Zahra Ahmed is the CEO of DL1961, the popular sustainable denim brand based in NYC. Inspired by the environment and powered by innovation, DL1961 was launched to disrupt an industry full of waste, offering essential products sustainably made. And, as a second generation jean-maker, denim is practically in Zahra’s blood. Forbes even calls her the “queen of jeans.” We sat down with this fashion entrepreneur to find out what a post-work evening in her life looks like. Read her workout and Bravo-filled nightly routine below.

6:30 P.M. I’m a recovering gym addict – I was obsessive about working out every day but I’ve realized that some days it’s better to rest. That being said, I’ll try to squeeze in a workout a couple of nights a week post-work so I can take it easy on the weekends. Depending on the day, it could be pilates or the Ropes and Rowers class at Equinox. I really try and pay attention to what my body needs but I love high intensity sessions that challenge me mentally and physically! 

7 P.M. On weeknights I tend to eat out – some nights it’s a work dinner but most nights it’s catch-ups with friends. I like to schedule one-on-one dinners rather than try and see people on the weekend. That way we can have a real conversation rather than a quick hello in a group situation. I love to try different places – living in NYC you never have to go to the same restaurant twice, though sometimes that can be risky when you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into! Recently I’ve tried Contra and Takeshi – two amazing but very different tasting menus. If there’s not enough time for dinner, I like Straylight – it’s the cocktail bar underneath Juku so you can get great drinks and small plates. 

8:30 P.M. The first thing I do when I get home is shower! After a day of running around New York and taking multiple subway rides, it’s necessary. If I don’t dry brush before jumping in, I’ll use Herbivore’s Coconut Body Polish. I try to find clean products without strong scents, and this one is perfect. Post-shower I’ll lather on a Tata Harper body oil and the Gold Camelia Oil from Tatcha for my face. I always wear matching pajama sets, so after this routine it feels so luxurious and really helps me unwind for the evening. 

9 P.M. I love to catch up on the week’s bad reality TV – nothing is more relaxing to me than watching the drama unfold on whatever show Bravo has on that night. I don’t feel bad about not fully paying attention and browsing Instagram while I watch. I make this the true guilty pleasure hour and normally pair it with a dessert – I try to make healthier choices, but living on the Upper West Side means Levain cookies are never too far away. 

10 P.M. I’ll always do a final scan of my emails before putting my phone down for the night. I like to look through my calendar and see what I have going on for the next day and roughly decide what to wear – it always ends up being some iteration of jeans and a tee shirt. Luckily, I know the perfect place to get my denim! 

10:30 P.M. Time for sleep.