Hi, my name’s Michelle. A few years ago, I suddenly and violently burnt out, triggering a terrifying episode of anxiety and depression. During my recovery there was a moment when I think I might have reached that special place in the mind where brilliance meets madness, when the pyjamas I often found myself unable to get out of became my inspiration. I wondered, could we take the symbolism of ‘the PJ day’, both good and bad, to help make mental health an everyday conversation? If you don’t try, you’ll never know.

So here I am today with my husband Remi Rough and best friend Susie Moore, having created Pjoys. A purpose-led sleepwear brand. We’re making the most kind, caring, ethical and sustainable sleepwear. Our products, packaging, platform and people are delivering messages of hope and help. 

At the time of my burnout I was told it was awkward when I talked about my mental health, which was crushing and silencing. But as I began to recover and started feeling brave enough to talk about my experience I quickly realised that it really doesn’t need to feel like an awkward conversation. In fact, I’ve had some of the most warm and powerful conversations since I’ve felt I could be honest about who I am and what I have experienced plus I’ve found my new purpose and passion for this chapter of my life – to make mental health an everyday conversation.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it took a whole heap of brilliant humans to help me recover from my mental health illness and get me to this point. We hope that through Pjoys we not only create beautiful sleepwear but also help support others on their mental health journey too.

Michelle x