Chatting about Self-Care with Silou Co-Founder, Phoebe Greenacre

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by: Emily Gunn

Interview about mindfulness and meditation with Phoebe from @siloulondon

Phoebe Greenacre is a holistic therapist, meditation teacher, mindfulness expert and co-founder of the luxury activewear brand, Silou.

Phoebe attended her first yoga class at the age of 15, she blossomed through life as a vegan in Australia, developing a love of green juices from her mother.

In this interview, we chatted about her journey of connecting with her body through yoga, her travels around the world, finding calmness, and creating the perfect work-life balance.

What age did you first become interested in mindfulness?

I was a dancer when I was young, I was always connected to my body. Between my yoga practice and dancing professionally, I found an outlet to express my emotions. So, I had a good body-mind connection early on.

As time went on, I became more interested in the Indian background of yoga and the psychology of healing and knowing thy body = knowing thyself.

Why did you decide to leave your home country of Australia?

I wanted to travel abroad to explore myself on a more spiritual level around the world. I’m proud to say I’ve traveled to 30 countries all before I was 30!

I moved to the US at 18, and soon after bought a one-way ticket to London. In London, I completed a rigorous 500 hours of in-depth yoga training to become a teacher in yoga, somatics, visualisation, philosophy, and psychology.

While in London and throughout my travels, my business mind expanded beyond myself. My passion for marketing began seeping through my yoga & meditation practice more and more.

I’ve worked in the marketing industry since I was 21. I’ve held marketing positions and social media roles primarily focused on digital strategies.

Did you see a need for mindfulness in London when you first arrived?

There wasn’t much of a wellness tradition when I arrived in London six years ago, so that was very new to me.

Coming from Australia, we never went to doctors growing up. We always sought care from alternative healing practitioners.

How have you managed to successfully guide so many people, and was it always your goal?

The healing side of it has been a natural and organic journey. I’ve always been the friend of the person or the boss that’s been the mentor and the motivator.

Having my own brand was never a dream though! I kind of just fell into it!

My journey has always pointed me towards being healthy and happy.

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I don’t need many things to keep me happy. I just need good food, a nice space, my husband, and connection with friends and family.

Have you seen a rise in people wanting meditation therapy as a result of more people suffering from anxiety and depression due to the COVID-19 lockdowns?

I definitely think so. I haven’t acquired more therapy clients, but my meditation has been through the roof. The community has grown. People are wanting to know about mindfulness and healing.

People are opening up to me about their struggles. I’ve never had that before. A lot of people are more aware that they need it, not just their body in a workout, but their mind and how it’s all connected.

What advice do you have for people who struggle to slow down and find mindfulness in their own life?

If people want to be calm, they will put in the practice. If I wanted bigger muscles I would do more bicep curls.

People have to want to be calm. There is a big disconnect of people wanting to be calm, but they don’t want to show up and do the work. You don’t need the clothes or the mat. With meditation, you just need time and discipline. It’s all about discipline.

Of course, there are morning’s when I don’t get to meditate. But I know it makes me come back to my practice, because when I do, I am so much more at peace with myself.

Find more advice on mindfulness and information about Phoebe’s therapy work on her website, phoebegreenacre.com

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