“Do it scared!” – A Chat with Mia About Finding Her Place at FRESH.

We sat down with one of our lovely members, Mia, to chat all things movement, mental health, and the power of doing things that scare you (like showing up to your first yoga class on a random Saturday). Grab a matcha and settle in — this one’s a gem.

👋 Hey Mia! Can you tell us how FRESH. first came into your life?

Honestly? I was in a bit of a rough patch. I was deep in A-level stress, barely seeing anyone, just glued to my desk trying to revise 24/7. My world had shrunk — no friends, no family time, just pressure.

I’d heard people say yoga could help with stress, so I booked a class one Saturday, thinking it would be a one-off escape from revision. But something shifted. That one hour of calm changed everything. I fell in love — with the space, the feeling, the people.

What started as a weekly escape turned into something so much bigger. Three years later, I’m now a full-blown FRESH. member, go to multiple classes a week, and I’m even training to be a Pilates and yoga teacher. Wild, right? If it weren’t for FRESH., I honestly don’t think I’d have found this path.

💛 That’s amazing. How has it supported your wellbeing?

In so many ways. It helped me through my exams, yes, but it also taught me that self-care isn’t selfish. Moving your body, taking that hour for yourself — it’s not indulgent, it’s essential.

I went from overworked and overwhelmed to finding this deep love for movement. It gave me tools to manage stress, yes, but also this joy and purpose that I hadn’t expected. It’s become such a huge part of my life.

🤗 Have you felt a sense of belonging at FRESH.?

Absolutely. From the moment you walk through the door, it’s just… different. People know your name. There’s a vibe — like everyone’s rooting for each other, even if you’re wobbling in tree pose.

It’s not just a studio, it’s a little family. That kind of connection makes you want to keep coming back, even when you’re tired or grumpy or feeling off. You know you’ll leave feeling better.

👀 What would you say to someone nervous about joining?

Do. It. Scared.

It’s totally normal to feel nervous. I was terrified. But I always remember what my mum used to say when I was little: think of something you love — I’d always say pasta — and she’d say, “Imagine if you’d never tried pasta because you were scared. You wouldn’t even know it’s your favourite!”

That mindset stuck. You won’t know how amazing something could be until you try. And honestly, FRESH. makes it so easy — everyone’s lovely. If you can, bring a friend or sibling, but even if you come solo, you’ll be absolutely fine.

☕ Are you part of any other groups locally?

Nope, just FRESH. — but it’s everything I need. Yoga, Pilates, the most fabulous people, and a vegan café with matcha. That’s my happy place.

💬 Any friendships that have blossomed through the studio?

Two absolute gems:

Carol – She’s one of my besties, even though we’re decades apart in age (not saying how many, she’d kill me!). We have this running joke in class where we make eye contact mid-move when we’re both struggling and just burst out laughing. She checks in on me, we chat before and after class… she’s honestly someone I really look up to. I want to be as cool and strong as Carol when I’m older.

Kate – Our bond goes beyond the mat. We’ve shared similar life struggles, and now we go on weekly walks, voice note each other life updates, and even do workshops together. She’s become one of my most important people — all thanks to a shared love of yoga.

✨ Final words for someone reading this and on the fence?

Try the class. Say yes to yourself. Even if you feel nervous, even if you think you're not flexible or fit enough — none of that matters here. FRESH. isn’t about perfection. It’s about people, community, and feeling good in your own skin.

And who knows? You might just meet your own Carol.

Want to start your own FRESH. story?
Explore our classes, say hi at the front desk, or drop into a Saturday class like Mia once did. You never know where one hour might take you.


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