Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
I don't think
that I have a very 'typical' business day, every day is very different. Most
days I have either homeopathy or reflexology clients and of course each
treatment is very different - I really enjoy how the therapies are very
different from each other. Homeopathy is very focussed and cerebral, whereas
reflexology is more instinctive. I now have two set days a week where I can
concentrate on growing and developing my balm business, so they are more
desk/computer focussed. I am usually at my desk by 8.30, clearing emails,
clinic appointments start at 9. I enjoy the freedom of working for myself but I
think fall into the trap of never actually stopping work. Social media is a
great way for a small business like mine to connect with customers, so I quite
often concentrate on that in the evenings, write a quick blog post or tidy up
my website.
What made you start the business and how did you get started?
I started
Niki's Organic Balms sort of by accident. When I qualified as a reflexologist,
I struggled to find a product that I was happy to work with on my client’s
feet. I didn't want to use anything petrochemical based as that went against
all the principles of offering a healing treatment. Plus I didn't want to use
it on my hands. Also, most feet creams are peppermint scented the smell of
which I found exhausting to use all day. In addition, a lot of my clients were
coming in with very cracked heels because of wearing flip flops in the summer.
I was therefore giving them a blend of hypericum and calendula tincture and
suggesting they mix it with olive oil at home and soak their feet – resulting
in the crack going. I was also offering a lot of short taster treatments at
school events in order to build my practice. I was worried about the condition
of some of the people's feet I was treating, so I decided to make my own. I
started off by using hypericum and calendula oil to deal with cracks and Tea
Tree Oil to deal with any nasties on people's feet. Unfortunately the smell
wasn't great (unless you like Tea Tree) so I added in the Lemon Tea Tree on
advice from an aromatherapist friend and Original Balm was born. My clients
absolutely loved it and wanted to buy some, so I started making extra for them.
Once I realised I would have to charge for it, I got it licensed, once I had
spent money on that I wondered if it would have a wider appeal - it has grown
ever since then.
What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the
business world to date?
I think that
the recognition from organisations such as the FreeFrom Skincare Awards and The
Green Parent. To be competing against large companies and still winning an
award or even being shortlisted reinforces that I am doing something right. What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Keeping going
in the current financial climate, cash flow is hard - people are much less
willing to take a risk with a relatively unknown product. However I do find
that I have the absolute best customers. They are as loyal and as passionate
about it as I am. I get such amazing feedback that I would say they are my
inspiration.
I have other
products that I would like to bring to market, a men’s range including shaving
oil, as well as other products that blend health and beauty.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Gosh, that is
a hard question. This whole business has been such a journey, and when I have
got it wrong, I have learnt so much. If I had done it differently, I probably
wouldn't be still doing it!
Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
The world is
changing and particularly the world of business. When I talk to some of my
therapy clients who are so unhappy in their lives and their jobs, I often ask
them what their dream was - most of them have grown up in a time when chasing
your dream was considered nonsense. Now things are different, there is a lot
more collaboration and help, particularly for women and if you are running your
own business there is no glass ceiling.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a
business in your industry?
Do your
research, get some help, there is a lot out there. Be determined and be focussed.
What or who inspires you in business and why?
Rachel
Elnaugh is a huge inspiration, she runs mentoring for small business with an
esoteric edge. I came across her on twitter one Christmas when she was doing a
pop quiz on musicals, I won some mentoring and have been with her ever since.
She is very good at getting to the very root of what needs to be done. I am
very inspired by people who are good at getting things done Shaa Wasmund, Mark
Attwood and Jo Cameron are all people who spring to mind, in that spirit of
collaboration and dynamism.
What is your favourite
inspirational quote?
Feel the fear
and do it anyway
Contact Details
Niki McGlynn
Niki's
Organic Balms
nikisbalms.co.uk
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