Sarah Nicole Landry of ‘The Birds Papaya’ Talks Mental Health, Divorce and Turning 40

Mom, creator and host Sarah Nicole Landry has quickly turned “The Birds Papaya”—a lifestyle platform that has grown from a personal blog into a thriving community with millions of dedicated followers and counting across social platforms—into a leading voice. Landry challenges unrealistic beauty standards and is dedicated to promoting empowerment, mental health awareness and modern motherhood. But, as she shares with us, that didn’t happen overnight—nor did her journey to gain personal confidence.

You talk a lot about confidence. What is confidence to you?

Confidence to me isn’t something you just acquire or wear, or a destination you reach. It took me a long time to figure that out. Why could I have confidence one moment and it be gone the next? It was rarely consistent or predictable. That’s when I realized that, for me, confidence is a choice. It’s going out there, knees shaking, but doing the dang thing. Sometimes, it’s easier than others, but it always remains a choice I make.

- Advertisement -

When you aren’t feeling confident, what do you do to pick yourself up?

I start by disengaging with the mirror, wearing something that helps me not be so distracted by my body and honor the feelings I’m in. Some days are better than others—that doesn’t mean we’re failing; it just means we’re human. My goal in life is to lead a life with the least regret, not the least resistance. So sometimes, it’s best to do whatever I need to just show up that day the best way I can!

What do you do for wellness?

It depends on the day. And that’s such a beautiful thing. It’s all about paying attention. Some days, it’s therapy. On other days, it’s going for a run, both indoors or outside. Sometimes, it’s a really good bowl of soup. Most days, it looks a lot like going to bed at a good time, taking my vitamins, doing my skin care and doing my best. As I move into my 40s, every little bit needs a little more intention.

What are some of your all-time favorite beauty products?

A MAC Liquid Eye Liner ($18), Fitglow Night Lip Serum ($48) for the lips, Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum ($82)—which is amazing on melasma!)—and squalane oil on my face at night.

You share a lot of your life on social media. Is there anything you keep close that is just for you?

I think, as time has gone on on social media, I realize that I am a chronic over-sharer and some things are best to keep to yourself, not to be lacking vulnerability but just protecting your peace. However, I have been open about divorcing, but never why. I also have taken a lot of my family time offline so I can be more present, and I’m taking more social media breaks to help me have longevity in those spaces.

If you had one piece of advice to give to your younger self, what would it be?

This is an emotional question to answer! But I’d probably say to trust your gut more and know your worth. Don’t bend who you are for someone else’s preferences because they’ll never get the opportunity to know the real you. The real you is great. And everything you dream of is real, so don’t let the opinions of the world squash what you know is right and true. Stay the course; you’re doing better than you could possibly imagine.

Word on the street is that you have a big birthday next year. What are you excited for in 2025?

Possibility! 2023/2024 have been massive personal renovation years for me as I have worked towards better mental health (after a PMDD diagnosis) and so, for the first time in a long time, I’m hopeful for the possibility of what’s next. And the timing is amazing because I’m turning 40, and that excites me to have a new decade to make memories in.