In Her Campus’ series Next Question, we rapid-fire interview emerging Gen Z talent about what it’s like to rule over the internet. This month, podcast host and content creator Payton Sartain is in the hot seat to answer our burning questions.
Payton Sartain loves being alone. “I romanticize my life to feel like I’m in a rom-com. I’ll go to a coffee shop, get a fun drink, and put together Pinterest boards any day,” she says in an exclusive interview with Her Campus. Nowadays, Sartain’s life is less Gilmore Girls and more Sex and the City (the city being Los Angeles, of course). The effortlessly cool L.A. girl has traded coffee shop study sessions for solo date nights cozied up with a martini and a book — and that’s just how she likes it.
Sartain launched her lifestyle blog Hustle + Halcyon in 2015 while she was a junior at Texas A&M University, hoping it’d lead to a PR career. The social media skills she gained through running H + H led to her current job as a full-time content creator and podcast host. On her weekly podcast Note to Self, Sartain reflects on what she’s learned about life as a twentysomething multi-hyphenate girl boss. Her Oct. 12 episode “A Guide To Becoming Your Own Best Friend” preaches one of her core beliefs: You need to get comfortable being in your own company.
The influencer-slash-entrepreneur is always on the go, but she makes it a point to take herself on solo dates no matter how busy she gets. “I’ll literally schedule free time on my calendar. I’m very much a Capricorn,” she says.
College girls with busy schedules should follow Sartain’s lead. She says that “showing up for yourself is really important. After a while of spending time alone, you’ll feel more confident that you can stand on your own two feet.”
But this doesn’t mean you should cut off the outside world completely. There’s a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. “I think it’s easier to appreciate the time you spend alone when you know that you’re also going to have time with your friends or family,” Sartain says. Treating yourself to friend dates with your besties is an absolute must — just remember you’re your No. 1 bestie.
Sartain loves to indulge in massages and mini-getaways during her alone time. “For a solid 26 years, I didn’t have anyone else to spend money on, so treating myself was automatic. There’s no other reason to work hard if you’re not going to give yourself some kind of pat on the back for it,” she says. As a former Her Campus girl herself (she was part of the InfluenceHer Collective during her college years!), Sartain knows what it’s like to treat yourself within a college budget. Next time you want to spice up your downtime between classes, Sartain recommends enjoying free, intentional activities like “taking yourself to the park, reading a book, or journaling.”
Sartain’s self-care essentials are the perfect inspo for your next solo treat day. Note to self: You deserve it.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s an unskippable part of your morning routine?
My morning coffee. I don’t care how many people say spending $6 a day on coffee is ridiculous. I walk to a little coffee window in my neighborhood with my dog every morning; it’s my time for myself.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
Lately, I’ve been getting a vanilla latte with oat milk.
If you could only use one beauty product for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Moisturizer for sure. I am a freak about hydrating my skin. I re-apply lotion and Chapstick like six times a day.
Facials or massages?
Facials.
What’s the no. 1 thing on your holiday wishlist this year?
I really want a restock of my current daytime perfume, La Fleur Redux by Les Vides Anges. I also want to try a bunch of perfumes from Parfums de Marly.
Which vacation spot is at the top of your bucket list?
Tokyo!
You’re turning 30 on Dec. 30! How are you celebrating your golden birthday?
Every birthday, I treat myself to a nice, long lunch. I go over the last year in my head and then I write myself a letter for the next year. My best friend is trying to plan a trip to either Miami or Napa this year, but I will absolutely be taking myself to lunch no matter what.