So That Happened

Man's astonishing transformation after being told to grow a beard goes viral. Now he's a model.

Orli Matlow

Never underestimate the power of beards.giphyGwilym Pugh (the Welshiest of names) was operating an insurance company from his spare bedroom, barely exercising because of a new injury. He decided to turn his life around, and formed a folk band. That&#39;s when a barber encouraged him to grow a beard to &quot;look the part.&quot; And the results are powerful.          View this post on Instagram           So today has been an absolute whirlwind!! I woke up with a banging hangover after the @vo5 @nmemagazine awards to news the article about my personal journey has pretty much gone viral around the world 😱 I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone commenting kind words and supporting me, I think it’s easy to criticise people, especially online, but it’s 2018 and we need to start lifting each other up! Literally anything is possible, even if you’re not aware of it yet. . . PS.. huge thank you to @instagram for making my journey possible!! . . . . . . . #beforeandafter #transformation #gingerbeard #weightloss #fatlossjourney #redhead #gingerhair #gingerman #igtransformation @instagram A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Feb 15, 2018 at 10:32am PSTTHIS IS THE SAME DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!giphyPugh told The Daily Mail that as he lost weight, he semi-reluctantly started posting on Instagram, and damn, you should see the pics.         View this post on Instagram           With my winter time My idols and stage fright In another night Where the lights are loud and bright I know no luxury Of knowing what your eyes read I know one million ways To always pick the wrong thing to say Photo: @tommybrady7 A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on May 29, 2017 at 8:53am PDT         View this post on Instagram           Keeping myself protected against the elements in the timeless waxed cotton Roadmaster jacket from @belstaff. Perfect for English summer 😂 #FitForPurpose Shot by @lelburnett A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Apr 11, 2017 at 10:40am PDT         View this post on Instagram           &#39;Because Nobody&#39;s Perfect&#39; @his_jeans SS17 campaign A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Feb 1, 2017 at 10:28am PST Today, the shy former insurance salesman is a professional model, and was chosen by David Beckham to rep his grooming products.They&#39;re buds!         View this post on Instagram           Blue steel.... 👀 Who did it best? 😂 With @davidbeckham’s for the launch of @house99 last week at @harveynicholsmen. Scroll across for few more photos from the evening! . . . . . #BlueSteel #house99 #hometoyournextlook #davidbeckham #futbolmiami #harveynichols #beckham #beardstyle #mensstyle #ad A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Feb 6, 2018 at 10:44am PST         View this post on Instagram           It&#39;s cuddle season! ❄️ #bloodyfreezing A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Nov 6, 2016 at 7:59am PST         View this post on Instagram           When you get caught in a downpour on the way home 😂 #DrownedRat A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Oct 15, 2016 at 11:22am PDTThe read beard is now his calling card, and you can see why.         View this post on Instagram           Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming &#34;Wow! What a Ride! #HunterSThompson . @belstaff #SS18 #Belstaff #Ad . . . . . . #mensstyle #mensfashion #menswear #leatherjacket #longhair #gingerhair #gingerbeard A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Feb 16, 2018 at 8:47am PST         View this post on Instagram           Super excited to announce I’m gunna be working with me ol’ mate @davidbeckham again this year on his new grooming brand @house99 exclusive to @harveynicholsmen! Give them a follow to see what’s in store!! . . . . . #house99 #hometoyournextlook #mensgrooming #mensskincare #menstyles #mensfashion #gingerhair #gingerbeard #hawaiianshirt #printshirt #beardstyle #ad #davidbeckham A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Jan 29, 2018 at 10:18am PST         View this post on Instagram           London... The capital city of live music 🎶 En route to the @vo5 @nmemagazine awards nomination party earlier this week #NewStylesNowPlaying #vo5nmeawards2018 #BeatHairBoredom #ad . . . . . . . . . . #menshair #hairstylesmen #menshairstyle #gingerhair #gingerbeard #ginger #hairgoals #hairstyles #haircut #menshaircut #london #mensfashion #towerbridge A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Jan 21, 2018 at 9:36am PSTWho can resist a ginger beard?         View this post on Instagram           I’m back!! En route back to sunny London!As is tradition, here’s my #2017bestnine! Looks like more animal photos needed for 2018 🤗 See ya on the other side 👋🏻 Sri Lanka and safari photos to follow shortly! #tarafornow A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Dec 30, 2017 at 4:50am PSTIt&#39;s all about that beard.         View this post on Instagram           It&#39;s that time of year 🎄 #tb to when my face was a Christmas Tree 😂 A post shared by  Gwilym C Pugh (@gwilymcpugh) on Dec 22, 2016 at 10:58am PST

Never underestimate the power of beards.    Gwilym Pugh (the Welshiest of names) was operating an insurance company from his spare bedroom, barely exercising because of a new injury. He decided to turn his life around, and formed a folk...