Wake Up Call with Dianna Cohen

Kicking off a new series to help you create your best morning ever.

If you’re like me, the way you start your day has a ripple effect on everything that follows. Whether you carve out time for coffee and journaling, or jump straight into work mode, the way we spend our mornings shapes how we show up—for our creativity, our families, our bodies, and ourselves.

This was the inspiration for Wake Up Call, the long-running series on my website that dives into the morning routines of women I admire. And today, I’m kicking off the series here on Substack. Once a month, we’ll pull back the curtain on the writers and creatives who inspire me with their voice, their vision, and their ability to carve out space for the things that matter. We’ll be exploring: How do they spend their mornings? What are the habits that help them feel grounded and focused for the day ahead?

Morning Routine Toolkit

We’re kicking things off with Dianna Cohen, founder of Crown Affair and writer of Take Your Time. Dianna’s writing is a breath of fresh air—thoughtful and full of creative wisdom—so it’s no surprise that her mornings reflect that energy. From mindful rituals to healthy boundaries, Dianna’s routine is all about tuning into what her body and mind really need.

Read on for Dianna’s take on what it actually means to “Take Your Time,” and how to begin the day with clarity and intention. And tell me in the comments whose morning routine you’d love to read about next!

Dianna Cohen is the Founder of Crown Affair, a haircare line that creates clean and effective formulas and tools to transform your hair. Previously, Dianna founded Levitate, a brand marketing agency, where she led initiatives for brands like Harry’s, Flamingo, Outdoor Voices, Buck Mason, and more. She lives between Miami and New York with her husband, Alexander. You can subscribe to Dianna’s fantastic Substack here.

Hi Dianna! First things first—how do you start your morning?

The first thing I do when I wake up is hug and kiss my husband—a grounding moment before starting my morning rituals. I cherish having an hour or two before the workday begins to intentionally set the tone.

I begin with a gentle, three-minute gua sha massage using my favorite facial oil. It's a simple ritual that leaves me feeling refreshed and centered, significantly impacting how I feel and look.

Afterward, I head to the kitchen for some protein—usually eggs—and my morning iced coffee. Then I settle into journaling with three stream-of-consciousness Morning Pages, followed by a brief stretch or yoga flow. A few times a week, I’ll go to Pilates or do a Melissa Wood Health session at home. Occasionally, I'll meditate for 20 minutes before heading to my home office to start the day.

Read on for Dianna’s current reading list, AM beauty lineup, and the supplement that’s “transformed” her gut health.

What time do you usually wake up, and what’s your ideal morning vibe?

I’m always aiming to wake up earlier, but as a creative night owl who likes getting around seven hours of sleep, my mornings usually begin around 8 AM. I cherish a slow, quiet morning—there's something so special about easing gently into the day rather than rushing into tasks. That intentional, peaceful energy truly sets the tone for everything that follows.

What’s currently on your nightstand?

Currently, my favorite travertine dish from Anastasio Home that says: Take Your Time. I always have a lip balm or two—my current favorite is Lip Cocoon from Iris&Romeo. I’m someone who reads three books at once, so right now it’s: The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer, The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp, and Becoming Dr. Seuss by Brian Jay Jones.

What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?

My pre-work routine is all about grounding myself before I dive into the day. My brain takes a few hours to really get going in the morning (again, I’m a creative night owl and love getting things done in the evening), so it’s important to find balance in the AM, otherwise I’ll find myself working all day. I’m sure one day this routine will evolve and I’ll magically become a person who wakes early and goes to sleep early, but until then, I’ve learned that listening to what my body and brain want is the way to go.

What’s your morning beauty routine?

I start my morning with a simple, three-minute gua sha ritual using a stainless steel tool. The exact one I've loved for years isn't available anymore, but this similar one from Isamaya x FaceGym has the same thoughtful design and edges. I pair this ritual with Oak Essentials Ritual Oil, a longtime favorite that's never caused breakouts—I've easily gone through ten bottles by now.

After gua sha, I follow with my skincare routine: SkinCeuticals cleanser, Lennox and Sixteenth's The Preservationist vitamin C cream serum, Drunk Elephant's Protini Cream, and a touch of U Beauty eye cream.

I then brush up my brows using a Chanel brow brush, gently comb my hair with comb no. 001, and apply Crown Affair Dry Shampoo at the roots for refreshed volume. To finish, I twist and clip my hair with The Clips, adding a bit of leave-in conditioner if I want extra shape and body. And then I start my day.

What’s your go-to morning beverage or breakfast?

Every morning, I make myself an iced Americano using Intelligentsia beans and my De’Longhi Dinamica machine. I love adding a bit of cinnamon and Agent Nateur’s Holi(radiance), whisking it together for a frothy, delicious start to the day. I also take Broc Shot daily—it's truly transformed my gut health.

How do you approach your work or creative practice in the morning? Do you dive right into writing/emails/meetings, or do you ease into “work mode” more slowly?

Since I'm naturally most productive later in the day, I ease gently into work mode, usually starting around 9:30 or 10 AM. Giving myself space to carry the calm from my morning rituals into emails and meetings helps me stay creative and present. Of course, sometimes I wake up bursting with creative energy and jump right into work.

Since I travel about half the year for work, my mornings often vary—if I have an early flight, I love working from the plane. Every day unfolds a little differently depending on where I am and what's happening. I'm grateful for the flexibility to truly listen to my body: some days I savor a slow start, and others I dive straight in and enjoy my rituals midafternoon.

Is there a tool, product, or practice that’s been a game-changer for your mornings?

I genuinely appreciate my Oura ring and credit it to game-changing behavior in the AM and PM. When I first got it nearly a year ago, I wasn't sure if I'd stick with it—but now I can't imagine my routine without it. It has significantly improved my sleep habits and even led me to drink less. Beyond sleep, it tracks my temperature, giving me valuable insights into my cycles, and it's fantastic for activity tracking too. Overall, it’s had a profound impact on my daily habits, encouraging healthier behaviors across the board.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s trying to create a more intentional morning routine?

It's impossible to refine a habit unless you first establish one, so start small. Consistency matters far more than duration. Even two or three minutes daily is better than occasional, longer sessions.

Try setting a timer for just 20 minutes and focus on a few activities that uplift you. While we'd all ideally love hours for ourselves each day, even brief periods spent meditating, journaling, or stretching can profoundly shift your energy and leave you feeling accomplished and ready to start the day.

Finish these sentences:

• I never leave the house without: A Crown Affair clip. Truly the best clips in the game.

• The book I always recommend: The Artist’s Way

• I always feel my best when: I’ve slept 8 hours, and I’m around those that I love.

• The key to a successful day is: Putting my phone in the other room and turning off social media.

Your Life Called: It Wants You Back

Finally—anything exciting you’re working on?

Crown Affair is still my primary focus, but lately, I've been devoting more time to Substack, this truly magical platform. My newsletter, Take Your Time, is an ode to the journey of becoming who you truly are, and discovering what inspires you to create a life filled with beauty.