Tell Us Who You Are!

I’m Ali Stagnitta, a former entertainment reporter and founder of What Do I Do? Above all, we’re a resource that provides tools and community for brides-to-be planning the wedding of their dreams! I also host Storytellers: Love Stories podcast, where I interview bridal industry experts and more so that listeners can feel less alone when planning their big day. And yep, my own 2024 Nashville wedding was featured in BRIDES magazine! 

Follow me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all things celebrity bridal, wedding workouts, bride-to-be self-care, and beyond.

6:30 AM - 7:00 AM  → Wake TF UP! ⏰

I’ve trained myself to be a big morning person, so I like to wake up early. The first thing I do after my alarm rings is get ready for my workout class. TBH: I have to get exercise (preferably a high-intensity sweat!) done before I do anything else. It sets the tone for my day!

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM → Sweat It Out, ARMY style 💦

My fav workouts to attend in New York are at the ARMY studio. One of my besties, Sophia, is an instructor there, so I always try to take her class if I can! She gets me so hype. 

After class, Sophia and I chat and grab a coffee together. She always has the right thing to say when it comes to building up my confidence about running my business. I love her! 

Once I’m home, I feed my dog and make the bed. To me, making the bed is like my brain making space for the day!

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM → Coffee & Lock In, Anyone? 💻

Post-workout, I shower, get dressed, and spray on my Beia Daily Hydrating & Setting Mist for a healthy glow! I can work from my apartment. But honestly? I prefer coffee shops. 

I love being in the hustle and bustle of the city while I work. When I work from home, my mind drifts to ways I can clean up. If I’m at a cafe, it’s easier to focus. 

My go-to cafe is News Bar on University Place. It’s got lots of little tables and is filled with classic, older New Yorkers, which I love. I usually eat lunch there, too! The food is delicious.

6:30 PM - 9:30  PM → Time To Wind Down... 🌝

Because I start my day so early, my energy definitely wanes the deeper it creeps into the afternoon. 

Once I’m finished with work, I tend to head home, have dinner with my husband, and relax. 

I love to decompress with a nighttime shower. I’m absolutely obsessed with the L‘Occitane Almond Shower Oil For Dry Skin. When I put it on I literally say ahhh out loud! I can’t use it in the morning, because it’s too relaxing. I’m buying it for everyone on my Christmas gifting list this year. 

My nighttime skincare routine consists of products that are safe for the very sensitive skin on my face: Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid, MBR Calming Serum, and Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore Cream!

We know you’re all about cultivating confidence—but nobody’s perfect. Tell us about a time you felt insecure? 

The first time I hosted an event for (What Do) I Do?, I was so nervous! There were bridal industry tastemakers in attendance and I was super proud of my event partners—I didn’t want to screw everything up!

When I went to speak and kick off the event, my body was literally shaking. You’d think I’d be okay with talking under pressure since I’m literally a journalist. (I’ve interviewed Bradley Cooper IRL!) In the end, I know I did a great job, though—quivering and all!

How do you deal with imposter syndrome when building a brand?

I feel nervous all the time. But to snap myself out of it, I tell myself it’s time to act! I pretend I’m another person who I know is confident, like Beyoncé, or a founder I admire, and I put on their persona. 

It helps me access the highest version of myself, faking it until I make it there!

You work your butt off! What’s your biggest productivity hack?

Because I have so many tabs open in my brain constantly, it helps when I put everything I need to do on my calendar, blocking a specific time for each task. Even non-work-related items go on there, like exercise or calling my mom. Trust: It’s a relief to know you can manage several aspects of your life in one day, if you just plan. 

My mantra is…

“Fake it until you make it!” Act like you deserve to be there, and in the process, you’ll actually do it.