Friends of Begg x Co - Mel Hamilton

As a stylist my work is still primarily based in the studio. I’m actually really grateful for my commute and to be able to work with my team at a time where many people are at home 7 days a week. When I do work from home (or when I’m on set) I always have the perfect playlists to accompany my mood and my energy. Music is always a big inspiration for me. I make sure to take plenty of breaks too, a short yoga flow or some stretches always help me focus. For my yoga teaching the transition to online has been fun and interesting, it’s nice to be able to practice with people from all over who wouldn’t normally be able to take my classes.

 

 

 

 

I just celebrated 3 years of sobriety this year and I feel as though it’s the foundation for everything I do in life. The whole journey has been one of me constantly learning about myself. All the self work, skills and coping mechanisms I’ve been working on in the past 3 years have really been put into practice this year. It has meant that from a position of my own resilience I’ve been able to give to and help others. I’ve surprised myself by my resilience and adaptability as I’m sure we all have! 

 

 

Sobriety is a constant positivity in my life! I have been using the restrictions as a way of getting back to basics and really reinforcing my core routine of good quality sleep, good food, regular yoga practice and meditation. I’ve also been offering free yoga classes and meditations on Instagram Live throughout lockdown which has been such a positive for me. I feel like a strong sense of community and looking after our mental health is so important now more than ever.  

 

 

 

I love reading and have reconnected with my love of it this year. I just finished Girl, Woman, Other which was amazing and The Alchemist is a feel good classic that I like to revisit. I’ve had Glasgow band Home$lices’ single “Let Me Know” on constant repeat throughout lockdown (sorry neighbours) along with the singer Goth Babe.

 

 

By settling into and exploring my role as a yoga teacher it has given me another channel to expand my creativity. I’m very used to my creativity being quantified and measured in the fashion context. Through teaching and sequencing yoga classes it is a very different kind of creativity. You’re taking students on a journey through movement, music and feeling which really connects me to them. It comes from my heart to theirs without any targets or projected outcomes which has been really fun and beautiful. 

 

 

 

 

When I am working from home I am normally wearing something cozy and comfortable that I can work in and then transition into doing yoga in. I’m a big fan of an oversized knit, an old band T shirt and silky wide leg trousers. I have a massive cozy scarf/shawl that I’ve been living in which perfect for my meditation practice, watching films and WFH. 

 

 

Be kind to yourself, be gentle and listen to your body. My yoga practice varies depending on my mood, the weather, the time of year and how I’m feeling. There just isn’t a one size fits all approach. Taking the time to find what works for you will make it easier and more enjoyable to sustain long term. For both yoga and meditation I always recommend starting off small with short classes and sessions and build up slowly. 

 

 

I’m forever homesick for Scotland so my go to winter recipe is a chunky vegan soup like a lentil or scotch broth with crusty bread. I can never make it as good as my Mum and Dad can though! 

 

 

Follow Mel on Instagram: @rebelsociety