Sanya Richards-Ross Shares Her Must Haves: From Peppermint Tea to a Bodycon Dress
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Sanya Richards-Ross might have officially retired from competitive running back in 2016, but with a legacy as one of the world's most storied track and field athletes — plus four Olympic gold medals and seven World Championship medals to prove it — she's shown no signs of slowing down since.
In fact, Richards-Ross has embraced this new chapter of her life with open arms; she became a fan favorite after starring in several seasons of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," welcomed two sons alongside her husband, Aaron Ross, and just recently struck up a unique partnership with online retailer Shein, which aims to celebrate and support women through accessible (and stylish!) fashion offerings. "[Shein and I] connected over the idea of creating a collection of versatile pieces designed to make women feel bold and beautiful no matter their background," says Richards-Ross, whose mother and sister also helped to bring the capsule to life. "Every piece in the collection reflects a part of our story and was inspired by our lives, experiences, and the incredible women we admire."
The Shein x Sanya collaboration is also designed to support MommiNation, an organization that Richards-Ross founded in 2019 with the hope of cultivating more community for mothers of color. To mark the launch of their latest collection, Shein donated $50,000 to the organization.
"It [MommiNation] was born out of my own experiences as a Black mother after I fully recognized the unique challenges we face. When I became a mom, I began to understand the need for Black moms specifically to have a space that provides support, guidance, and connection, so the philanthropic arm of the organization, MommiNation Gives, was born out of this necessity. Through MommiNation Gives, we want to take action to help mothers of color thrive in their journey through motherhood," she says.
We had the chance to chat with Richards-Ross about the significance of her partnership with Shein, her favorite pieces from the collection, and all of the other products that help power her busy lifestyle. Keep reading to shop her must-have essentials, from a soothing peppermint tea to a Nike travel bag and quilted designer purse.
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Sanya Richards-Ross's Morning-Routine Must Have
While Richards-Ross admits that she's not a "coffee girl," she does love starting her day with Twinings Pure Peppermint Tea Bags ($28). "I grab a hot mint tea, settle with my thoughts, say a prayer, and start my day with a peaceful and positive mindset," she says.
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Sanya Richards-Ross's Affordable Must Have
The Shein x Sanya collection is designed to be accessible and affordable — as evidenced by this sultry Shein SXY Ombre Mock Neck Bodycon Dress ($10, originally $13), which Richards-Ross considers to be a must have.
"Its form-fitting silhouette and bold colors make me feel unstoppable the moment I put it on. It isn't just a piece of clothing — it's a declaration that every woman deserves to feel confident, beautiful, and unapologetically herself, which I feel is worth its weight in gold," she says.
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Sanya Richards-Ross's Investment Must Have
As far as splurge-worthy pieces go, Richards-Ross says that some styles are so timeless they "never lose their value," which is why she considers this Chanel Classic 11.12 Handbag ($10,800) to be such a perfect staple piece. "It's a great investment and elevates any look," she says.
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Sanya Richards-Ross's Sleeping Must Have
For Richards-Ross, nothing says "sleeping essential" quite like a comfy T-shirt, and this Shein X Sanya "Run Your World" T-Shirt ($8, originally $10) is her current favorite.
"This shirt, which has soft, breathable fabric, feels like a gentle hug, ensuring I can relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep," she says. "Every time I slip into this T-shirt before bed, I'm reminded that no matter what challenge the day brought, I have the power to take charge of my life and wake up the next morning to conquer whatever comes my way."
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Sanya Richards-Ross's Travel Must Have
As a superstar athlete and entrepreneur, Richards-Ross's job has taken her all over the world — and has led her to find some seriously great luggage in the process. She says that she's a fan of Nike's travel bags, in particular the (now sunsetted) FiftyOne49 Cordura Suitcase. "Nike may be known for their sneakers, but they also make the best travel bags! They have perfect compartments and never go over 50 pounds no matter how much I stuff in them! I absolutely have to use them on every trip," she says.
For a similar option, check out the Nike USATF FiftyOne49 Cabin Roller ($230).
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.