Mindfulness In Action: Journey To Self-Love And Wellness – Interview With Sophie Benbow
- Nov 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Sophie Benbow is a self-development coach, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher who holds various qualifications in Health & Fitness. She aims to guide you on a journey of self-love, healing and compassion. Head on over to her website to enquire about coaching, listen to her meditations and follow her social channels.
Sophie Benbow, Self-Development Coach and Mindfulness Teacher
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hi, I’m Sophie Benbow, a Mindful Eating Coach, Meditation Teacher, and healthy cook. I currently live between Sydney, Australia and the UK. I spend my days helping people reconnect with their bodies and cultivate a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and themselves.
Outside of work, I love staying active—I’m a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer, and you’ll often find me taking a mat Pilates class or going for a run in nature.
Cooking has always been close to my heart. Growing up, I loved helping my mum in the kitchen, learning family recipes, and collecting fresh, homegrown vegetables from my nan’s lush garden in Wales. Those early memories taught me the joy of simple, wholesome food and the connection it fosters between people and the earth. Today, I channel that inspiration into creating nourishing meals that bring a sense of mindfulness and love to the table.
I’m a huge animal lover and deeply miss my French bulldog, Henri, who passed away last year. He brought so much joy to my life and reinforced my belief in the healing power of unconditional love. I can’t wait to welcome another dog into my home when the time feels right.
When I’m not working or cooking, I enjoy journaling, reading self-development books, and spending quality time with family and friends. I’m also a natural creative and love immersing myself in art galleries, photography, and anything that sparks inspiration and self-expression.
What makes me unique is the blend of experiences I bring to my coaching—my background as a corporate lawyer, my journey through overcoming personal challenges with food, and my dedication to helping others lead more mindful, intentional lives. My mission is to inspire others to embrace self-love and live in alignment with their values.
What inspired you to start sophiebenbow.com, and how has your vision evolved since?
When I started sophiebenbow.com in 2016, it was initially a space to share healthy recipes with my mum back in the UK. I never imagined it would take off the way it did—one of my recipes went viral, leading to interviews and media features. That whirlwind showed me the power of connecting with others through food and wellness. Over time, my vision expanded beyond recipes to focus on mindful eating, self-love, and creating a holistic approach to health. Today, my work is about helping people transform their relationship with food and themselves, whilst also giving them help and guidance with easy recipes and healthy living.
How do you approach mindfulness and wellness in your daily life and work?
Mindfulness is the foundation of everything I do. In my personal life, I start the day with meditation, which helps me feel grounded and focused. I carry that presence into my work, whether it’s through mindful eating practices, creating content, or coaching clients. Wellness, for me, is about balance—it’s not about being perfect but about tuning in and making choices that align with my body and mind’s needs.
What do you believe are the most impactful habits for personal growth?
Consistency and self-compassion are game changers. I encourage small, sustainable changes—like carving out a few minutes daily for mindfulness or prepping nourishing meals. Journaling is another powerful habit for self-awareness and growth, as is setting clear boundaries to protect your energy. And most importantly, I believe in celebrating progress, no matter how small, because it reinforces positive change.
How do you stay motivated and balanced as an entrepreneur in the wellness industry?
I won’t pretend it’s always easy — entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster! But I stay motivated by remembering my “why”: helping people transform their lives. I make time for self-care practices like Pilates, meditation, and spending time outdoors, which keep me balanced. I’ve also learned to embrace imperfection and ask for support when I need it—it’s all about finding what works for you and creating a supportive framework of friends and connections.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning their wellness journey?
Start small and be kind to yourself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when beginning something new, so focus on one or two changes at a time—whether that’s drinking more water, practicing gratitude, or eating more mindfully. Remember, wellness is a journey, not a race, and it’s about progress, not perfection. Celebrate every step you take toward feeling better!
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
I’d love to see less focus on quick fixes and more emphasis on sustainable, holistic practices. So much of the wellness industry still promotes extremes, whether it’s strict diets or intense workout plans. I believe real transformation comes from creating habits that nurture your body and mind, not from chasing trends or perfection.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
One of the most pivotal moments was when I realized I needed to heal my own relationship with food. That journey wasn’t linear, but it taught me so much about resilience, self-love, and the power of mindfulness. It’s what ultimately inspired me to help others on their paths to healing. And, of course, the day my recipe went viral—it was the nudge I needed to step into a new chapter of my life.
