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Rose Brown, the founder of UK natural health brand, PHB Ethical Beauty –
and the daughter of UB40 drummer Jimmy Brown – talks to OM about how
yoga shaped her outlook to business and life
Yoga life
Yoga gives me a good solid starting point to deal with any
immediate pressure in life. The breath work that is undertaken
in yoga provides a calming reminder that by slowing down your
reaction you can make better decisions. I also try to practice
the yogic concept of renouncing the fruits of your actions – give
yourself fully to a task and then totally letting go of the results.
This follows Taoist wisdom also, and I find it helps me to keep more
focused, dedicated and inspired when working on a task without
being anxious about future results.“The Master does his job and then stops.
He understands that the universe is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events goes against the current
of the Tao.” – Lao Tzu, Tao Te ChingRunning your own business takes constant focus and dedication
and whilst I love everything I do for PHB I do need to make sure
that I book in chill time and care for myself regularly. Yoga gives
me just that; a momentary meditation that boosts and revitalises
my inspiration, leaving me fresh and full of ideas to take our ethical
beauty revolution further.Business principles
Although I hadn’t started practicing yoga when we began our journey
with PHB, I still smile to myself at how much an influence yoga has
had without my realising. I feel it has been an influence for sure. I’mI
first came across yoga aged 10 or 11. My aunty Sharon, who
lived in San Francisco, was staying with us and she would
practice yoga in the garden in the morning. I remember
watching with slight awe and intrigue as she moved into
various poses. I’d not seen anything like that before and I
found the asanas so strong and graceful. I awkwardly gave it a
try myself.
It wasn’t until Christmas 2014 (aged 24) that I truly fell in love with
yoga. My partner John suggested we visit our local studio and try
a class. I’m still grateful now! Our first session was a gentle Hatha
class taught by Birmingham’s smiliest yoga teacher. We left feeling
like we were walking on clouds – it was my first yoga high!
Barefoot Yoga Studio in Birmingham is now my yoga home. The
owner, Faye, has created this beautiful little sanctuary in the middle
of a busy city that is connecting so many people with the benefits
of yoga and with other likeminded people. I took part in one of their
yoga retreats earlier this year which was one of the best weekends
I’ve had all year. I’m currently loving Gosia Federowicz’s Hot Yoga
Flow classes – she has a great energy.
I was also fortunate enough to try Dharma Yoga taught at
Barefoot by the inspiring Ambra Vallo, a former prima-ballerina
with the Birmingham Royal Ballet who really brought the sessions
to life with her elegant and playful teaching style. Dharma Yoga is a
devotional practice that emphasises good health, a clear mind and
kind heart – all principles that I really value. Ambra’s classes gave
me my first experiences with chanting mantras and some
really unusual pranayama techniques which I also really love.