Written by LENA RAFF

Savannah James—entrepreneur, podcast host, mother of three, and philanthropist—has just added skin care brand founder to her CV. Reframe, her line of truly inclusive and clinically validated (through a special partnership with Howard University) essentials has been a top priority for James throughout the key development phase—but that doesn’t mean she isn’t committed to enforcing her boundaries. Despite a jam-packed schedule that includes launching exclusively at VIOLET GREY, the prolific multi-hyphenate—who you may have seen on the arm of a certain NBA player—avoids burnout by always making time for precious rest, recovery, ritual, and routine.

AS SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PURSUITS, WHERE DOES WORK STOP AND LEISURE BEGIN?

It stops and starts when I decide. I set a boundary for myself, so when it's time to unwind, that time is protected. I might see things coming in and know exactly what I need to do, but I handle them when I come back to work.

HOW DO YOU IDEALLY START THE DAY BEFORE HEADING TO THE OFFICE, OR ON A DAY OFF?

I truly believe in routine. Before heading into the office, I make time for myself so I can walk in with a clear mind and be fully present for the workday. That's usually a walk, a Pilates session, or even just dropping my daughter off at school. It gives me a moment to reflect and get in the right headspace. On an off day, I like to start slow. I'll lie in bed a few extra minutes after waking up, scroll on my phone, and ease into things. When I'm rushing, the rest of my day feels chaotic, so taking a slow morning is a luxury I really appreciate.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY AROUND UNTETHERING YOURSELF FROM TECH? ARE YOU ALWAYS REACHABLE?

Honestly, just put it down. Whatever's going on, give yourself a break. Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, I try to be intentional about setting my devices aside, being in the moment, having a real conversation, and doing something that engages my brain in a different way. And no, I'm not always reachable. That's another boundary for me. I stay available during work hours and to a select few outside of that. I really think being mindful about your accessibility is how you keep yourself from burning out.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO ESCAPE TO, AND WHY?

My bathroom. I go in there, lock the door, and run a bath. It's my space and my time—whether that's reading a book, listening to music, washing my face, or trying a new makeup look I've been curious about.

YOU HAVE A POCKET OF TIME FOR A CULTURE FIX—WHAT ARE YOU CATCHING UP ON?

Usually, I'm watching a show I've been meaning to watch. I love a good horror movie or series, so you can probably find me tucked away in something like that. I also love showing up for my family. I have four athletes in the house, so that's its own kind of culture fix. I genuinely enjoy being in the stands, cheering them on.

YOU HAVE A POCKET OF TIME FOR A BEAUTY OR SELF-CARE INDULGENCE—WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

Once a week, I carve out time for a lymphatic drainage massage. I think it's an underrated practice that everyone should tap into, whether you're getting it done professionally or doing it yourself. People write it off as vanity, and sure, it'll depuff you instantly, but it does so much more for your lymphatic and immune systems than we realize. It's an indulgence I love and genuinely believe in for your overall health and longevity.

WHAT IN-OFFICE TREATMENTS OR PROCEDURES ARE WORTH A FEW DAYS OF DOWNTIME, IN YOUR OPINION?

Microchanneling or microneedling, hands down. It gives your skin a chance to repair itself. You're creating controlled trauma so your body can respond and heal in a way that works in your favor. Pair it with an ampoule, PRP, or a stem cell treatment to really amp it up. It's so worth it. That's the one I'll always stand behind.

WHAT BEDTIME RITUALS HELP YOU WIND DOWN?

I start winding down around 9 PM, dimming the lights to make the space feel calmer. My phone goes into night mode to cut blue light. I'll make a sleepy tea and take my nighttime vitamins. Once I'm upstairs, I focus on my skin. If I wore makeup that day, I wash my face and do my full routine, always finishing with Reframe and my overnight collagen seal. I also wear mouth tape after I brush my teeth, which I swear by. Most nights I put my phone down, but I'm human, so sometimes I scroll a little before I turn on my rain sounds to sleep.

SHOP REFRAME