What drew you to Paris?
I’m from a horse-racing background in Ireland; my Dad was a well-known racehorse trainer whose last great race was the Cheltenham Gold Cup, so I grew up in a family for whom sport was and still is a driving force in everything. Aside from horses, my other childhood dream was to live in Paris and work in fashion. When I set my mind to something I normally succeed!
I first came to France for a one year stint, then left to go on to London, coming back a year later to study at the Sorbonne. I then began modelling, and worked in PR with Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. I carried on in the world of fashion and luxury as PR director for Emanuel Ungaro, presented TV shows for RFO and Antenne Reunion, and then I set up my own fashion PR and Communications company in 2009. I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset and am very hands on in everything that I do.
How did you make the transition from fashion to fitness?
The transition was gradual. Having practiced sports since my earliest years – horse riding, swimming, water skiing, running, hockey, tennis – this passion has stayed with me. I have always been passionate about personal development, biohacking and wellbeing. I took training courses in positive coaching, sports coaching and mental leadership. As a sportsperson, foodie, mother and busy professional, I decided to set up Happy Sport & Detox, to create the type of sports and detox retreat of my dreams – one that combines sport, a balanced, tasty and generous diet (because I simply HATE diets!), fun, leadership and mental coaching sessions.
I have also recently launched Happy Comm, a PR company specialising in health/lifestyle as my 20 years in PR and communication are an integral part of who I am today. In addition to the retreats and coaching I also provide PR and communication support to wellness / tourism / lifestyle / health companies who need to grow.
What put you onto your current path?
The desire to help others and propose retreats that are unique and really different to the existing offers! And, my sense of adventure and fearlessness definitely! I have never been afraid to take risks and leave my comfort zone.
Any key turning points?
The birth of my wonderful son Max on June 3, 2011 – definitely the best day of my life! And, leaving fashion to set up Happy Sport & Detox in 2018 was also a big turning point!
How do your retreats work?
Our retreats are designed to revive and replenish from the inside out. Weekends or a week long, the retreats are hosted in exclusive and unique destinations in France, Spain and Morocco. We offer a 360° approach combining the physical body and the mind.
Our 3 pillars are: Sport… an over-the-counter medicine; Food… an anti-inflammatory diet and intermittent fasting; Attitude… coaching in personal development.
I work with a great team of sports coaches, pilates and yoga teachers, as well as top class wellness and health therapists.
Our advice? Coach seriously whilst never taking oneself too seriously. Our retreats are designed to be fun at all times.
Has Covid changed the way people approach fitness?
“I don’t consider myself a fitness coach, I am a ‘health entrepreneur’.”
Yes, definitely! Today clients are looking to relax and de-stress more than to lose weight. Covid has made people more aware of the importance of being in good health, both mentally and physically.
What trends are you seeing for 2022?
The fact that clients reserve very last minute. Covid has made it impossible to plan ahead.
Any words of wisdom for others who want to change careers and get into fitness coaching?
Be passionate about what you do, find a unique selling point and be authentic in everything you do. It is also important to practice what you preach!
Is Paris home now?
Yes definitely, even though I still have an Irish tint to my French accent I feel ‘almost French’ and have always felt very welcome in France. The French have always been very friendly to me and I feel that there’s a great sense of community in Paris!
Expat or local?
I feel local ‘with a twist’ as they say: ‘You can take the Irish out of Ireland but you can never take Ireland out of the Irish’, so I still feel Irish no matter what and I am very proud of my Irish fighting spirit and background.
Top tips for a Happy Detox lifestyle?
Unclutter your mind by turning off your phone for a few hours every day and never look at your phone in bed!
Treat your body like a sanctuary and feed it properly with clean, organic and local food.
Respect and love your body by doing daily exercise, at least 20 minutes every day.
Practise intermittent fasting – brilliant for weight control and beneficial for the immune system.