TEDCO caught up with Natalie Wiley, founder of Realign Hypnotherapy and Massage, to find out more about how her business has transformed since launching in 2015, exploring exciting new avenues of health and wellness.
Back in 2015, after a bout of uncertainty and reshuffling at her previous employment, Natalie decided to take the plunge and start her own massage business. With a sports massage qualification and support from TEDCO under her belt, she was determined to get it up and running.
But with a new baby, it wasn’t always plain sailing. Natalie says,
“I do all my own admin, all the marketing, as well as balancing work and family. When I started, I didn’t realise that the actual work itself would be only a small part of it. Building a client base takes a lot more time.
“But starting my own business has definitely been the best thing I’ve ever done professionally. It’s been great to be self-employed while my son’s been small, because I’ve had that autonomy to work around him. Now that he’s a bit older, I can expand further.”
Fresh challenges arose when the pandemic hit in 2020, effectively putting a stop to Natalie’s business for a period of time. As Natalie puts it, “Hands-on therapy is much more difficult during a lockdown!”
Undeterred, she found a new avenue for her business: hypnotherapy.
“This has been my focus ever since. Many of my clients were thankfully willing to evolve from massage to hypnotherapy. I still do massage, but the balance is tipping more towards this new service.
“Doing more group work has also opened the doors for more clients. On the first Thursday of every month, I do a group session for six people, and every month we have a theme, such as confidence or setting goals.
“I’m expanding my services all the time to be able to help more people.”
Realign has hosted workshops, group sessions, one-to-ones, and more. Recently, Natalie added another string to her business’s bow: 9D Breathwork.
“It’s a brand new, amazing service which helps to release blocks in your body. This works great alongside hypnotherapy, as that often deals with releasing traumas people have held on to for a long time.
“In 9D breathwork, you wear headphones and are guided on a journey, aided by hypnosis, music, sound and vibration. It’s incredible.”
Next on Natalie’s agenda is an automated booking service to free up more time for clients, and more partnerships and collaborations with others in her field. But despite her business’s constant innovation, her definition of success isn’t building the longest client list or accumulating the most money.
“For me, it’s not necessarily about having hundreds of clients and an office full of staff. My version of success is creating a business that fits around my life, not the other way around.”
Getting business on track
Natalie first sought out TEDCO’s support in 2015, when starting her business, having been allocated a business advisor through the Job Centre after being made redundant from her previous role.
“I’d worked or been in education all my life, so it was my first time seeking any kind of support. I was determined from the very start that I was going to make this work.
“TEDCO were brilliant. They gave me a lot of support and opened my eyes to what running a business really involves, because I had no experience.”
More recently, Natalie joined a number of TEDCO’s workshops to help her upskill. These in-person and online sessions also served to remind her that she is not alone, providing her with a network of other entrepreneurs and support.
“Through the workshops, especially the in-person events, I acquired some great connections. The staff at TEDCO have been amazing at supporting me and keeping in touch.”
TEDCO Business Advisor, Bill Hartshorne, adds,
“It’s a pleasure supporting business owners like Natalie, providing a range of knowledge, support, and tools. It’s great to see that the added ability to network with other entrepreneurs has already proved itself useful.
“I’m delighted to hear that Natalie has felt supported by our services. I can’t wait to see where her business goes next as she continues to evolve.”
To find out more about our workshops, click here. To book your appointment at Realign Hypnotherapy and Massage, visit the website at www.realignme.co.uk or call 07910 500850.