Mum embarks on whole new world of wellbeing

Nov 3 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A MUM who turned her back on a career in human resources to look after her two young children is returning to the world of work by opening her own business.

Michelle Wood’s venture, Pure Holistics, uses complementary therapies and natural products to relax and de-stress customers at her wellbeing centre in Jarrow.

Although Michelle says she had always wanted to run her own business, she never expected it to be in the holistic health arena. But she realised there was a gap in the market after taking a holistics course at South Tyneside College.

She said: “Having been at home for six months, I wanted a new challenge and I looked to do something for myself which did not impact on my new lifestyle.

“I never thought the course could lead to a potential business idea, but as I gained the knowledge of treatments and saw real changes in people’s wellbeing, I looked into starting my own business.”

Michelle gave up her job as a human resources manager to look after her children Ilana, six, and three-year-old Keira because the extensive travel requirements meant she was unable to return to work on a part-time basis. But she is now delighted to be working for herself.

“All throughout my career I have worked hard and given 110% commitment, but starting my own business now means that I can reap the benefits of this energy in developing my business for the future benefit of my family.”

She turned to Business Link for start-up advice and received funding from the organisation to help market the business. South Tyneside Means Business also helped.

In addition to the centre, which offers treatments such as reflexology, aromatherapy, massage and one-to-one performance coaching, Michelle also makes her own aromatherapy skin and hair care products under the Pure Holistics brand. She is focusing on the Christmas market by putting together gift packs of her products.