At MARA, we believe true wellness is less about doing more and more about returning to what endures. Just as algae has sustained life in the ocean for millions of years, the most powerful rituals for skin, body, and longevity are often the simplest and most consistent. In this MARA x Methodology Q&A, we sit down with Methodology’s CEO, Julie Nguyen, to explore nourishment beyond trends, ancestral ingredients that stand the test of time. And the daily practices that support balance, resilience, and regeneration. From skin rituals to nervous system care, this conversation is a reminder that longevity is built slowly, intentionally, and in harmony with nature. Consider it an invitation to soften, recalibrate, and reconnect with what truly sustains you.
Q: When you think about wellness at its deepest level, what does nourishment really mean to you, beyond trends or routines?
To me, nourishment is about consistency and trust. It’s supporting my body in a way that makes it feel safe and isn’t screaming for attention. In my forties, I’ve stopped testing all the latest trends and merely continue to do things that soothe my nervous system and make my life feel peaceful. When food or skincare is truly nourishing, it disappears into your life rather than makes it harder. You don’t think about it constantly; you just feel happier, healthier, and more confident.
Q: Algae has sustained life in the ocean for millions of years. Are there ingredients or practices you return to because they’ve truly stood the test of time for your body and skin?
I’m always drawn to ingredients that feel ancestral rather than engineered. Things humans have relied on for centuries, like sea minerals, omega-3–rich fats, fermentation, bitter greens, gentle exfoliation. Algae is a perfect example: deeply mineralized, regenerative, and intelligent in how it supports life. I trust ingredients that work with the body slowly and consistently, not ones that promise transformation overnight.
Q: Methodology is known for a thoughtful, intentional approach to health. What are the beauty and wellness products or steps you can’t live without and why?
I believe in fewer things, done well. Consistent nourishment through food is foundational. From there, I’m loyal to products that protect my skin and respect its natural ability to heal. I never leave the house without sunblock, I moisturize my skin before bed, and I don’t use any foundation in order to minimize the chemicals that touch my skin. I’m more interested in supporting resilience than chasing perfection. The same philosophy applies to wellness products: I use things that fit naturally into my life. My most used wellness product is my walking pad that I used during most of my meetings throughout the week to ensure I get enough movement despite having a desk job.
Q: If the ocean teaches us anything, it’s balance and regeneration. What daily rituals help you reset and restore when life feels overstimulating?
I love starting my days with slow mornings. I have a full, leisurely homemade breakfast within an hour of waking and make myself a flat white before doing any work. This helps me go into the day feeling relaxed rather than wired. I stop and take a full lunch break without any multitasking. Whenever possible, I try not to book more than three or four hours of meetings back to back. I also rely on rituals that signal safety to my body: warm baths with epsom salts almost every day, magnesium-rich foods, lots of rice with lunch and dinner, early dinners, and in bed by 9 pm.
Q: For someone looking to elevate their wellness in a more holistic way—skin, energy, and longevity included—what’s one shift that creates the biggest ripple effect?
Stabilize your blood sugar and your nervous system. Everything else follows. When you eat in a way that keeps energy steady and cortisol low, skin improves, cravings quiet, sleep deepens, and decision-making gets easier. Longevity isn’t built through extremes; it’s built through daily consistency that feels livable. The biggest shift is moving from reactive wellness to preventative care.
Q: What 3-Step Ritual do you swear by?
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Eat protein, ample starch, and a touch of healthy fats within an hour of waking to bring my stress levels down and calm my appetite for the day.
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Have a flat white or matcha cappuccino at around 9 am to improve my focus at work, particularly during the mornings when I do my uninterrupted deep work and don’t take any meetings.
- Do at least one hour of meetings on my incline walking pad to easily fit in my zone two cardio no matter how busy my schedule is. Zone two cardio not only improves cardiovascular health, but increases my daily calorie burn without raising my cortisol unnecessarily.
