In Conversation with Divine Goddess Ambassador Fran Pitzalis

In Conversation with Fran Pitzalis

Meet Fran Pitzalis, our inspiring long-term Divine Goddess Ambassador. Originally from Sardinia, Italy, Fran is a dedicated yoga instructor whose life experiences—including living with Type 1 diabetes and embracing motherhood—have profoundly shaped her journey and the remarkable woman she is today.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Fran Pitzalis, and I’m a passionate yoga instructor, born and raised in Sardinia, Italy. My yoga journey began in 2015 when I discovered the practice in Australia. At first, yoga was just a way to stretch after workouts, but it soon became something much deeper. In 2018, while studying for my Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Sweden, my practice really took off. I began practising regularly, and everything just clicked—I felt more balanced, my studies seemed easier, and I had more energy. Yoga became my passion and helped me connect with myself on a spiritual level. Living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) since the age of six, yoga has truly supported me in managing my condition.

How did yoga support you during those early days of motherhood?

I’ve always been very active, so movement has always been essential for my wellbeing. But when I became a mum, I felt like a completely different person. Postpartum was much tougher than I anticipated—both physically and mentally. After having a C-section and dealing with an infection, my recovery was slow, and not being able to move as I was used to was challenging. When I did start moving again, the new challenge was finding time to reconnect with myself. In those first two months, I focused on gentle yoga poses, pranayama, and meditation—sometimes just 15 minutes a day while the baby napped. These moments helped me slowly reconnect with myself and gave me the strength to embrace this new chapter with gratitude. Patience was key. I missed my usual asana practice and couldn’t wait to get back to it! Now, as I’m pregnant with my second child, I’m hoping to draw on these same practices to support my body and mind through this new experience.

Motherhood certainly teaches patience. Do you have any routines that help you manage this?

My little one is almost 2.5 years old, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of making time for yourself every day. Whether it’s getting a pedicure, reading a book, meeting a friend for coffee, going to the gym, or just going for a walk, that time is essential. For me, yoga is how I recharge. After practising, I feel energised, calm, and strong—everything I need to care for my little one. When you’ve done something for yourself, it’s so much easier to be patient.

How does your yoga practice influence how you raise your daughter?

It’s such a wild and wonderful journey! I want my daughter to grow up strong, patient, and determined—someone who can chase her dreams without giving up. I believe everyone needs a passion, and yoga is one of mine. It gives me strength, physically and mentally, and I hope to inspire her to find something that fuels her the same way. Yoga also teaches self-esteem and self-respect, qualities I hope to pass on to her.

If you could share one piece of advice with your daughter about being a woman today, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to be unapologetically yourself.

Can you tell us a bit about living with Type 1 Diabetes and how it impacts your daily life?

I’m 34 now, and I’ve been living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) since I was six. With T1D, my body doesn’t produce insulin, so I have to manage my blood sugar levels constantly. This can impact a lot of things—sometimes my glucose levels spike or drop unexpectedly, forcing me to pause or even cut short a yoga session. Technology has been a big help. I use an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track my blood sugar, which makes things a bit easier. But T1D is something you never get a break from—it’s a constant mental and physical challenge that shapes you for life.

How did you feel when you were first diagnosed with Diabetes? Was it something that ran in your family, or was it a new experience?

As a child, my biggest fear was not being able to keep up with my friends. I thought diabetes would limit my future. But you know what? It’s never stopped me from following my dreams—whether that’s travelling, playing sports, or enjoying my favourite foods! I’m actually the first in my family to have it, so it was a learning experience for all of us.

How does yoga help you cope with diabetes?

I’ve been practising yoga for years, and I’ve noticed some intriguing parallels between yoga and managing diabetes. Both teach you to observe your experiences and understand how your thoughts, sensations, and actions can shape your energy—whether that’s spiritual or simply managing glucose levels. Beginning my yoga journey felt like starting a new chapter. Yoga has made a significant difference in my life and diabetes management, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others, especially those living with diabetes. T1D never takes a day off, and we all need tools to help us stay balanced!

Tell us a bit about your connection to Divine Goddess. What inspired you to connect with us?

I’m passionate about beautiful, eco-conscious yoga wear and mats that align with my values, and Divine Goddess checks all the boxes. I’m committed to sustainability—not just for the ocean, but in all aspects of life. I regularly participate in beach cleanups, make mindful choices to reduce plastic use, and follow a plant-based lifestyle. It’s important to align with brands that share these same core values.

What are your favourite asanas?

I absolutely love inversions and arm balances! They challenge both my mind and body and make me feel incredibly strong. Recently, I’ve been focused on Pincha Mayurasana—it’s a stunning pose that pushes my limits and helps me grow in my practice!

Follow Fran’s journey on Instagram @fran_pitzalis_yoga or her website at francescapitzalis.com