Rebecca’s Reflexology and Wellness is one year old on October 25th 2024 and I’d like to share some thoughts from a great first year.
How did it all begin?
Several years ago, a colleague of mine began training as a reflexologist, she quit her administrative job and has been treating and helping people ever since. All those years ago, I remember feeling a sense of admiration for her and I remember thinking wouldn’t it be fabulous to do that?
Fast forward 15+ years, I did it!
I found myself at a crossroads, I had decided to leave my stressful full-time job and needed a new direction. I had many different ideas but, having always had an interest in holistic therapies, it was reflexology that kept calling me.
I researched courses and settled on studying at The Pathways School of Reflexology in Norwich. The course was very detailed, and included a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology and a year later, Rebecca’s Reflexology and Wellness bega
What is the best thing that has happened during the first year?
The best thing has to be the fact that, through social media, my website and attending events, I have met so many wonderful people who have become clients, friends and colleagues.
How has the business improved since day 1?
Improvements have included: upgrading my equipment to allow me to offer mobile treatments, redecorating my treatment room, and taking advantage of CPD opportunities, including a course in Aromareflex. This means, going forward I can incorporate the benefits of aromatherapy with my reflexology treatments.
How many clients do you have?
I often get asked this, but I like to think in terms of how many feet I’ve helped! In my first year, I have helped soothe more than 250 feet.
What are your favourite things about Rebecca’s?
There are many things I love about running Rebecca’s, but my favourite things are meeting and helping people, being more mindful in my daily life and cultivating an enjoyable work environment. I don’t want it to sound like a cliché but I feel humbled that people put their trust in me and honoured that I can help them.
Who have you connected with during year 1?
It may be quicker to say who have I not connected with! As I mentioned, one of my favourite things has been meeting people. Although at times I still find networking a little daunting, I have embraced the culture and through CoastalNet, Framlingham Business Association and the Federation of Small Businesses have attended many events and broadened my horizons. Whilst I love being my own boss, it is nice to have someone to bounce ideas off from time to time and the colleagues I’ve met at these events are just the kind of people to do this with.
What one thing might people not know about you personally?
My career path has been varied. It began in hospitality (where I even served royalty and celebrities), I then went on to teaching, followed by opening a retail shop specialising in promoting local arts and crafts and then I became a reflexologist.
What might people not know about Rebecca’s Reflexology and Wellness?
I offer other wellness services besides reflexology. For example, I produce and sell a selection of wellness products to enhance well-being, including bath salts, oil blends and candles. Soon to come are room sprays and gift sets.
I can also offer small group sessions, such as hen parties, baby showers and other private events alongside bookings for your workplace.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
If I’m not in my treatment room or making products, there’s a high likelihood you’ll find me spending time with my lovely family and friends, or relaxing in the garden, and sometimes at the beach, maybe with a glass of bubbles!
What should we look out for in Rebecca’s second year?
My top 3 goals are:
to provide a wider range of treatments;
to expand my product line and sell online;
to form collaborations with other businesses to promote the benefits of reflexology.
Follow me on Insta and FaceBook
rebeccas.reflexology
Having been unable to find quality candles, Anna decided to make a few of her own, and soon became fascinated with the process. Here is her story.
I’ve always loved candles. I’m fascinated with the way that fragrance can impact memory and perception, too.
I made my first candle at my kitchen table in Bermondsey, south London, in 2016. I’d tried a few different candle brands over the years, but always noticed some quality issues: they either burned very quickly, didn’t have a noticeable fragrance, or showed signs of tunnelling (which is when the wax doesn’t melt to the edge of the candle). So, I decided to make a few of my own and ordered some wax. One day, I came home from work to discover a very large bag on my doorstep – and realised I’d accidentally ordered 10kg rather than 1kg! Rather than returning it, I took it as a sign to get cracking.
The process wasn’t as easy as I’d anticipated: candle making is – and continues to be – very challenging. But it’s so satisfying when you get it right! I quickly became hooked on mixing different waxes, fragrance blends and wicks to achieve the perfect burn.
By 2019, after many failed candles and even more hours of testing, I had developed a range of candles that I was happy with and felt ready to launch Wildlight. The name reflects a combination of nature’s wild scent with soothing light.
It was also in 2019 that I decided to move out of London and return to my Suffolk roots in Little Bealings. Doing so allowed me the space to work from a lovely workshop in my garden – so now my kitchen is now strictly for cooking again. With a love of the outdoors, I am constantly inspired by scent in nature, including in the garden – the range has been developed to cater for a variety of scent preferences encompassing citrus and floral blends and the earthy spicier scents. My personal favourite from the range is Lavender and Bergamot – a calming soothing scent that really helps promote relaxation and sleep.
Despite being responsible for all aspects of the business I love the flexibility it affords, and that I get to make quick and ‘fun’ decisions about things like design and branding. I also love the social aspect of meeting fellow traders and customers at markets and get a real sense of satisfaction when I hear good comments on the quality of my candles and how they burn.
Contact me, Becki@rebeccasreflexology.co.uk to enquire about the Wildlight Candles I have available to purchase. Candles may be purchased from my treatment room so book a treatment and treat yourself to a candle to use at home. Of course, candles are also available to buy when not attending an appointment. Contact me for details.
For more information, visit Wildlight’s website (https://www.wildlightcandles.co.uk/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wildlight_candles/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildlightsuffolk
Lockdown gave Sam Thornton the time she needed to launch Bergamot and Flow – a range of pulse point aromatherapy oils designed to complement our daily lives. Here, she discusses her creative roots and the challenges (and rewards!) of running a small business.
I was born in the West Midlands but have lived in Suffolk for over 23 years. We moved here for my husband’s job when I was eight months pregnant with our first baby – and as all our children were born here, I feel it’s home.
My previous career was in education, but I have always been very creative. A painting of mine once hung in the Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square in London! I’ve been interested in natural remedies since my teens, after seeing a homoeopath for M.E. – but I was actually introduced to aromatherapy by a supply teacher at the school where I used to work.
From there, I slowly began to make my own blends and oils, which I gifted to family and friends. It was initially just a side hobby, but the extra time some of us were afforded over lockdown allowed me to consider taking things more seriously.
My husband has owned his own business for years, and I’d always thought I’d want to do something on my own – and dabbling in essential oils, and realising how amazing they are, gave me the proper nudge I needed. I was also fortunate to receive a small inheritance, which meant I was able to leave my job and make the leap.
The company’s name reflects two personal interests: Bergamot is my favourite oil by far, and I have enjoyed doing yoga on and off for years. Together, they combined to bring me Bergamot and Flow! I’m a citrus girl through and through, and Bergamot is a citrus oil that’s unique in its ability to uplift but also relax.
The Bergamot and Flow range comprises a range of pulse point oils. I love that our products offer accessible moments of holistic and indulgent self-care. They’re ideal for all times: in the morning to start your day, during yoga practice, or even as part of a reiki session. Smell is an incredibly powerful sense, and we can’t help but be influenced by it. For example, lavender is known to aid sleep, but there are so many more essential oils out there that have myriad benefits.
I find running my own business highly rewarding, but there are definite challenges! One of the hardest aspects is that I’m in charge of every detail – from research, packaging and labelling to blending, stock control and social media. Before starting, I couldn’t possibly have thought of every type of hat I’d need to wear on a daily basis.
Having a support network with other small business owners helps a lot. Whether they’re in-person or online, you’ll feel less alone. They will all either be going through a similar situation to you or, better still, have come through the other side! I’ve made some great friends through training and networking sessions.
Contact me, Becki@rebeccasreflexology.co.uk to enquire about the Bergamot and Flow oils available to purchase from me. Oils available from my treatment room so book and treatment and treat yourself to some oils to use at home. Of course, oils also available to buy when not attending an appointment. Contact me for details.
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