In case you haven’t heard the news, we’re now proud stockists of Australian brand, P.E Nation! We chat to the founders, Pip and Claire all about their journey towards creating a successful activewear brand!

Why launch activewear?
Activewear speaks to my lifestyle. I’m a super-active mother, I love fitness and I love sportswear, especially street sportswear. The penny dropped when it dawned on me that my initials also stand for physical education! Everything just seemed to align and after working alongside Claire Tregoning (co-founder) at sass & bide, another Australian designer for years, I knew one day we’d do something together.

How do the two of you work together?
Claire and I do the ranges, colour palette, and prints together. As we’ve have worked together for so long, we’re so on the same page; it’s almost like we’re one. We regularly have design days, these are my absolute favourite days. Claire then goes away and turns these ideas into designed tech packs. We do everything collaboratively.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I get inspiration from everywhere. Mainly high-end fashion trends from the runway. P.E Nation is definitely fashion-driven. Inspiration also comes from artists, it comes from the street, it comes from ’90s music, but mainly it comes from within Claire and I and what we know we need to live a fashionable functional lifestyle.

What sets P.E Nation apart from other activewear and athleisure brands?
P.E Nation has a very strong confident tomboy aesthetic. It has a nostalgic feel to it, in a retro kind of way, yet it is still modern with its current street influence. You actually can wear it from the gym and then on to the street and get on with your day, without feeling like you’re in gym gear.

What’s one piece of business advice you’d give to budding entrepreneurs – in and outside of the fashion, health and wellness space?
Really understand what it is that you are offering the consumer, understand it inside and out, believe it, and really, really want it. That passion and energy can be infectious, and can make anything happen. Nothing is impossible if you really plan for it, have structure around it, and believe in it wholeheartedly.

What are your tips for keeping your health and fitness together with such a busy schedule?
I actually work my fitness and training sessions into my working day, otherwise they would never happen. Juggling work and social commitments while being a single mother doesn’t leave much spare time, and fitness is so important for my peace of mind and sanity. I have to plan for it so it becomes part of my lifestyle and daily routine.

What are the go-to things you do to help you relax?
Lying on the beach is super relaxing for me. So is chilling out the couch, and going for a long walk and looking to the horizon at dusk…

What’s your go-to workout outfit?
Anything P.E Nation! I wear it day in, day out and I love it. I always wear 7/8 tights, a crop with a very low-slung training singlet.

What’s your favourite workout?
I alternate between a few. My new obsession is surfing, but I love to box and soft-sand run as well. Now that we can feel summer in the air, anything outdoors makes me excited!

What’s your favourite pre-workout snack?
Some dates and cashews for extra energy, a shot of coffee, or in the morning, sometimes a boiled egg.

What are the best fitness tips you’ve learnt in training?
It’s all about technique. Technique is everything and to be conscious of doing it the right way, for results and to care for your body. Secondly, keep at it, and don’t give up. Thirdly, enjoy it! Do it because you love it and it makes you feel good and the rest will follow.

Did you have a turning point when it came to your health?
I’ve always been into fitness and health but over the last two years I’ve realised that health is everything. I need my health for my son and my family, I need my health for work, and I need my health for my sanity. My whole existence and mindset actually revolves around my health.

How do you stay motivated?
Training makes you feel good! When you train you also look good. If you feel good and look good you are generally in a zone to maintaining this. It’s all intertwined. Train hard, look good, feel good. The real motivation, though, is the adrenalin rush and how invigorated you feel, and how strong and clear you feel when you in balance.

Shop P.E Nation here!