Odette Annable Starts Her Day With Small Moments of Happy—Here’s How This Mom of 2 and Actress Gets It Done

Every interview in our Wake Up Call series is an opportunity to go behind the scenes of our favorite women’s rituals and routines. We learn what keeps them inspired, engaged, grounded, and present. Whether it’s morning workouts, time with family, or a few moments of silence spent solo—it’s true that the AM hours impact how the rest of our day will unfold. Today’s feature feels extra special since I get to interview a personal friend, Odette Annable. (And yes, I’ve been wanting to know the secrets behind her morning routine forever.)

Odette and I met in 2020 just months before the pandemic, and hit it off within seconds. What I love most about Odette is that she cuts straight to the real talk, listens with a kind and open ear, and holds space for others to be themselves. Plus, she is hilarious and a true cheerleader of a friend. While I don’t get to see as much of this busy gal due to a full life as an actor and mom, we soak up every opportunity we have to connect.

Odette is currently spending time filming Walker and raising two beautiful girls, Charlie and Andi. Of course, there’s so much more that goes on in between, so we’re thrilled she gave us a peek into a day in her life. Trust me: you’ll be inspired.

Tell us about your career. What has life been like as an actor? 

I started my acting career at the ripe age of four. I’m not sure if having a camera in my face and performing at such a young age was an advantage or disadvantage. My parents did a beautiful job of balancing a normal childhood and allowing me to pursue my dreams in the acting world. I never felt pressured to go to an audition, and when it felt like too much, I would pull back and focus on friends and school.

I pride myself on my work ethic, showing up on time, being prepared, and giving it my all. Because of those things (and a little tenacity), I believe I have set myself up for success in this business. Working as an actor is my passion. I love showing up to work and I am still fascinated by movie making. I do not have a plan B, and in some ways because of that, I haven’t given myself another choice but to keep going. Being an entertainer comes with many downfalls. The rejection is real. It won’t stop. You have to get used to it and not take anything personally, but it’s still worth it to me to keep pursuing.

I haven’t given myself another choice but to keep going.

What has been your biggest learning over the past year? 

35 was the year of massive change and evolution for me. My entire life was uprooted and I moved to Texas. In many ways, I was rebuilding and pouring a new foundation. I am 38 now and this past year, the word “presence” has been highlighted over and over again. Change has not been easy for me—I am a creature of habit. I found myself trying to predict the future or anticipating what would come next, and I was simply missing the magic in front of me. Of course, learning to be present is difficult to master, but I am challenging myself this year to do a lot more of it. 

How would you describe your personal style? 

I am drawn to timeless pieces that stand the test of time. Raw, organic woods for my home. My heart will always be with neutrals, but lately, I am really drawn to mixing patterns, leaning into a little bit of the unexpected. You can always find me in a straight leg jean with a sweater draped over my shoulders and a good pair of boots. Ultimately, I am drawn to a balance of feminine and masculine. 

What time is your wake-up call?

I wake up between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. That’s only because I have two small children, otherwise I would love to occasionally snooze past that if I were given the opportunity. The older I get, the more I realize that waking up early and seizing the morning is a powerful way to set yourself up for the most productive day. I need at least eight hours of sleep. If I have one minute less, you might want to steer clear. (Just ask my husband.) I am in bed around 8:00 p.m. and will fall asleep around 9:30 p.m. 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I make an English breakfast tea. Small pour of 2% milk with one Stevia. Always. 

What rituals set you up for success? 

I always feel the best version of myself when I make my bed first thing in the morning, drink a glass of water, apply my skin routine, and get dressed before I even walk of out my bedroom. I know that doing the small things that make me happy will always set me up for a successful morning. If I sleep in and try to rush through the morning routine, things will usually fall apart. One of my girls has severe ADHD and getting ready takes a bit longer. If we don’t allow ample time to get ready for school, we will inevitably be late. This is a consistent lesson that I keep learning. In my family we like to say, “Did you PPP?” Prior Planning Pays. Get as much prepared as you can the night before to set yourself up for the day. 

Describe your morning beauty routine from start to finish:

I start by washing my face with one of few cleansers that I rotate: Shani Darden cleansing serum, iS clinical cleansing complex, Ourself daily purifying cleanser. I love a gel cleanser that breaks down makeup efficiently without stripping your skin. All of these do exactly that.

Then I use the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta extra strength daily peel face pads, followed by the Advanced multi-perfecting red oil serum by an incredible Korean skincare line called Venn. I see the fantastic Brooke from The Road Acupuncture in Austin who transforms your skin through acupuncture and facial sculpting. She carries Venn, which has been my new favorite. 

What do you eat for breakfast?

Breakfast is the least exciting meal for me. I’m all about a decadent lunch or dinner. BUT… if I’m home, I will make some hard-boiled eggs and a quick smoothie for the whole family. I usually add spinach, frozen berries or mango, coconut milk, chia seeds, and a plant-based protein powder. Sometimes I’ll get crazy and add a nut butter and some flax and hemp seeds. I don’t use a recipe, I measure with my heart. 

What will we always find in your refrigerator? 

Cholula. Genoa Salami. Siete Tortillas. Come to think of it, you can make a nice snack out of those three.

What are your morning rituals? 

I’m going to be honest here. I fluctuate from being “on” and “way off” consistently. One of my goals for 2024 is to try some more consistent discipline. In an ideal world, I would wake up before the kids around 5:30 a.m. Drink a tall glass of chlorophyll water, meditate, and get a workout in. Either yoga or pilates. Make my to do list for the day, drink my tea, and crush. 

Unfortunately, I have yet to make that a consistent routine. Here’s to accountability this year and not being too hard on yourself if you slip. You can always start again. 

What are your favorite books? 

What’s always on your nightstand?

A bottle of water, Thorne Vitamin D/K2 drops, RMS Lipnights overnight lip treatment, Osea anti-aging body balm, and Arrae Calm supplements that have magnesium and L-theanine to aid me to sleep. Just trust me on all of those. 

What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack? 

Depends on my mood really. Here are some of my favorites: First Aid Kit Radio (I love a folk vibe). I also love Nora Jones, and if I’m feeling like having a little more energy, you bet I’m throwing on Harry Styles Radio. 

Do you work out in the morning? 

This past year, I started working with a personal trainer and it changed the game for me. This was an investment that was worth it because unless someone is holding me accountable, I have a really difficult time self-motivating. We started off with 45 minutes and then pulled back to 30-minute sessions which felt more realistic to me. I think if you can start off with something that doesn’t feel too overwhelming to you, then you will be more likely to achieve your goals. I also like to incorporate yoga, pilates, or a boxing class for some variation once a week. 

What’s your daily uniform?

My uniform includes jeans, a t-shirt, sweater, boots, ballet flats or loafers, and a great coat. 

Reading. I need to do more of it. I love a good book.

What do you do every day to live a more joyful life? 

I practice gratitude and try not to take anything for granted. I have worked hard for the beautiful things I have in my life. My marriage, my kids, my family, friends, my job, and so much more. I give thanks every single day because I know it can all be taken from me in an instant. 

If you could pin your success down to one thing, what would that be?

I couldn’t possibly pin it down to one thing. I think success is a combo platter of discipline, perseverance, believing in yourself, not taking anything personally, and a little bit of luck. It takes a lot of hard work. If you put in the work, you will see success eventually. 

Sentence Finishers:

I never leave the house without: my phone. 

If there were more hours in the day, I would: sleep more.

Healthiest morning habit: waking up and saying thank you.

Worst morning habit: scrolling on my phone.

One thing I want to be known for is: a role model for my daughters.

The one thing I fear the most: whales. All whales! 

When I feel that fear: I stay on land.

The book I always recommend is: The War of Art.

One trait you need to succeed in life is: discipline.

Bath or shower? Shower. I do not take baths. 

What’s your favorite shower product? I love ROZ shampoo and conditioner. Hanni makes a great moisturizer that you apply in the shower so you step out already moisturized. This is a big deal for me because I’m always cold, so I’ll usually skip the body and get dressed right away to avoid being chilly.