Co-founder of super stylish activewear brand Varley talks to Joie...
When and why did you start Varley?
We started VARLEY in 2013 because we were both unhappy in our professional careers and wanted to build something together that we would both be proud of. We also wanted to travel, explore, and grow the company together, sharing the journey. We also could see that there was a gap in the quickly growing market, and both love an active lifestyle, so it seemed like a natural move.
You originally started life as a swimwear brand, what inspired the decision to add activewear to the line up?
I’ve always been a huge fitness fan, I grew up in a sporty household with my dad being a professional footballer and started competitive athletics at the age of 10. Combined with my passion for fashion, activewear just seemed like a natural evolution. I was also spending a lot of time in California where the market was flourishing.
Who or what provides you with inspiration?
My husband! We work together and he’s a constant source of inspiration.
How do you personally like to stay active?
I have recently been working hard in the gym with my trainer Ben Reed (founder of G14 Chiswick). He has been working to realign my body since I had a baby and I must say – he is an absolute genius! I can’t recommend him and his team more highly. When I’m in LA, I love nothing more than interval training on Santa Monica Beach. I will do a sprint session and mini circuit on the beach four mornings a week, it really sets the day off to a great start. I’m also a big fan of Lagree fitness, and try to do it at least three times a week.
What does a day in the life of Lara Mead look like?
Chaos! I wake up at about 5.30am and make myself and my husband a cup of tea then we both catch up on overnight emails from America in bed until my son wakes up at 7am. Then I feed and dress him. We all head out on a morning walk with our Labradoodle Wispa, stopping for a flat white en route. Once back from the morning walk I spend about five minutes doing my hair and makeup and out the door to the office. We try and have a morning meeting most days. Mid morning I usually head to the gym and have an hour training session with Ben Reed at G14. Then back to the office for a couple of hours. I usually grab lunch at my desk, and then finally head home, walk the dog again, then it’s bath time, and play time with my son. Once the dog and baby have settled for the evening I love nothing more than to cook something super nutritious for my husband and I, before settling down to watch a box set.
Why do you think that what you wear has become such an important factor in working out for the modern woman?
I think firstly it’s become much more acceptable to wear your gym kit all day, from walking the dog, dropping the kids off, to even meeting friends for lunch. I also think working out and having a fit strong body has become the height of fashion, and women no longer want to just throw on their boyfriend's old tee shirt to wear to the gym. We want to look stylish and feel confident and sexy!
How do you define a joyful life?
A joyful life for me is if my family being healthy and happy!
When and why did you start Varley?
We started VARLEY in 2013 because we were both unhappy in our professional careers and wanted to build something together that we would both be proud of. We also wanted to travel, explore, and grow the company together, sharing the journey. We also could see that there was a gap in the quickly growing market, and both love an active lifestyle, so it seemed like a natural move.
You originally started life as a swimwear brand, what inspired the decision to add activewear to the line up?
I’ve always been a huge fitness fan, I grew up in a sporty household with my dad being a professional footballer and started competitive athletics at the age of 10. Combined with my passion for fashion, activewear just seemed like a natural evolution. I was also spending a lot of time in California where the market was flourishing.
Who or what provides you with inspiration?
My husband! We work together and he’s a constant source of inspiration.
How do you personally like to stay active?
I have recently been working hard in the gym with my trainer Ben Reed (founder of G14 Chiswick). He has been working to realign my body since I had a baby and I must say – he is an absolute genius! I can’t recommend him and his team more highly. When I’m in LA, I love nothing more than interval training on Santa Monica Beach. I will do a sprint session and mini circuit on the beach four mornings a week, it really sets the day off to a great start. I’m also a big fan of Lagree fitness, and try to do it at least three times a week.
What does a day in the life of Lara Mead look like?
Chaos! I wake up at about 5.30am and make myself and my husband a cup of tea then we both catch up on overnight emails from America in bed until my son wakes up at 7am. Then I feed and dress him. We all head out on a morning walk with our Labradoodle Wispa, stopping for a flat white en route. Once back from the morning walk I spend about five minutes doing my hair and makeup and out the door to the office. We try and have a morning meeting most days. Mid morning I usually head to the gym and have an hour training session with Ben Reed at G14. Then back to the office for a couple of hours. I usually grab lunch at my desk, and then finally head home, walk the dog again, then it’s bath time, and play time with my son. Once the dog and baby have settled for the evening I love nothing more than to cook something super nutritious for my husband and I, before settling down to watch a box set.
Why do you think that what you wear has become such an important factor in working out for the modern woman?
I think firstly it’s become much more acceptable to wear your gym kit all day, from walking the dog, dropping the kids off, to even meeting friends for lunch. I also think working out and having a fit strong body has become the height of fashion, and women no longer want to just throw on their boyfriend's old tee shirt to wear to the gym. We want to look stylish and feel confident and sexy!
How do you define a joyful life?
A joyful life for me is if my family being healthy and happy!
Shop the brand at www.varley.com