Get inspired by Jay Kusters' spring-proof routine

13 February 2025

Get inspired by Jay Kusters' spring-proof routine

Spring marks a new beginning: a season when nature awakens and grows. Therefore, this is the ultimate time to reflect on your own journey as well. Interior Plant Designer Jay Kusters takes us through his preparation for this seasonal change. He inspires you with his personal development, daily routine and favourite products.

Jay, we're curious about you as a Skins enthusiast. Can you introduce yourself?
"Since childhood, I have had a great love for nature. In my childhood, I was always outside, picking flowers or building cabins. As I got older, this love translated into an interior full of indoor plants. Alongside my job as PR manager for an international fashion chain, I began to study plants more and more - their origins, families and, of course, care. I also found the psychology behind them very interesting: why does taking nature inside make us feel so good?"

"Twelve years into my career, I noticed a shift . I entered a period of reflection: am I living the way I want to and, moreover, am I taking good care of myself? That was also when I first got to know Skins boutiques, I was immediately attracted to the atmosphere of the boutiques, the brands and the products. I took the time to reinvent myself, and decided to turn my love for nature into a career as an Interior Plant Designer."

Right now, we are already cautiously looking forward to spring from the winter season. What feeling does this upcoming season give you?
"During winter, our days are shorter and darker, therefore we all turn indoors - like hibernating. This works the same way with plants, they enter a period of dormancy around November. Due to the lack of light, their photosynthesis process stops, they don't make new leaves and don't grow. This works the same way with us humans. The moment spring arrives, then both we and nature come back to life. The warmth of the sun and the long days full of light create a specific energy that motivates us to go outside. We get a boost to do things again, and I fully embrace this."

In what ways do routines enrich your daily life?
"Daily routines are very important to me, I live according to a certain rhythm and structure. I get up early every day and I love the feeling the morning gives me immensely. While I am already awake, the world around me gradually awakens. If a routine is disrupted, it can really make me feel uncomfortable. For example, if I don't exercise in the morning, I feel it for the rest of the day. By the way, that doesn't mean I can't be flexible about this, I adjust my routines to how I feel at any given time."

Are there any routines that you embrace anew during this seasonal change , or that you say goodbye to?
"Because of my work, I am very conscious of nature's rhythms every day. When it is cold outside, for example, I choose to exercise indoors instead of walking. In the warmer months, on the other hand, I live outdoors a lot. A routine I maintain regardless of the season is, of course, taking care of my plants. Every Saturday morning, I take extensive time for this: I put on music and burn a candle. Something I want to create more routine in is my social media use. Instead of constantly checking my posts, I try to limit it to two fixed moments in the day."

Will you take us through your daily routine, from the moment you wake up until you get back into bed at night?
"My alarm clock rings early every morning, punctually at six o'clock. As soon as I wake up, I calmly take two hours to wake up. I grab fresh water with lemon, make a cappuccino and I burn sage or palo santo. Then I write out my thoughts and intentions for the day, followed by a moment of movement. In this I alternate: one day I go out into nature, while the next day I visit the gym. At 9.30, I do my skincare and get dressed so that I can start the day energetically."

"My work is dynamic, every day looks different. There are days when I work from home, mainly answering messages and questions. Other days I am fully engaged in the creative process, working on styling projects for my clients. I pick out the most beautiful pots, select the right plants and deliver these 'living sculptures'. At five o'clock, I end my working day with a short moment for my social media. I end my day with a walk, a meal with my partner and a relaxing bathroom moment."

Looking at daily grooming, which steps and products are essential for you?
"After I turned 30, I started taking my personal care more seriously. In terms of facial care, I have set steps that I go through every day. These are as follows: Cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser. In the morning, I add sunscreen, in the evening an oil or face scrub. One of my favourites is The Grey Skincare's Exfoliating Face Scrub because it gives my skin a beautiful glow ."

"Due to my profession, I often have damaged hands. After all, these get a lot to endure: stone, earth, spines and thorns. Therefore, I try to spend extra time on good hand care. I like to use DIPTYQUE's products, including the Handwash and Handlotion. Besides cleansing the skin, these products also provide hydration."

Are there any specific fragrances that remind you of the fresh and optimistic energy of spring?
"In terms of fragrance, I am very true to my own signature scents. I like powerful fragrances with notes of wood, tobacco, amber and musk. Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is also a classic that I really appreciate. In spring, the nature of my perfume choice remains the same, but I try to layer a powerful scent. By adding a perfume with citrus notes, I freshen up my fragrances for the new season. The right perfume makes me feel calm and serene - which is why I also like to spray on a scent before I go to bed at night."

Finally, how do you inspire others to move with the rhythms of nature, especially during seasonal changes?
"As soon as you bring nature into your home, you notice that people and plants have a lot in common. By exploring this connection, you learn to understand yourself better. If you place plants in the wrong habitat, growth stagnates. If you don't give them the care they deserve, you will see this reflected in their health. This also applies to us as humans. This is why I want to challenge you to have a good sense of what you need, whether that is a different career path or a change in your lifestyle. Just like a plant, you will find that the right environment will help you grow and move towards the light."