Misha Nonoo on her £18 beauty secret, swearing off social media and the shirt she can't live without

New York-based designer Misha, 31, is a friend of Meghan Markle. She let's The Telegraph in on a day in her life in downtown Manhattan.

The alarm on my phone goes between 6.30 and 7am – I have about 30 that all go off in that half hour, and I need every one.

I head to the gym or yoga, then pick up a matcha latte with almond milk on the way to the office. My dog Thatcher, a Cavapoo, comes with me. She’s the love of my life. I get to work by 9am unless I have a breakfast meeting – always poached eggs with avocado and salad.

I try not to get into emails until I reach the office. It’s easy to be so tethered to communication that all you’re doing is writing emails, rather than dreaming up big ideas.

Right now we’re about to launch our second Easy 8 collection. It’s eight pieces that you can use to create 22 looks. Every piece is seasonless and monochromatic. I launched my brand in 2011, but everything has changed since we started manufacturing on demand about seven months ago – meaning that every piece is made when it’s ordered. That’s been hugely successful and I like that it cuts down on waste.

If I had my way, I’d have back-to-back meetings all morning through lunch. Then I’d have the afternoon to work uninterrupted: designing, styling, coming up with new ideas. Around 6.30pm, Thatcher starts to get a little bit mad and decides she’s done for the day. I walk her back to the apartment, feed her, and the evening begins. I like to entertain at home – having people over or cooking for myself. I make a fab shepherd’s pie, with mashed cauliflower on top instead of potato.

I try to get to bed before midnight. Someone told me that every hour of sleep before midnight is worth two hours after, and based on the way I feel when I wake up after an early night, I believe it.

Misha's must haves:

I always carry… My Smythson Soho diary. I use it every single day. £175, Smythson

My skincare saviour is…Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. It really calms my skin. £230, Spacenk

I’m reading... A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. It’s so beautifully written. £9.99, Picador

My beauty discovery… My Yu Ling jade roller. It’s supposed to lift and tone and I actually think it might work. £18, Cult Beauty

My Style Icon...Audrey Hepburn – her look is very tailored with a clean, minimal aesthetic.

I couldn't live without...The Husband Shirt from my Easy 8 collection [as worn by Meghan]. I live in it. £145, Misha Nonoo

Misha's top  tips for entrepreneurs

1. Cultivate a separation between work and home. My work is my life, but you need a distinction.

2. Give yourself permission to zone out and dream – it’s vital to have moments of downtime to recharge.

3. Make your home a sanctuary and your office a dynamic, productive space.

4. To boost creativity, get off social media. You aren’t present if you’re taking a picture of breakfast.

5. Always make time for exercise in the morning – otherwise it won’t happen!