Lara Mead is learning to be kind to herself. The founder of edgy-chic performance fitnesswear brand, Varley has a busy schedule that starts before the sun’s up. Her days are packed and demanding, but that doesn’t stop this mama-to-be (again!) from finding ways to de-stress and self-soothe; matcha lattes and morning kisses included.
The London-born CEO was inspired to launch Varley after a trip to Santa Monica with her hubs — where fitnesswear falls somewhere between a daily uniform and a straight-up lifestyle. The idea was to make a line that lives up to fitness fanatics’ standards, but make it fashion.
From flattering leopard print leggings to sports bras we’ll never quit, we love how Lara has brought her vision to life. Dive into our classic series, Mornings With, and discover how this fierce founder stays balanced daily. We’re talking celery juice, streaming workouts and a seed bread recipe we’ll be making ASAP…
My alarm is set for:
No need for an alarm, I’m an early riser and always have been — I wake around 5AM.
I can't start my morning without:
Hot water and lemon, followed by celery juice.
Breakfast is usually:
Homemade gluten-free seed bread (see recipe below) with an egg.
Go-to morning beverage:
Matcha latte with homemade almond milk and a little coconut oil.
Daily uniform:
I’m 27 weeks pregnant, so anything that fits! Loving HATCH jumpsuits with brogues and socks at the moment.
Favorite morning moment:
Kissing my little boy.
On the best mornings, I start with:
P.Volve streaming workout before my son wakes.
I start work by:
5:30AM — we have an office in London, and it’s already lunchtime there.
Mornings are usually filled with:
Stress — not only do I have the school run to do, my husband and I have calls to London, I like to try and workout and I need to walk the dog. It’s a lot of activity squeezed into a couple of hours.
I jumpstart creative juices by:
Scrolling Instagram.
Healthiest daily habit:
Walking the dog while listening to a podcast. It’s my time to myself.
Currently obsessed with:
Lymphatic massages
I'm usually listening to:
Insight Timer — a tip picked up from blogger Mellissa Wood.
Welcomed morning distraction:
Talking to my mum in the UK.
Contemplating lunch at:
Highly Likely — it’s a lovely local spot near my office and they do the best Halloumi salad.
Current mantra:
Be kind to myself. (There’s a lot happening to my body as I’m pregnant, so I have to remind myself to be kind. I’m growing a life!)
Gluten-Free Seed Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup sunflower seed
3/4 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
2 Tbsp chia seeds
3 Tbsp psyllium husk powder
1 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 cups water
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. Bake for 40 minutes. Let cool.
