Good Form is a series that explores the daily rhythms, rituals, and routines that bring wellness into our homes. In this edition, we’re joined by Kate Ryan, founder of Alepp, a social-enterprise soap company that supports asylum seekers and traditional soap makers.
A communications specialist turned social entrepreneur, Kate founded Alepp during the pandemic after years working across government, corporate responsibility, and refugee advocacy. What began as a frustration with plastic-heavy body-wash became something far bigger: a purpose-built organisation using traditional Aleppo soap to fund programs for asylum seekers and refugees. Each bar—made in Syria from laurel berry oil and olive oil, then cured for nine months—supports its makers, honours centuries-old craft, and sends 100% of profits back into community support.
In this edition, Kate opens up about the simple rituals that anchor her: slow mornings with her partner and dog, disciplined sleep habits, grounding breathwork, and the small, practical decision that changed her life. It’s a portrait of a founder who keeps her wellness pared back, honest, and deeply considered: the kind that strengthens both the self and the world around you.
Kate Ryan
I usually have a morning chat with my partner and a bring our elderly dachshund in the bed for a cuddle. It helps me start the day in a good mood and slows down my entry into the chaos of the day. I’ve recently bought an old school alarm clock so I can keep my phone out of the bedroom and avoid reaching for it first thing in the morning.
Fresh fruit and delicious bread.
I try to do morning yoga at home - I like that you can do it anywhere without any special equipment. And just walking around is my other form of movement – I’m lucky to live and work in really walkable places. .
Sleep is the holy grail for me, and I approach it with military discipline! During the day, I like to use different breathing techniques, like box breathing, to help slow me down and bring me into the present when I get a bit anxious or overthink things. It’s a simple and easy habit to develop. I’m extremely lucky to do what I do, so I also try to be thankful for this every day.
I’m not much into the wellness industry selling me stuff that I don’t need, but I do use sleep apps for my insomnia, particularly the Calm app and a bizarre podcast called Sleep With Me which is just a guy with a boring voice telling nonsensical stories. As a peri-menopausal woman, HRT has been a lifesaver, and I take magnesium religiously for my sleep.
I love reading fiction and I always try to wind down with a book before bed. I think we spend so much time in front of screens that it’s great to have an old-school book to escape into. There are whole new worlds of amazing stories to be immersed in and disconnect from the day.
I read a terrible self-help book that had one nugget of good advice – and that was to simply make yourself comfortable when you can. It sounds ridiculously obvious, but if you’re cold, put on more clothes, if you’re hot, take them off. If you need to pee, do it! Wear that favourite jumper that feels good against your skin, if your feet or back are sore, have a seat. To me, it means you don’t have to push through discomfort to prove yourself. Notice how you are feeling and what you need. You are worth caring for.