I'm a philanthropist and the founder of a Mexican spirit company. I start my day with my biggest 'rocks' — here's my routine.

Tech Insider : Business
head shot of a woman in a red dress on a white background
Claudia Romo Edelman.

Courtesy of Claudia Romo Edelman

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Claudia Romo Edelman, a 55-year-old philanthropist and the founder of Sotol Romo, based in New York City, about her daily routine. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I walked away from running a successful social media agency to build a profitable art business

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Victoria Hugo left her social media business to pursue art full time.
Victoria Hugo left her social media business to pursue art full time.

Victoria Hugo

I'm 68 and work out 5 days a week. I lost over 120 pounds after getting sober.

Tech Insider : Business
A photo of a man before and after dramatic weight loss
Glen Wagner before and after losing 120 pounds by eating healthy, getting sober, and working out.

Courtesy of Glen Wagner

I don't know if I'd want my teen self to know where I am now, without one of the most important people in my life

Tech Insider : Sports, Business
Mikaela Shiffrin holding trophy

Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

I created a screen-free streaming music device. I aimed it at runners, but it took off with kids instead.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology, Travel
Anthon Mendelson headshot
Anthon Mendelson created the Mighty when his iPhone broke.

Courtesy of Mighty

I quit my job to manage my son's YouTube career. The hardest part: Not being just 'mom.'

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Angie Baker and her son, the gaming streamer CaseOh.
Angie Baker and CaseOh recently celebrated his 10 million subscriber milestone.

Angie Baker

I spent my tech career working toward a promotion I never got. I learned through layoffs how to create my own opportunities.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
a head shot of a man in glasses
Brian Pulliam.

Courtesy of Brian Pulliam

I'm 18 and graduating in Dubai. Missile interceptions didn't scare me — I'd still come back to work after college.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics
A man sitting on rocks, looking out to the sea in the distance.
William Harper was going to high school in Dubai, and his family decided to stay.

Provided by William Harper

Spirit Airlines shut down during my first trip to the US. I treated it like another tourist experience.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Nicole Liel with her husband in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Nicole Liel's first trip to the US was disrupted by Spirit Airlines' shutdown.

Nicole Liel

My Spirit Airlines flight was canceled at 2 a.m. I paid $800 extra to get my mom and me home.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman at Boston airport
Jessica Stanton flew to Boston with Spirit Airlines and was left stranded.

Courtesy of Jessica Stanton

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