A Day In The Life Of A Model & Mental Health Advocate
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A Day In The Life Of A Model & Mental Health Advocate

Simone Powderly is a model, mental health advocate and creative whose work spans fashion, beauty and social impact. Leading conversations around natural hair, identity and emotional wellbeing, she’s pushing for inclusivity both on and off the runway. Here she talks us through a typical day in her life…
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Sweaty Betty

5am

My body clock wakes me up every day between 5am and 6am. It’s not by choice – I wish I could lay in, but it's just the way I’m wired. The first thing I do when I wake up is show gratitude to myself. I say everything I am thankful for out loud. I drink a glass of water and then I’m getting ready for the gym. I lay out my gym clothes the night before to avoid getting flustered in the morning. My favourite brand is Sweaty Betty – its Absorber bra is a must-have for running. All my activewear is brightly coloured to put me in a good mood too.

5.30am

I brush my teeth and pop my vitamins. I have a daily vitamin case that makes taking my probiotics so much easier. I cleanse my face with the Skin Rocks cleanser and then make some herbal tea, either mint or nettle. This will be the first time I look at my phone to check emails – seeing as no one else is often awake, I find I can get a lot done.

6.15am

I could run to the gym, but I drive. It’s 20 minutes from my house and on the way, I love to listen to a good R&B playlist. I’m also trying to listen to more news in the morning, so I will have LBC on the radio. I’m flipping between the audiobook and physical book of The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. I can’t get enough of the Better With Paul podcast either. I go to the gym four or five times a week. If I’m ever stuck on which exercises to do, I ask ChatGPT for a list or watch a tutorial on YouTube. Whether it’s legs or upper body, I always finish off with some core exercises because mine is so weak. Being 35 means I can’t just leave the gym after a workout – stretching is key.

7.30am

The sweaty gym clothes come off as soon as I get home. I have a shower and if I’m having a no make-up day, I go in with the Skin Rocks The Support Oil after cleansing again, barrier cream from Dermalogica and Ultra Violette’s SPF gives a great dewy glow. For make-up, it’s always the NARS concealer, Make-Up By Mario bronzer, M·A·C lip liner and the Fenty Gloss Bomb. I make a blueberry and banana protein shake because Joe & The Juice has enough of my money. Breakfast is egg whites and avocado.

The Brasserie Of Light/@TheOfficialSelfridges

8.30am

My outfits turn out best when I haven't got the time to think about it. I would describe my style as a cocktail: depending on my mood I can go from androgenous to something really feminine. I love the high street – ARKET, COS, H&M and Topshop via ASOS are my favourites.  When I’m feeling sporty, I rely on Adidas Originals. I spend most days in my barrel-leg trousers from Free People and an oversized shirt or blazer from NA-KD. My favourite bag is a Burberry steal from Bicester Village. Modelling has pushed me out of my comfort zone and when I want to wear colour, I love Kai Collective and Never Fully Dressed. My style icons are Tracee Ellis Ross, Pharell Williams and ASAP Rocky.

10am

I have a modelling job two or three times per week. Otherwise, I go to a co-working space in central London like The Standard to work on my own projects. I also work from the Queen of The South Pub where, up until recently, I was a brand ambassador. The role was heavily tied to the community, and creating more of a safe space for women in pubs. I am now so busy with all my other projects, from brand activations to content ideas and my wellness club, Sole Mates Society. I am always listening to music with my Beats Powerbeats Pro. I have Jessie Reyez’s album Paid In Memory on repeat at the moment. Finally, I can’t leave the house without my Emma Hardie facial mist and Frank Green water bottle to stay hydrated through the day.

12.30pm

I have my first coffee of the day with my lunch. I am a huge fan of the Pret falafel bowl and mixed nuts to snack on later in the day. For lunch meetings, Scarlett Green in Soho is a go-to or Brasserie of Light for something a bit fancier. I make sure I give myself a full hour for lunch and just focus on eating because I have really bad digestion. Then, I go for a 20-minute walk to get some steps in.

@SimonePowderly

4pm

I start to make my way home as it takes me a long time to switch off. Once afternoon emails are all done, I take an hour to read. The best afternoon snack is the apple and peanut butter pot from M&S. At the beginning of the week, I will always cook an early dinner around 6pm made up of protein and vegetables. Toward the end of the week, I love a Chinese or Indian takeaway from my local, Kokum in Dulwich.

8pm

I like to unwind by dancing in my living room. It releases the inner child in me – if I’m ever feeling a little down, I have a dance. I attend at least three brand events a week in the beauty and wellness space. Being self-employed means that I never fully switch off but I am trying more to give myself grace. I have to remind myself it’s okay to sit and do nothing or just watch TV in the evenings. I just started bingeing Forever on Netflix and I always go back to Law & Order.

10pm

I sleep with a weighted blanket. Also on my bedside table I have an SAD lamp, Neom scented candle and jewellery tray. I can’t have too much going on as I need my bedroom to be a clear space. Before bed I have a shower, drink some chamomile tea and spray my pillow with magnesium spray. The last thing I do before bed is a bit of breathwork and meditation to relax.

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@SimonePowderly

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