MIMMA VIGLEZIO
Born and raised in Lugano, Switzerland, Mimma Viglezio has had a long career as a fashion executive, first at Bulgari in Rome as Corporate Communications Executive Director WW, then in the same role at Louis Vuitton in Paris, and finally as EVP of Global Communications for the Gucci Group (now Kering). Since January 2010, after leaving Corporate life, Mimma has dedicated her knowledge and network to scout and advise young talented creative entrepreneurs, mainly launching fashion sustainable solutions or brands with strong values in human rights. She is a Member of the Board of Tomorrow London Ltd and an advisor of the Board of Modern Meadow, a biotechnological company for the creation of bio-fabricated materials, and E.L.V.DENIM, a sustainable fashion brand. A former Trustee of the Swarovski Foundation, she is now Chair of the Board of Trustees of Seja and a Champion of Women for Women UK. Viglezio is also a regular invited Professor at Polimoda in Florence. Fluent in Italian, French and English, she speaks some German and Spanish and has studied Mandarin. She lives and works in London.
Follow Mimma:
Instagram: @mimmav
Website: www.mimmaviglezio.com
“Ayurveda changed my life for the better.” 20 years ago Mimma found herself overworked and highly stressed, “plus I was surviving the heartbreak of all heartbreaks.” Mimma searched online and was instinctively drawn to a Panchakarma centre in Bangalore, India. It was so transformative that she has never looked back, making the time to spend at least 10 days there every other year, while taking many of the practices that she has learned home with her and into her everyday.
WHAT DOES AYURVEDA MEAN TO YOU?
Ayurveda changed my life for the better. I was overworked and highly stressed, plus I was surviving the heartbreak of all heartbreaks.The end of years holidays were approaching like a dreaded nightmare. I googled India and Ayurveda, bought a ticket and left on a flight to Bangalore. I was sad, skinny and pale and Ayurvedagram’s Ayurvedic Doctor Manu saw through me and my pain. I have been going back to the same place for 20 years. My heartbeat slowed, my skin problems have gone and my gut is happy and healthy.
WHAT DREW YOU TO AYURVEDA?
I want to say chance drew me to it, and the Universe. I was already a keen India traveller but I had never experienced Ayurveda, apart from maybe the occasional massage when in India. Ayurvedagram (my heaven in Karnataka) appeared on the screen during a Google search, and I instinctively felt I had to go. I have never looked back, never tried a different resort, never stopped making the time to spend at least 10 days there every other year.
HAS IT HELPED YOU WITH ANYTHING MAJOR?
Yes, mainly with stress control and various skin problems, like fungal infections and psoriasis. Also I used to regularly develop a nasty stye in my right eye, which was painful and face deforming, and it has not come back in 15 years.
On top of this, my immune system is in great shape, I rarely get the cold in winter, and I can heal a sore throat overnight with just a tumeric, ginger, lemon and honey homemade tea.
IS AYURVEDA PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE OR JUST FOR YOUR MEDICINE CABINET OR FALL-BACK ROUTINE?
It is, and it is not. I do practice yoga and avoid pharmaceutical drugs; I also meditate when I need focus and calm. Naturally I don’t overeat, drink very little alcohol and keep rather fit, so I did not have to change my lifestyle that much.. I believe in moderation. I was almost 100% Pitta when I first showed up at Ayurvedagram in 2000, and now I am perfectly balanced Vata-Pitta, and my fire is finally tamed.
I still take the smelly potions and use the wonderful oils prescribed. I sometimes send texts to my Indian Doctor who is always ready to help.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 AYURVEDIC TIPS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR YOU?
An instinctive and immediate belief in its principles; consistency; and pranayama.
I have been going back for Panchakarma every 18 months, and I have learnt how to spontaneously control my breathing. Oh and also, I have learnt how to nurse a head cold just by letting it be.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT AYURVEDA?
How incredibly life changing it is.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AYURVEDIC RECIPE OR GO-TO INGREDIENT?
All the Indian spices. I have spent time with the chef at the resort to learn how to cook a mild Ayurvedic curry and have become acquainted with the myriad of different tastes and ways to cook vegetables.
HOW DOES AYURVEDA FIT INTO YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINES?
I make a version of the coffee served at Ayurvedagram every morning. It’s a mixture of coffee beans and chicory. I literally cook it in water and milk. It’s a particular taste that instantly brings me back there. I found it on Amazon, so I can stock up on it regularly.
I also warm up the Ayurvedic herbal oil I usually bring back, and massage it on my body once a week. The smell of the warming oil is also an instant reminder of my favourite place in India.
WHAT DO YOU WISH WAS EASIER IN OUR SOCIETY TO MAKE AN AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE MORE ACCESSIBLE?
It would be nice to have access to an authentic Abhyanga 4-hands synchronised massage at an accessible price in London.
DO PEOPLE AROUND YOU/IN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS KNOW ABOUT AYURVEDA?
Some do. I have introduced a few of my friends to my Indian Ayurvedic Paradise, and 2 of them have also become regulars.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO TRY OR YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE’S HEALTH FOR THE BETTER?
Don't fill your body with drugs and chemicals, when not necessary.
You don’t need antibiotics to fight a cold.