At Meishai, we are proud to present this exclusive interview with one of today’s most inspiring health and beauty figures, Prudence Davis. As the owner of the exclusive pilates reformer studio A Space to Breathe and founder of the innovative wellness brand 20 Four Matcha, Prudence is a pioneer in health and wellness. Her work embraces both physical and mental well-being, and she serves as a significant inspiration for those looking to find balance and peace in a world where it can be challenging to slow down.
In this exclusive interview, Prudence shares her deep reflections on what beauty means to her, how she maintains her health amidst a busy schedule, who inspires her, and how she finds the balance between being present in real life while also staying accessible online. For those of us seeking calm and well-being for both body and mind, Prudence is the ultimate guide.
1. Prudence, as someone who works so closely with both health and beauty, what does the concept of “beauty” mean to you?
Beauty to me is something I seek in nature. There is always so much beauty to be found there, and I love the contrasts between the seasons. There isn’t one season I love more than another, but I particularly appreciate when the light returns after many months of darkness. We humans are also a part of nature, and we each contain a form of ‘perfect imperfection’ that I love to notice. For me, beauty is part of my everyday life. I love to surround myself with physical beauty; it’s everywhere if you pay attention. I also feel that my relationship with beauty is constantly evolving.
2. You run both an exclusive pilates studio and an innovative wellness brand. How do you manage to maintain your own health and balance in a day filled with physical training and business commitments?
When I chose to start my own business, it was rooted in my mental and physical health, and a particular passion for creating the space I needed myself when I had lost my health. Everything I’ve created was never planned, but developed gradually and dynamically, in pace with what my health allowed. There was also a natural demand from my clients and community. I only create based on need and increase my self-care whenever my work intensifies. I’ve built a strong routine focusing on sleep, exercise, diet, and breathing exercises that provide a solid foundation I can always return to. I am very in tune with myself since I must hold space for others. I use meditation and temperature treatments, like heat and cold exposure, to regulate my nervous system and make it more resilient to the everyday stress we all face. I work a lot on myself through therapy and alternative methods, as I feel a responsibility to explore what’s out there – for both my clients and my health.
3. What is your favorite Meishai product, and why?
Definitely the shower gel! I often take baths and love the feeling of softness and purity it gives me. Since I often work with scents and essential oils, I prefer minimal stimulation in my personal space. It truly helps me relax without being overstimulating. I’ve struggled with hormonal issues, so my endocrine system is very sensitive to products that aren’t pure and paraben-free.
4. We live in a time where we are constantly available online. How do you find the balance between being online and present in your real life?
The screen has clearly come to stay. As a health role model, I feel a responsibility regarding how I use the screen. I often encourage my followers to reflect on their mental state or check in with themselves – perhaps even put their phone on airplane mode. I have many responsibilities that require my full presence, which sometimes makes me forget about the screen entirely. I receive many messages daily and do a lot of work on it, so I have periods when I use it too much. But I am very aware that it shouldn’t be used for relaxation since it still stimulates the brain. I stop using it 2-3 hours before bedtime, as the blue light affects my sleep rhythm. I’ve bought a regular alarm clock so that my phone is never in my bedroom since it also disrupts my sleep. I try to put it away when I’m with family and friends, and a good timer is always helpful for keeping within the limits I’ve set. Unfortunately, I also know a lot about how harmful it is to our brains and mental health.
5. Your approach to health seems very holistic, focusing on both body and mind. How do you practice this philosophy in your daily life, and what have been the biggest rewards of living this way?
When I suffered from stress and developed a large nodule in my thyroid a few years ago after caring for my husband through two bouts with cancer, I had a wake-up call. Life is short, and there is nothing more important than our health. When you lose it, you become very grateful when you have it again, and that’s something I’ve brought into my work. There was previously much focus on appearance and performance in the fitness world, and my system couldn’t thrive in that. I met more people who were curious about my approach, and I have since shared it with many who also had those needs. The greatest reward of living this way is that it allows me to be part of the everyday life I truly love while also being there for my dear husband and our soon-to-arrive twins. I’m able to be present in the moment and experience all the gifts life has given me and continues to give, so I can also give back. All we have is right here and now.
6. Are there any specific people or rituals that inspire you on your own health and beauty journey, and how have they inspired you?
I am always inspired by people who have experienced adversity and have risen again. This could be my clients, people I meet on my podcast with touching stories, or individuals in my community. There is nothing more beautiful than when we can feel whole with others and be vulnerable together. When I started in the health industry, there were few people who looked like me, so I’ve had to live and create something that I can stand behind both in terms of values and beauty. In the pilates world especially, the focus is often on being tall and slim, but I’ve created a space where it’s about getting the body to its optimal state, focusing on muscles, connective tissue, and overall health.
7. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice on health, beauty, or life balance, what would it be?
I would say: Trust yourself and your intuition. You are perfect just as you are, and everything will be okay. Breathe more – just being is enough.
Get even more inspired by Prudence Davis at: http://prudencedavis.com/