*Welcome to "The Naked Truth," a captivating profile series that delves into the intimate world of self-care and bathing habits. Nowadays, it’s more important than ever to carve out moments of tranquility and rejuvenation as we navigate the complexities of modern life. Modern bathroom rituals are more than just practical. They can be deeply personal and therapeutic.
In this series, we embark on a journey of exploration, delving into the rituals, routines, and revelations of individuals behind bathroom doors. Join us as we peel back the layers and uncover the naked truth.*
Kristin O’Keefe Merrick and Lindsay Shookus, Founders of Women Work F#%k*ng Hard
Today’s interview definitely hits home for Team Esker because, well, we’re mostly women who work f#%kng hard! On this week’s special double feature edition of the Naked Truth, we’re speaking to the founders of the incredible organization, Women Work F#%kng Hard (WWFH), Kristin O’Keefe Merrick and Lindsay Shookus. The two have been best friends since college, and they founded WWFH in 2018 to uplift and connect women across different industries. Their motto: “You don’t have to be the richest, or most connected person to help empower and advocate for women.” While this powerhouse duo does incredible work, they’re complete opposites when it comes to bathing rituals. Kristin is a die-hard bath person, while Lindsay loves an efficient shower. We chatted all about their individual routines, why women need to stop feeling guilty about self-care and what the bodycare boom has to say about society’s mental health.
Learn more about WWFH at their website or follow them on Instagram
Let's start with the Bath Person! Kristin, walk us through your bathing routine.
Q: How do you set up your bath? (Temperature, bath salts, bubbles, oils?) A: I normally start by making it too hot and spend a decent amount of time trying to find temperature equilibrium. Sigh. I love me an epsom salt. I don’t actually think it helps my sore muscles but…placebo effect probably? I do enjoy a little bubble. I’m not bubble specific, but it can’t have a super strong smell. So I stick to a brand called Alaffia. I also play essential oil roulette depending my mood or how I feel. I keep eucalyptus, lavender, ylang ylang and frankincense on hand and rotate as I go.
Q: How long do you typically stay in the tub? A: If I make it too hot, I can’t do it for more than 10. If it’s a good temp, 20-40 min. I start to get shriveled after too long
Q: What’s your favorite form of entertainment in the bath? A: Mostly, a book. Occasionally, I will listen to music, or on the rare occasion, look at my phone. I’m in the bath as I type this.
Q: What is your bathing beverage of choice? A: Water. Occasionally tea. But almost always a room temperature water. Yum.
Q: Name a few songs on your perfect bath playlist. A: “Someone Like You” by Danielle Ponder; anything by First Aid Kit; “All I Know So Far” by Pink
Q: What are your post-bath essentials? A: Now that I started using Esker body oils, I’m never going back. I am not great at moisturizing my body but sometimes I remember to Dry Brush and moisturize! Oh, then I put in my mouthguard and go to bed to read
Q: How often do you soak? Are you a religious bather or is it more of a special treat? A: Normally, I’m a once-a-weeker; but sometimes I feel like it would help to throw in a second.
Shower Person, you're up. Lindsay, walk us through your shower routine.
Q: What is your shower process? (Temperature, what shampoo/conditioner do you use, are you a body wash and loofah person or a bar soap person?) A: I’m a warm, but not too hot kinda girl. I love Odele shampoo/conditioner - great product for a great price. And I became a body wash person a few years ago …. And Esker body wash is currently sitting in my shower!
Q: Long or quick showers? A: Short. It’s a place I value efficiency.
Q: Name a few songs on your perfect shower playlist. A: If I’m listening to music in the shower, it’s for a real pump up. So “We Found Love” Rihanna or “Higher Love” Kygo/Whitney Houston.
Q: What are your post-shower essentials? (Body Lotion? Body Oils? Have you incorporated any Body Tools into your everyday routine?) A: The older I get the more I try and remember that it’s not just my face I have to take care of. I use a body serum all over once I dry off.
Let’s dive into the naked truth.
Q: Speaking as co-founders of Women Work Fucking Hard, a community set out to unite and empower women, why is it important for women to take moments of self-care?
Kristin: Because women work too fucking hard and don’t spend enough thinking about our own needs!
Lindsay: I think a lot of us have been taught growing up that being selfless and putting everyone else before yourself is a beautiful way to show others you care. It took me years to figure out that’s really stupid. We show up for everyone else, but most importantly, ourselves, when we take care of our bodies, our hearts and our minds. Working out, meditation, therapy, skin care …. All things that help me thrive, find joy and be a better role model for my daughter.
Q: How do you respond to women who say they feel “guilty” for taking those moments?
Kristin: I literally walk away from that woman. I don’t do martyrs.
Lindsay: I have compassion for those feel that feeling. I definitely had it too at one point. But I believe in reminding women of their worthiness on the regular. You don’t have to EARN time to focus on yourself. We wake up with that right everyday and we need to exercise it. Even if it’s just a ten minute walk to clear your head at lunch, or a 5-minute gratitude meditation when you wake up. Find small ways to introduce self-love moments in your life and it will get easier. Your body and brain will be more likely to accept and celebrate them. Just because you’ve been wearing the heavy coat of mom-guilt for years doesn’t mean you can’t decide it’s time to take it off. Believe me, it’s time! Take it off!!!
Q: Because of your work, you’re constantly seeing new brands emerge in the beauty space. Why do you think the bodycare market has exploded in recent history? What does that have to say about how our society, especially women, has embraced bodycare?
Kristin: Damn this is a question! I think women have been looking for a solution for aging for a billion years which is why there will always be a need for the beauty market. But what I think has changed is our openness to try new things, be open to new ideas from around the world, (for example Eastern vs Western Medicine) and look at our mental well-being as an equally important component as our physical well being. When you allow mental wellness to take over a bigger role in our habits, rituals and routines, I think it opens the market to a world of new and exciting ideas.
Lindsay: I think, thankfully, a lot more women are getting into the bodycare space which has helped create more products that are geared for us, with ingredients we feel good about and areas we want to focus on! I also think there is a younger generation who is helping us realize this old mind-set of keeping your head down and not treating yourself ever is out of date, old-fashioned and silly. I honestly think it might be one of benefits of things like Instagram and TikTok …. More women are being given the permission to care about their bodycare by seeing others take the time and great products to do it.
