Many of us have the desire to change some aspects of our lives at some point because change is good for the soul. It could be a new job, a new fashion style, or maybe a new hairstyle. For some men, growing a beard can provide a dramatic transformation and end up being their trademark look for decades. We’re not talking pet beards but the real thing. Beards have been a growing trend over the past several years and have spurred a beard care products industry catering to this emerging market.
A 21-year-old businessman, Gwilym Pugh, never thought of growing a beard until his barber suggested he do so. Working 12 hour days, Gwilym Pugh was running a successful insurance company out of a spare bedroom in his home.
While he had a successful professional life, Gwilym Pugh was not happy with his personal life. Working at a desk all day took a toll on Pugh’s health and his weight climbed up to 280 pounds. Wanting to make a change, he decided to change his diet, start exercising and grow a beard. His transformation is nothing short of amazing.
Gwilym Pugh ran a successful insurance business out of his home and regularly worked 12 hour days.
![Gwilym Pugh ran a successful insurance business out of his home and regularly worked 12 hour days.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-01.jpg?resize=720%2C479&ssl=1)
While he had a successful professional life, Gwilym Pugh was less happy with his personal life. Working at a desk every day, he became overweight and decided to clean up his diet and start exercising. His barber also suggested he grow a beard.
![While he had a successful professional life, he was less happy with his personal life. Working at a desk every day, he became overweight and decided to clean up his diet and start exercising. His barber also suggested he grow a beard.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-02.jpg?resize=720%2C542&ssl=1)
While it didn’t happen overnight, his personal transformation is dramatic.
![While it didn't happen overnight, his personal transformation is dramatic.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-03.jpg?resize=720%2C1081&ssl=1)
“A picture says a thousand words…Coming from being 22 years old, overweight, plagued with injuries, and unhappy barely leaving the house,”
!["A picture says a thousand words...Coming from being 22 years old, overweight, plagued with injuries, and unhappy barely leaving the house,"](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-04.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
“I’m happier and healthier than I ever thought possible and doing things that didn’t even cross my mind to dream of.”
!["I'm happier and healthier than I ever thought possible and doing things that didn't even cross my mind to dream of."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-05.jpg?resize=720%2C480&ssl=1)
Even with all of his success, Gwilym Pugh remains humble and down to earth.
![Even with all of his success, Pugh remains humble and down to earth.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-06.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
He now gets to travel the world and share his ginger good looks with the world.
![He now gets to travel the world and share his ginger good looks with the world.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-07.jpg?resize=720%2C551&ssl=1)
“I think I’m lucky I got into this profession at the age that I did.”
!["I think I’m lucky I got into this profession at the age that I did."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-08.jpg?resize=720%2C600&ssl=1)
He’s worked hard to get the body he’s always wanted and deserves all of the success that comes with it.
![He's worked hard to get the body he's always wanted and deserves all of the success that comes with it.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-09.jpg?resize=720%2C1081&ssl=1)
“Having worked in finance for years, the opportunity to work with creative people and travel around the world is amazing.”
!["Having worked in finance for years, the opportunity to work with creative people and travel around the world is amazing."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-10.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
As a model, Pugh is even an ambassador for David Beckham’s new male grooming line, House 99.
![As a model, Pugh is even an ambassador for David Beckham’s new male grooming line, House 99.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-11.jpg?resize=720%2C877&ssl=1)
“I try not to get caught up in it all and my girlfriend helps a great deal with that.”
!["I try not to get caught up in it all and my girlfriend helps a great deal with that."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-12.jpg?resize=720%2C612&ssl=1)
The before and after photographs of Gwilym Pugh speak for themselves…
![The before and after photographs speak for themselves...](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-13.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
“It was the best thing for my health.”
!["It was the best thing for my health."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-14.jpg?resize=720%2C900&ssl=1)
Gwilym Pugh now models for big brands like Diesel, Bud Light, Vans, and his career is only getting better.
![He now models for big brands like Diesel, Bud Light, Vans, and his career is only getting better.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-15.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
“Regular osteo treatment and morning mobility and HIIT workouts are what’s in order.”
!["Regular osteo treatment and morning mobility and HIIT workouts are what’s in order."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-16.jpg?resize=720%2C900&ssl=1)
An avid photographer, Gwilym Pugh also started an Instagram account and now boasts over 300,000 followers.
![An avid photographer, he also started an Instagram account and now boasts over 300,000 followers.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-17.jpg?resize=720%2C899&ssl=1)
Thanks to Instagram, it was also there where Gwilym Pugh was spotted by Welsh tailor Nathan Palmer and given the opportunity to appear in Nathan Palmer’s 2015 collection.
![Thanks to Instagram, it was also there where he was spotted by Welsh tailor Nathan Palmer and given the opportunity to appear in Nathan Palmer's 2015 collection.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-18.jpg?resize=720%2C824&ssl=1)
“If we sit by and become complacent and put our heads in the sand, we’re complicit.”
!["If we sit by and become complacent and put our heads in the sand, we're complicit."](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-19.jpg?resize=720%2C685&ssl=1)
It’s not uncommon to spot himself on billboards and magazines like GQ across the UK and the world.
![It's not uncommon to spot himself on billboards and magazines like GQ across the UK and the world.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-20.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
If you’ve ever considered growing a beard, Gwilym Pugh’s amazing photos are probably just what you needed to seal the deal.
![If you've ever considered growing a beard, Pugh's amazing photos are probably just what you needed to seal the deal.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-21.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
Going from sitting behind a desk for 12 hours a day to traveling the world as a model wasn’t easy; however, Gwilym Pugh is proof that if you put your mind to it and work hard, you can accomplish anything.
![Going from sitting behind a desk for 12 hours a day to traveling the world as a model wasn't easy; however, Gwilym Pugh is proof that if you put your mind to it and work hard, you can accomplish anything.](https://i0.wp.com/winkgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Barber-Tells-Gwilym-Pugh-Grow-Beard-22.jpg?resize=720%2C900&ssl=1)
H/t: Bored Panda
Gwilym Pugh’s story of going from a shy, overweight insurance salesman to a lean, confident ginger bearded model is nothing short of amazing. Gwilym Pugh’s amazing transformation provides inspiration to so many people. Please share this unbelievable transformation of a businessman that decided to grow a beard and become a model with your friends and family.