Making the leap from a long-established corporate career to starting your own business is never easy, but for Claire Graham, it was the right time to follow her passions. Based in South Tyneside, Claire offers two distinct but equally impactful services: Claire Graham Personal Training and Claire Graham Holistic Fertility.
Listening to the ‘Niggle’
After 18 years in advertising, Claire knew she wanted more.
“There has been a little ‘niggle’ in my mind wanting to start this and follow my passions,” she explains. “I decided that now was the right time to try. I don’t want to look back in 10 years and say I wish I’d tried.”
Her decision to “go it alone” was triggered by the desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, moving from the corporate world into something more personally rewarding.
How Claire’s Dual Focus Makes a Real Difference
Claire’s personal training business focuses on holistic health, offering tailored fitness and nutrition support across the South Tyneside and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, her fertility coaching work covers three main areas:
Fertility Support for Individuals – helping clients prepare their bodies for conception, manage conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and support mental health during often stressful times.
Fertility Support Groups – Providing a safe space for individuals to share experiences, coupled with focused meditation sessions to enhance emotional wellbeing.
Corporate Training – Advising businesses on supporting employees through fertility journeys and pregnancy loss, helping workplaces foster compassion and understanding.
The Challenges of Starting Out
Leaving a stable corporate role to run my business was not without its worries.
“My biggest concern was navigating a completely different role, and whether I could make it work on my own,” Claire admits.
Yet the rewards quickly became evident. “Seeing the real changes in real people on a daily basis, whether in their health and fitness or during their fertility journey, is the most rewarding part of what I do,” she says.
Why South Tyneside is Perfect for Startups
Claire highlights the supportive local business community as a key advantage. “The support from other self-employed businesses has been incredible. I’ve received encouragement, introductions, and messages from so many people—it’s truly heartwarming.”
On Seeking Specialist Support from TEDCO
Open to guidance and support, Claire was supported by TEDCO Business Support, who took her through the Start Up South Tyneside programme. Claire credits TEDCO with giving her the tools to grow her business confidently.
“I’ve attended several TEDCO courses, and each has provided tangible ideas—from using social media effectively to engaging customers, to managing finances. It’s been invaluable in helping me navigate the transition from corporate life to running my own business.”
Allison Nicks, Claire’s TEDCO Business Advisor, adds “Claire has a real passion for helping people, and it’s been incredible to see her take that leap and build businesses that make such a positive impact on her community. Her dedication and resilience are truly inspiring.”
Moving Forward
With her twin passions for health and fertility support, Claire Graham is a shining example of how following your instincts, taking a risk, and seeking guidance can lead to a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
Whether it’s helping someone achieve their fitness goals or supporting a person through one of life’s most challenging experiences, Claire is making a lasting impact in her community.
Follow Claire on Instagram
Claire Graham Personal Training https://www.instagram.com/claire_graham_pt/
Claire Graham Holistic Fertility https://www.instagram.com/cg_holistic_fertility/
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Start Up South Tyneside is a business Start up programme delivered by the TEDCO Business Support on behalf of South Tyneside Council which aims to support local residents with their aspirations to start up a business.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus