OUR STORY
LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF
Hi I’m Georgie, brand creator - welcome to Designed by Gigi.
I am a dancer, fitness lover and a full time mum to my wonderful son Lucas.
"I FOUND SOLACE THROUGH FITNESS"
For many years I organised dance festivals with my partner Miguel.
Miguel’s energy and passion lit up the dance floor and beyond, but he also struggled with depression most of his adult life. Sadly, in 2018 Miguel’s depression was so intense that he took his own life. The bottom fell out of mine and Lucas’ world. Our lives turned upside down and I became a single mum overnight.
I felt so lost. And just didn’t know what to do with myself. Spent weeks in a daze, couldn’t sleep, eat or even talk about how I was feeling. My GP diagnosed me with depression, but the thought of taking anti-depressants just wasn’t an option for me so I started looking into a healthier approach. Despite all the struggles I knew I had to find a way to feel like my old self again.
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I found solace through fitness. I needed an escape; a place where no one knew me, where I could be alone and leave the grief, anxiety or whatever emotions I was feeling that day right outside the front door. In the gym my only focus was one foot in front of the other or ensuring my posture was correct for lifting weights. I could lose myself and I was momentarily at peace for the duration of the workout.
I honestly can’t begin to express how much getting into fitness has helped me deal with my loss and the positive impact it has on my mental wellbeing. Yes, it’s taught me how to lift. But more than that it has taught me patience - things take time, whether that be healing from my grief or the ability to lift a heavier set that week.
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It’s taught me consistency - showing up for myself, even if my emotional state made me think I didn’t want to/couldn’t. And it has taught me that I am stronger than I would have ever believed - physically and mentally.
I’m almost 3 years into my fitness journey and I am the healthiest I have ever been. Despite the lockdown restrictions my mind feels stronger, and above all, I believe in myself so much more.
Having spent so much time in the gym, I found myself living in activewear. I took so much pleasure in mixing n matching different outfits/colours together. People always complemented me on how much they loved my outfits, and it got me thinking... why don’t I combine my love for fashion and the passion I have for fitness and start looking into designing my own activewear brand? Even before I started my whole fitness journey, I would always talk to Miguel about how much I’d love to have my own clothing line one day... well “one day” became “now” and here I am! And it is from here that my Designed By Gigi journey first started... I still pinch myself at the fact that this all happened in the space of 9 months!
Despite Covid restrictions I managed to find the right supplier to help me manufacture my brand and help source local materials where ever possible. I take great pride in the fact that some of our materials used in this first collection, have been knitted right here in the UK!
The whole of my second lockdown was spent drawing up designs; developing my logo; looking at how I can structure different pieces together to give a beautiful, contoured look and feel. It kept me busy but gave me such a buzz to see it all coming together.
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Designed By Gigi is incredibly versatile. We capture our designs on women from all different walks of life and diverse backgrounds, whether you’re breaking up a sweat, relaxing in a cafe or even out dancing, our pieces can be layered, mixed and matched, not only with activewear but an everyday wardrobe to create the perfect chick -on the - go look.
I’ve been behind every style, every package, every label, every design and every shoot. I have loved every step of the way and it brings me so much joy. I hope you guys love The Gigi collection as much as I do!
Much Love,
Georgie x
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I wanted to share this very meaningful poem written by a very dear friend of mine.
It relates so well with my journey and the past 3 years of my life.
“ When It’s dark, the tunnel can seem so long
With no end, no escape, nothing.
You feel completely alone.
But believe me, you’re not:
Holding you gently,
Unseen but there,
Is a strength.
It’s called hope.”
Please follow her page for more inspirational poems on mental health
Instagram: @mindfulmidlandsmama