Do you think your morning routine has contributed to your success? If so, how?

I would have to say that every decision you make contributes – in some big or small way – to where you end up on life. Your decisions make you who you are and determine your path in life.