When I first discovered Francheska on IG, I instantly felt a connection. She struggled with a painful chronic illness, which is something I’m all too familiar with myself. But Fran has taken her circumstances and spun them into a beautiful life. Since 2011, she has been creating content and advocating for affordable, accessible holistic living. I’ll let Fran tell you in her own words about all the other hats she wears. Thank you, Fran, for letting us feature you and share your heart and inspiration with our GG family.

Can you give us a bit of background about who you are and what you do?

I’m Francheska Medina, also known as Hey Fran Hey. I’ve been a podcast producer/host for the past 5 years and a content creator in the digital space, with a focus on wellness, for the past 11 years.

Can you tell us about your podcast, The Friend Zone?

Five years ago, two of my friends and I decided to create a podcast centered around the mental, emotional and spiritual challenges we’d been facing. We wanted to carve out a corner of the internet where the uncomfortable but necessary conversations could take place, with a heavy dose of humor to balance everything out—a literal friend zone.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It shifts from week to week, depending on what projects I’m focusing my energy on. It can range from being on tour with my traveling Wellness Retreats, creative directing shoots for brands, filming content for up-and-coming creatives, designing social media strategy for indie recording artists, preparing topics for The Friend Zone or recording an episode of Insecuritea, an official HBO recap podcast I co-host. It’s exciting because I’ve designed a life where I get to wear a ton of different hats and am constantly expanding my interests and abilities.

Do you have any routines or rituals to start or end your day?

I recently purchased an at-home infrared sauna. It’s the craziest-looking thing (please Google it), but it has been a game changer. After a long day, I turn off all the lights, light candles, burn resins on a charcoal burner, turn on my favorite playlist on Spotify and sit inside of the sauna for 30 minutes. Then I take a hot shower, moisturize my skin with my favorite oils and creams, read for 10 to 15 minutes, and I get the absolute best sleep.

Do you have any creative hobbies?

I’ve been teaching myself how to play the acoustic guitar. Although my life as a whole is a creative one, it’s nice to work on something that’s just for me.

What does self-care look like to you?

Putting myself first and listening to what I need from me.

What’s currently on your nightstand?

My nightstand is a tree stump with a ZZ plant and a stack of all of the books I’ve read this year, so far.

Favorite way to unwind after a stressful day?

Turning off my phone.

What is always in your fridge?

Bottles of rose kombucha by GT’s Living Foods.

Do you like to cook? Do you have a go-to recipe?

I don’t make as much time for cooking these days but my quick go-to recipe is this buddha bowl created by Food Heaven Made Easy. It’s a delicious mix of arugula, quinoa, olives and roasted chickpeas + peppers.

How would you describe your style? Do you have an “outfit recipe” you tend to follow?

I tend to look like a wellness retreat facilitator with a drizzle of street.

What’s currently on your wish list?

I’m a Taurus who spoils herself regularly, so I have everything on my wish list.

Currently listening to?

Nick Hakim

What are your all-time favorite, must-read books?

That’s an impossible question to answer! I will say, after Toni Morrison passed late last year, I revisited her collection and it was beautiful to read them through the lens of my current age. She’s forever.

Are there any causes or movements you’re particularly passionate about?

Mental health, in all its forms. I’m passionate about people making themselves their favorite cause.

What does your ideal Sunday look like?

Not leaving the bed.

Top 5 favorite beauty products?

1. Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer by Tata Harper
2. Vitamin E Eye Balm by One Love Organics
3. Frankincense & Myrrh Oil by Kuumba Made
4. Beauty Shroom Plumping Jelly Serum by Moon Juice
5. Divine Drip Honey Butter Balm by Josie Maran

Shop Fran’s beauty picks:

 

Anything exciting on the horizon for you that you can share?

There were a few exciting things on the horizon but this quarantine has completely changed the landscape. Will definitely keep you posted.

Favorite quote?

“When people say, ‘What should I do with my life?’ the more interesting question is, ‘How do I cultivate the quietness of my being, where what I should do with my life’ will become apparent”? – Ram Dass

Connect with Francheska | @heyfranhey | website