Today, #SelfLove is hailed as the greatest revolution. After all, before anyone else, you deserve to be loved and to be taken care of. And who would give you all that if not yourself?
Self love does not have to be grand, sometimes, it manifests on the little things. Like getting up in the morning, taking a shower, going to the spa, or getting a make-over. Literally, self love is doing bunch of things that makes you happy, without the expense of someone else’s happiness.
Gwilym Pugh, a successful model, knows very well how important it is to shower yourself with love and to make yourself comfortable in your own skin. Looking at his photos today, you wouldn’t believe how his life transformed for the better after listening to an advice of a barber.
Gwilym Pugh used to enjoy financial freedom after founding his own insurance company from his extra room. Since his work entails hours of sitting in front of his work desk, Pugh was not able to break a sweat regularly. It affected his health and physique, gaining an extra 280 pounds.
“At that time I was pretty overweight,” Pugh recalled on an interview, ” working 12 hours a day, plagued with injuries which meant I couldn’t train at all. The business was doing okay, but I decided I needed to get my life in order and wanted to get healthy again.”
Pugh and his friends used to perform in a folk band. Looking at him, his barber gave him a simple advice that made a big difference in his life- grow a beard. Their stylist thought that doing so would help him look right for their band.
Who would have thought that a simple advice as growing a beard is what Pugh needed to realize that his lifestyle is not healthy anymore.
Along with his desire to grow a facial hair, Pugh decided to change his lifestyle and eating habit. From that day onwards, Pugh has never been happier than he is today.
“It was the best thing for my health as I stopped sitting for nine to 10 hours a day,” Pugh said with glee.
Five years later, Pugh lost over 90 pounds and overwhelming opportunities began pouring for him.
After setting up an Instagram account, a Welsh tailor named Nathan Palmer took interest of him. Now, Pugh is a true blue model working with London agency AMCK Models.
“A picture says a thousand words…. Coming from being 22 years old, overweight, plagued with injuries, and unhappy barely leaving the house…” Pugh shared a glimpse of his life before taking a conscious effort of looking after his well-being.
“I’m happier and healthier than I ever thought possible and doing things that didn’t even cross my mind to dream of.” Pugh said.
True to his words, a lot of opportunities did open up to Pugh. Aside from being a model under AMCK, Pugh is also the ambassador for David Beckham’s new male grooming venture. He also worked with professional football player with the latter’s Haig Club whiskey project.
“I think I’m lucky I got into this profession at the age that I did.” Pugh shared.
Pugh may be making his mark in the modeling industry, but with the help of his supportive girlfriend, he does not let this get into his head.
“I try not to get caught up in it all and my girlfriend helps a great deal wit that.” Pugh added.
Looking back at the life he leads, Pugh shared his reflection, “Having worked in finance for years, the opportunity to work with creative people and travel around the world is amazing. But you forget how nuts it is, it all becomes normal.”
Knowing how important it is to take care of himself, Pugh sees to it that he is always fit.
“Regular osteo treatment and morning mobility and HIIT workouts are what’s in order” Pugh said, sharing his morning work-out routine.
It sure is hard to believe that all of this began because of a beard. But believe it or not, it worked with Pugh. Because of a simple advice and his initiative to take good care of himself, he is living a life more than he ever dreamed of!