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Heike Petersen Cunza: “Sustainability is fun and easy”

Natural Health sits down with German-Peruvian entrepreneur, Heike Petersen Cunza, to learn about circular fashion, living a sustainable and balanced life, and leaving the world a better place

By Sarah Highfield

Heike Petersen Cunza is the founder of eco-luxe athleisure brand, Wellicious, which is the world’s first circular and Cradle to Cradle certified yoga-wear brand. Small but mighty, Heike truly embodies the term ‘Superwoman;’ she runs her own business, alongside bringing up three daughters and three dogs! She is a force to be reckoned with and an absolute inspiration when it comes to finding balance and living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Please give us a little bit of background about yourself

I was born in Germany, and I am a wife, mother, and business owner. I previously worked in PR and business management, and have always had a passion for luxury, high-quality and organic products.

What inspired you to set up Wellicious?

As a child, I was inspired by my grandmother Maria’s commitment to living a sustainable lifestyle and my parents’ two-decade-long residence in Eastern Africa, where they lived among the wonders of nature. I have always wanted to combine my love of yoga with the philosophy that style should not be at the expense of our planet, and so I set up Wellicious in London in 2007.

What makes Wellicious different from other sustainable brands?

Wellicious is the world’s first circular and Cradle to Cradle Certified yoga-wear brand, which means no waste is produced in the production of our clothes. We also offer a take-back system to our customers. When an item is ready to be returned to the earth (thereby closing its materials’ loop), you can send it back to us in exchange for a 10% discount on your next purchase. In doing so, we will ensure the biodegrading process is optimised so that no trace of your item is left behind. 

What are your favourite Wellicious items?

I appreciate all our Wellicious yoga pieces, they come in an array of complimentary blues that can be mixed and matched into different combinations. Three popular pieces that our customers love are: Fresher Cropped Tank in Sea Green & Shoreline Blue, 3/4 Crop Top in Diamond White & Sea Green, and New Leggings in Caviar Black, Shoreline Blue & Sea Green

Where are your top spots to practice yoga?

I love practicing yoga surrounded by nature, so in my garden or by the sea with the fresh salty air. I also have some favourite yoga teachers and studios in both London and Munich, where I split my time between.

I try to be organised and ensure I have time scheduled for work, family, and social time. It might sound a little sterile, but it is a good way to ensure I split my time sensibly. Running my business has made me realise how important family time is, and I try to maintain clear boundaries between the different areas of my life, so that I can be fully present in each.

How do you keep healthy when you are constantly busy and on the move?

When I am travelling lots, I make sure I have lots of water and healthy snacks. If I am ever feeling stressed, I stop what I am doing and take a few deep breaths to help recentre and rebalance myself.

What are your go-to healthy meals?

I love eating colourful vegetable bowls with quinoa or other healthy grains. I find them so hearty and nourishing. I am also a big fan of soups, especially in the winter, and I like to make them from scratch.

What are your favourite beauty products or brands?

I always keep a tube of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant in my handbag. It is so handy for a multitude of purposes; I use it as a lip balm, hand cream, to smooth flyaway hairs, and even to add shine to my cheekbones. The other product I love is my UpCircle SPF 25 Face Cream, which I put on every morning, come rain or shine.

Do you have any favourite quotes or mottos?

I always keep my own quote front of mind, which is: “Sustainability is fun and easy.” As for other quotes, I am not sure who said this, but I really like: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” It resonates with me so much because it is easy to say you want change, but embodying change is what will actually make a difference. When we talk about sustainability, and if we are serious about it, we must be the change we wish to see. Leaving the world a better place is the least we can do for our planet.

To find out more, visit the Wellicious website or find the brand on Instagram at @Wellicious, and on Facebook at @Wellicious.