Resolution
I was having coffee with my very gorgeous (inside and out) friend Sarah Morrissey, another model who I had worked alongside for years. Suspended between a TV appearance and an evening showcase. The part of the day where we were in between jobs. But personally I was in free fall.
‘Are you taking care of yourself?’ she asked. Truth was I wasn’t. And it was clear. Not only to those close to me but there was public commentary. Which was also clear. I had lived the past few years in survival mode. I always had this false belief that ‘self care’ was ‘selfish’. It was time spent that I believed I didn’t have spare.
Freshly grieving my mother - I was raw. From the second she passed, it was as if I saw the world completely differently. Watching Mum's battle with her cancer made me understand the importance of health, how daily decisions contribute to our overall wellbeing. Losing her jolted my sense of responsibility and gratitude for the life and body I had, to really value and appreciate the time I was given and everyone around me. I was due to travel to Japan with my then boyfriend (now husband) who had signed a rugby contract out there. The trip was supposed to be a short break before returning to a multi-city theatre run. What I didn’t realise at the time was how it would redefine everything for me.
I found myself in a country that approached every part of life differently. Even the toilets talk back to you. Lost literally in Translation. But I had the incredible opportunity to observe. The beauty and simplicity of the culture held me - the historic temples, the art of mindfulness in every meal, and the emphasis on harmony with nature felt like a gentle reminder of what truly matters in life. It was during this time that I was introduced to hot yoga. That moving meditation forced me to slow down enough and check in with what my nervous system had been screaming at me.
I adapted the Japanese way for a while, trying their wellness on for size - hot yoga, collagen drinks, fish for breakfast - becoming intentional with every choice. 'Kintsugi', the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, highlighting imperfections and turning them into something beautiful, inspired my own approach: going back to the root and rethinking my routine. Having struggled with allergies and sensitive skin my whole life, listening to my body as I slowly rebuilt. Japan pieced me back together. Not the same as before, cracks on show, but I was whole again.
As I returned to regular programming, filming, writing, living. Followed by pregnancy and becoming a mother to a beautiful little girl. I was intent on keeping these rituals in place while embracing these changes. But how? and with Balance? Who’s she? Enter my business partner, Philippa, stage right. A design director for luxury brands, Philippa and I had shared many years of friendship, comparing notes on biohacking trends, the best restaurants, and galleries to visit (I usually run all my furniture choices by her before I pull the trigger). I was really feeling the difference of this new approach to lifestyle but sustaining it felt out of reach. Philippa often consulted with her father in law Dr Nigel Mercer, MB ChB, ChM, FRCS, FRCPCH (yes he has more letters after his name than the alphabet and has been confronted by beauty ideals his whole career) Dr Mercer has also served as the President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and European Association of Societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (EASAPS) what treatments to do, how to support body and skin, how to mind ourselves and thrive.
‘Wellness’ sometimes feels like an abstract, fluffy idea attainable only by zen-like people.
We thought, "Surely, there’s a way for all of us to access it so that we aren’t pouring from an empty vase?”
Societal narratives surrounding beauty often emphasize youthfulness and perfection, while wellness narratives tend to promote balance, self-care, and long term health. These differing cultural messages can lead to a perceived separation between the two industries. But aren’t they both intrinsically aligned? I believe that beauty should feel effortless. Stripping away the unnecessary to amplify what’s most important: You.
Together we started to formulate (with many iterations) an all encompassing beauty elixir. A result driven formula that starts from nourishing inside. I had spent years combining multiple supplements into my morning smoothie and here NÆRE was - just one. NÆRE’s Nectar 01 redefines step 01 of our routine. Delivering not only optimum wellness but also targeted ingredients that supports your skin health. Patented, proven and beautifully composed.
Our mission is to build a community that supports wellbeing in every shape and form.
Recognising that the philosophy of wellness is at the core of true beauty. The foundation for everything. Because our beauty begins within.
Nadia x
