Our Proust Questionnaire with Pip Edwards on The Spirit of Wellness and Creativity

In our latest editorial series, we speak with the inimitable Pip Edwards of P.E Nation. Renowned for her keen eye and creative prowess, Pip was enjoying a well-deserved break, focusing on family and personal wellbeing while answering our Proust Questionnaire. Her reflections reveal life as a creative director, genuine connections, and a passion for holistic living. From morning rituals to treasured moments with her son, Pip's insights are a testament to her vibrant and dedicated spirit. Join us as we delve into the mind of this inspiring woman.

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What is your current state of mind?
I’m currently on leave to be with my son for school holidays, so my current state of mind is trying to switch off from work commitments and be present to be with him, and support him while he is studying for the HSC.

How do you switch off?
The best way for me to switch off is to either do Pilates or go for walks by the beach, or coastline. When I focus on my body in a workout or movement that I love, it brings me into the present time, as I breathe and focus on my body, rather than being in my mind.

What is the trait you most admire in others?
Kindness and empathy. To genuinely care and be interested in others and feel their stories is what connection is all about. And I am all for genuine connection.

Which living person do you most admire?
Can I have two? My mother and my son. Incredible humans who single-handedly make my life rich and full of love and support. My mum greatly supports me so I can achieve all that I can with work and raising my son solo. And my son is my life source, my true north and my best friend and he brings such joy seeing him turn into the most sensitive, intuitive and beautiful man that he is. I am in awe of how he has handled life so far and he is my greatest inspiration and purpose.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Oooooooh depending on how you look at that, I do find love and beauty in all things luxurious (it’s a Taurean trait) but I love to splash out on healing activities – I indulge in extravagant massages and alternative methods of therapy and healing.

What is the first thing that you do when you wake in the morning?
I wake up and have a strong coffee before anything else.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
This is quite a subjective question depending on who you are, what’s your moral ground, and what works for your personality type. For me, I am so loyal and honest to the bone and so gullible in that I believe what people say… but as we know, not everyone is honest, nor loyal so this can be to my detriment. What my moral standing is, isn’t generally the consensus out in the world. But I am still proud to believe in people, support people, and loyalty is everything to me.

Do you have any daily rituals?
Yes, many. From crystal healing, saying positive affirmations, morning Pilates, to walking to the coastline and viewing the horizon at sunset… these rituals keep me sane and accountable to myself amongst the chaos of life and work demands.

What do you most like about your appearance?
I like my level of fitness in relation to my body, as I am very dedicated to the routine of it and it’s a visual representation of my commitment and perseverance.

What does wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing – is balance. Eat well. Move well. Be well. Dress well. Live well. Love well. Striking that balance of all the elements in life and being in balance between what is good for you and what you love doing.

What is the quality you most like in a person?
Honesty, Respect, Empathy.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Oh my god I love this!!!!” I tend to over love everything. “OMG this is the best thing ever” - I tend to get really over-excited, even over the smallest of things.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My son.

When and where are you happiest?
In the sun solar charging, on a beach, in a bikini, soaking up the warmth and light.

Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could be more tech savvy, ha.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could improve my ability to let go and surrender more to flow. What will be, will be. My mindset of holding on to what is fair and right sometimes doesn’t serve me.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Raising my son solo and getting him through school and him becoming an incredible adult. My second would be, while doing the foresaid, I founded and built a sound business, PE Nation. Both took immense focus and energy and at times competing. But I did manage to do both simultaneously.

Where would you most like to live?
I have a yearning to do a stint in Europe. I feel like that cultural experience and being so close to many different countries would be inspiring.

What is your most treasured possession?
My crystal collection.

What is your favourite occupation?
My current occupation. And second to it would be creating music.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Fun-loving, energetic and bright.

What do you most value in your friends?
Their support, and their investment in me and my life.

Who are your favourite writers?
Marcus Aurelius.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My Son. My best friends, Mikey, Milly and Connie.

What are your favourite names?
Justice and Liberty.

What brings pleasure to your day?
My team, my oat milk mocha, a brief stint in the sun, and when I feel in flow.

Do you have any products or objects that you can’t live without?
All my skin and hair repair products, especially face oil and hair oil.

Where is your favourite place to wake up in the world?
Nothing beats the Maldives at sunrise.

What is your motto?
Be interested, not interesting. Find the joy and keep the joy in what you do.

Images by Rob Tennent
Follow @pipedwards