Many of you will know that I have now sold Bristol Vintage to the lovely Zoe Fletcher, who's been happily running the business since last October.
The wedding fair was my last job with Bristol Vintage and, as I'm leaving the world of Vintage weddings (though they'll always be in my heart!), I wanted to take this opportunity to tell people about my other passion in life - massage therapy!
The wedding fair was my last job with Bristol Vintage and, as I'm leaving the world of Vintage weddings (though they'll always be in my heart!), I wanted to take this opportunity to tell people about my other passion in life - massage therapy!
Over 15 years ago, after 23 years as a PA, I hit a milestone birthday and, during a very memorable 3 week holiday, including a friend's amazing wedding and a sky-dive from a plane, I decided that I wanted to do follow my passion to work for myself. I loved my job working in a fantastically creative company with the BEST boss, but I had a yearning to do something physical and something that would benefit others. I'd had massages from my early 20's when I suffered from debilitating migraines and they had really helped me and made me much better at relaxing and taking a bit of 'me' time, as well as opening me up to yoga and other complementary therapies.
When I returned home, I went to sign on for an aromatherapy massage course and managed to bag the last place - so I took that as a sign! The course was fascinating - I loved the oils but most of all I really, really loved the massage and how I could knead knots and aches and pains out of people's bodies.
Once qualified, I was very lucky as my boss agreed I could go part-time and so started my massage career and my company, Pure Bliss Massage. After a couple of years part-time I gave up my job and became a full time therapist.
Of course, Katie and I started up Bristol Vintage as a side-line and it grew and grew and I had a year with a broken arm when I couldn't massage at all - but that just made me realise how much I missed it. And that's what led to my selling Bristol Vintage and meeting with Harriet of the de Winton Paper Co to rebrand my massage business.
My new website is now on-line and, for the first time, I'm spreading the word via social networking. I work from home in my converted loft and I've now been massaging for 15 years and am constantly training - mainly with the superb Jing Institute in Brighton - with current treatments including Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Advanced Clinical & Deep Tissue massage, Table Thai, Holistic Facials and, the ultimate in relaxation, Hot Stone Fusion!
If you've never had a massage then I'll explain exactly how it works but if you're a massage fan and looking for a local therapist I work very flexible hours and my work is very much led by what you need. If you're nervous about trying massage take a look at my testimonials and they should reassure you! I even provide gift vouchers for presents. If you'd like to know more please take a look at my website and email or phone me for a chat or to book an appointment.
I'm so happy to have handed over Bristol Vintage to Zoe, who I know will carry on and grow the business but I'm really excited to be taking the next step in my career as a massage therapist!
I hope to be able to help some of you in the future!
Au revoir!
Ali xxx
Website: www.pureblissmassage.co.uk
