Today we’d like to introduce you to Mani Javvaji.
Hi Mani, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think from a young age I’ve always been a little conscious of how I spend my time. In high school, I started to realize just how important it was to be intentional with it. I wanted to excel academically, but I also didn’t want to miss out on time with friends or having a social life. That’s when I first became interested in time management—figuring out how to be efficient with school so I could fully enjoy everything else. That mindset really solidified during medical school, especially once I fell in love with dermatology, one of the most competitive specialties to match into. I knew I’d have to be extremely focused and intentional with my time to make it happen.
During that time, I noticed a lot of my peers studying while socializing or multitasking, but that was never really my style. When I was working, I wanted to be fully focused. And when I was done, I wanted to be fully present—whether that meant relaxing, socializing, or just enjoying life. That separation helped me stay grounded and efficient, even during some of the most demanding years of my training.
As I’ve grown both personally and professionally, those values have only deepened. I’ve come to truly appreciate the importance of living with intention—of using our time in a way that aligns with our goals and what brings us joy. I don’t believe in letting life just happen and reacting to it. I believe in designing your days with purpose.
Time management, efficiency, and work-life balance have become foundational to how I live and what I share with others. They’re not just strategies—they’re part of my ethos. And my hope is that by sharing what I’ve learned, I can help others do the same: live with more clarity, more purpose, and more joy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not—it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people’s journeys, mine has been full of ups and downs. Becoming a skin cancer surgeon requires years of intense focus, research, training, and growth—not just in technical skills, but also in communication, confidence, and learning from mentors. Alongside that, building a life that includes time for friends, family, nature, travel, and the things I love has taken a lot of trial and error.
I think we’re all constantly running little experiments on ourselves—figuring out what works, what doesn’t, what energizes us, and what drains us. Finding that balance between what we have to do and what we want to do is an ongoing process. It’s how we create a life that feels both productive and joyful.
One of the biggest challenges for me was during medical school and dermatology residency. My work-life balance, in the traditional sense, was almost nonexistent. Yes, I made time for some fun, but the work-to-life ratio was heavily skewed. That said, I always viewed those seasons as intentionally unbalanced. I had a very clear goal—to become a board-certified dermatologist—and I knew that would require full focus and sacrifice.
That experience taught me a really important lesson: work-life balance doesn’t have to mean equal parts at all times. Sometimes, being “off-balance” is necessary—as long as it’s intentional. Some seasons are for working full steam ahead, others for rest and enjoyment. Understanding that rhythm has helped me build a life I love, one that’s rooted in purpose but also leaves space for play, connection, and joy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon, and I use my platform to share practical real-world skincare education. Outside of dermatology, I’m passionate about helping busy professionals find more balance in their lives. A lot of my content centers around time management, intentional living, and something I care deeply about: efficiency with purpose. I believe that by making small, thoughtful changes in how we structure our days, we can reduce mental load and open up more time for the things we actually enjoy.
For me, efficiency isn’t about getting more done—it’s about creating space. Whether it’s through a capsule wardrobe, streamlined travel planning, or simplified meal prep, I love building systems that make life feel less overwhelming and more fulfilling. I often say the goal of efficiency isn’t more productivity—it’s more active leisure time. Time that truly restores us and makes life feel richer.
What I’m most proud of is being able to integrate these values into every part of my life—and more importantly, using what I’ve learned to teach and support others in designing a life that works better for them. As a woman and a physician, I understand firsthand how demanding and overwhelming it can be to try to “do it all.” That’s why it means so much to me to help others- especially women- find ways to live with more intention, more ease, and more joy. Whether it’s through small, practical systems or mindset shifts, I love showing that it’s possible to build a life that’s both successful and sustainable. I think what sets me apart is that I don’t just talk about balance—I live it, experiment with it, and share it in a way that’s real and relatable.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love San Diego with my heart and soul. The city is absolutely breathtaking, and there’s so much to do—especially outdoors. I grew up in the Midwest, where the landscape is flat and opportunities to be in nature were limited. Then I spent my training years in New York City, surrounded by a concrete jungle. So finally settling in San Diego honestly feels like paradise to me.
I love that the best things here are free—endless hikes, the ocean, incredible views—and that you can be in nature so many days out of the year. The people are another reason I love it so much. There’s such a warm, friendly, and laid-back energy here that feels really grounding. Everyone has a relaxed vibe that’s contagious in the best way. I never imagined as a little girl in the Midwest that I’d end up here, but I count my lucky stars every day that I did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mani.jaye.md
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mani.jaye.md/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manijayemd/sub_confirmation=1
Image Credits
Alyse Arauz
