There is something to be said about a nice-looking beard. One man has used growing a beard as a call to change his life. While financially stable, his health was slipping. So, when his barber suggested he grow a beard, he used it as a rallying cry to completely transform himself.

A change was needed

Insurance company founder and entrepreneur Gwilym Pugh had started his company in Wales from his spare room. As a side effect of all of his hard work was failing health as he spent all day sitting at a desk. As his finances started to go up, so did his weight and Pugh had gained 280 pounds before he knew it. It was at this point that he decided it was time to make a change.

“At that time I was pretty overweight,” Pugh told Good Morning Britain, “working 12 hours a day, plagued with injuries which meant I couldn’t train at all. The business was doing okay, but I decided I needed to get my life in order and wanted to get healthy again.”

Inspiration and a turnaround

It was while talking to his barber that he got his inspiration. A member of a folk band, Pugh’s barber told him to grow a beard. The barber felt that the beard would help him fit in more with the look of the group. This is when everything started to turn around for Pugh.

Getting healthier and happier

In addition to growing a beard, Pugh also changed his eating habits. Soon, he was on to a happier and healthier lifestyle. Over a five-year period, he lost 90 pounds. He also had a variety of opportunities open up to him due to his lifestyle change.

“It was the best thing for my health as I stopped sitting for nine to 10 hours a day,” Pugh said.

New opportunities

Starting an Instagram page, Pugh was eventually approached by Welsh tailor Nathan Palmer. His life from that point was far different than he ever imagined it would be. He was soon signed to a contract with the London-based modeling agency AMCK Models.

“A picture says a thousand words…. Coming from being 22 years old, overweight, plagued with injuries, and unhappy barely leaving the house,” Pugh said on his Instagram. “I’m happier and healthier than I ever thought possible and doing things that didn’t even cross my mind to dream of.”

Pugh has also become an ambassador for David Beckham’s male grooming brand, HOUSE 99.

Pugh is excited about the future

Pugh is excited about what the future holds but doesn’t let it go to his head.

“I think I’m lucky I got into this profession at the age that I did,” Pugh said. ““I try not to get caught up in it all and my girlfriend helps a great deal with that. Having worked in finance for years, the opportunity to work with creative people and travel around the world is amazing.”

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And it all started because of a beard. Pugh now looks better than ever and looks forward to a life full of good health, happiness, success, and new opportunities.

H/T: Shareably, Bored Panda