Being Ethical and ESTA: Ethical Small Traders Association

I joined The Ethical Small Traders Association - ESTA - in January. ESTA is a framework for mutual benefit and co-operation between local self-employed people and small businesses who are committed to environmental sustainability and community well-being. For the prosperity and common good of the wider community and a sustainable local economy in the Lancaster area. This has prompted me to share with you some of the ways in which I strive to be an ethical business. As a condition of joining ESTA, all members agree to a quadruple 'Bottom Line' as an ethos. I have used the four 'Bottom Lines' as headers for my own ethical commitments. 

Economic Development:
Participating in and creating opportunities for collaborations with and support to other ethical local businesses, community groups and projects to work towards local wealth and wellbeing in an ethical way. Eg through participating in ESTA and co-ordinating and participating in the FHT LLSG

Environmental Care and Sustainability:

• Reducing my carbon footprint
• Not using a car myself, and minimising transport miles on the products I buy.
• Reducing,  reusing, recycling, composting as much as possible: I have made fleece sheets and wraps to use in place of paper where possible for hygiene; my couch roll is recycled paper or sourced from managed forests with minimal bleaching; most of my furniture I bought or traded pre-owned. 
• Reducing energy usage 
• The skin care products I use are as much as possible pure and simple, natural, organic naturally farmed or wild-crafted, fairtrade, free of human made chemicals, non-toxic, not tested on animals, and have not undergone processes with by products or effects that are harmful to the environment. I have one non-vegan product, a balm containing beeswax. 

Social development, Wellbeing and Inclusiveness:

• High quality work, high quality customer care.
• Keeping the wellbeing and welfare of clients and prospective clients as a top priority at all times, in particular in regard to promoting health. 
• Accessibility and non-discrimination - I do not discriminate on grounds of sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry/ national or ethnic origin ('race'), religion creed or belief. Age - for babies, infants and young children, and the very elderly, I may refer you to someone with more training and experience with those age groups. Disability - it depends on the issues - I will do my best to be accessible but I may recommend you go to someone with more training, experience or specialist equipment, resources or support where there is good reason to do so. If you have mobility issues, for example are a wheelchair user - be aware that there are steps at my door at the back of the property. However if this is the only obstacle to me providing you an accessible service I can arrange for use of the front door.
• Openness and honesty in person and in my marketing.
• Listening to my clients and adapting my service to their needs where appropriate.
• Awareness of limits to my scope of practice - where appropriate recommending or referring to others.
• Good practice in care and safeguarding of minors, elders and vulnerable people.

Personal well-being and ongoing Personal Development:

Developing social, networking and educational opportunities and relationships, groups and communities that support them. Engage in ongoing learning and personal and professional development and enabling others to do so. 
Eg through the creation and co-ordination of the FHT LLSG  which supports practitioners in the fields of complementary health care, holistic beauty and sports therapy, and puts on talks, and demonstrations, on a broad range of topics and practices.

More info on The Ethical Small Traders Association and the Fourfold Botttom Line at http://lancasteresta.org/

FreeIndex ratings, reviews and rankings: 2nd out of 449 UK Therapeutic Masseurs!

I just went on my profile on the Free Index online listings website, and noticed that thanks to reviews and ratings submitted by customers, I have a rosette, a 'Recommended' rating, and I am now ranked 2nd out of 449 UK Therapeutic Masseurs!

Here's the last review submitted on the 19th Feb which must have sent me right up in their listings. :)

"I have visited Ceri at Holistyx for reflexology. She conducted a very thorough review of my health and my reasons for trying reflexology for the first time. A few days after my very first visit I realised that I no longer had the extremely annoying throat clearing cough I've had for over 40 years. It had been such an ever present part of my life I'd forgotten to mention it during the health review. It is over a month since my first visit and I'm about to have my third treatment and the cough has not returned. It's amazing! The sessions I've had have been extremely relaxing and I leave with a great sense of well-being. They are going to be a regular part of my keeping healthy regime." Penny Park.

I am so grateful to all the people who have taken the time to review me on FreeIndex, and proud that from my 10 reviewers, 1 person gave me 4.3 stars, 1 gave me 4.7 stars, while 8 people gave me a full 5 stars.  :D

Changed Length of Sessions: Reflexology for new clients and Indian back, Neck and Head

The Short Version:

I've decided to make 2 changes to my session lengths and corresponding prices.
One has gone up, one has gone down.

A Reflexology Initial session - ie for a new client - was an hour for £29. It is now longer at an hour and a 1/4, and has therefore gone up to £34.

An Indian Upper Back, Neck and Head massage was 45 minutes for £23. It is now shorter at 35 minutes, and is therefore now only £20.

Want to know why? Read on...

 

The Long Version: 

When I trained, we were taught to do most treatments, from a Swedish full body massage to an Indian Head Massage to a session of Reflexology in an hour, including consultation + aftercare time as this was the industry standard, particularly in spa's where bookings where made in hourly blocks, and it was emphasized to us that employers would expect us to stick strictly to that time. The exception to this was Aromatherapy full body massage where time would be between an hour and half to 2 hours.

I worked for myself right from the start so could decide for myself the length of treatments. It didn't take me long to decide that most people needed longer than an hour session to get a decent Swedish full body massage, especially on a first visit with a full consultation needing to be done before the person got on the couch. But even on subsequent visits - I particularly feel that the 15-20 mins allocated to the back is just not being long enough for most people. So I offer options of an hour and a 1/4 or an hour and a 1/2.

I also do not include receiving payment, getting feedback on the effects of the treatment, and booking a clients next appointment in the session time. I allow enough time between one appointment and the next to do this in a relaxed way which is a gentle transition from the relaxation of the session. I wouldn't want to be harrying people out the door in order to be punctual for the next client waiting to come in!

So that's the preamble, I guess.

Reflexology

I've offered shorter and longer sessions, but always recommended an hour as an initial session, and as the standard session length. I've always had some clients where their initial session felt shorter than ideal. As well as the fact that more time is taken up on a first visit with the consultation, with new feet, you are getting to know them and how sensitive they are in general, and where there are places that are sensitive or even painful. It is necessary to proceed with caution and only increasing pressure once you know it is ok to do so, to avoid pressing suddenly too firmly on a painful spot! But for some people an hour was enough, and for those where it felt cut short, more often than not they came back again a week or so later, and any areas not thoroughly worked on that first visit could then be thoroughly worked.

However I have been increasingly feeling that I should increase the length of the initial session. I myself have been regularly receiving an hour and a half or longer of Reflexology, and giving the same in return to a local Reflexologist colleague and friend. It never feels too long! I hesitated because making the session longer would also increase the fee - from £29 to £34. I have reviewed the charges of other Reflexologists in Lancaster and the wider area and though it varies, I note that 2 people in Lancaster charge £35 for an hour, and one charges £38 for an hour.

So... I have decided to make the initial session an hour and a 1/4 for £34 so I can work the feet thoroughly but with care and time to release any discomfort and to enable my client to relax fully. After which people can have the choice of a shorter session of an hour for £29 or even 45 minutes for £23, or keep having an hour and a 1/4 session.

More info on Reflexology here.

Indian Head Massage

I wanted to make a cheaper option available for all the people who have tension in their upper back, around the shoulders and neck, and base of the skull. Or who mostly want a head massage. Who don't need a full back massage down to their lower back, and are happy to miss out the arms, face, and energy work part of a full Indian Head Massage. I've been working on some techniques working quite strongly and quickly around the shoulder blades in an upright seated position, even through clothes, meaning I don't need to leave the room for someone to get in a wrap towel AND it is unneccessary to get a client to lean forward onto pillows and bolsters for upper back work. I think I can do a good Back, Neck and Head massage in just 35 minutes, for which I am charging £20. Come and try it out!

More information on Indian Head Massage here.

Students and Purple Card Holders

The deal below is now discontinued:
Mondays 9-3, £5 off usual price, Only £24 for an hour OR £18 for 45 mins for purple card holders, at Concept Hair and Beauty Salon

I haven't had any take up of the deal from my own efforts to promote it.
The Purple Card rep at Lancaster University never responded to my email about adding my business to the Purple Card webpage.
I am no longer at Concept on Mondays. 

I will however give any student who asks a couple of extra stamps to get you started on my loyalty card scheme which can earn 25% off, half price, or a free treatment :)

Goodbye to Concept Hair and Beauty

After over 2 years based at Concept Hair and Beauty on a Monday, its time to move on.

I am now exclusively based at my lovely 'Holistyx Therapy room' near Lancaster town centre, just up from Dalton Square on East Road.

The Gift That Gives Back! Gift Voucher + 20% off for yourself

Until 15 December 2012

Buy a Holistyx Gift Voucher 
to the value of £20 or more

Get 20% off 

any treatment for yourself. 

Do you know someone who would really enjoy, appreciate and benefit from a treatment?

Do you sometimes find it difficult to find the right thing for a special person? 

For a thoughtful, special, quality gift, something a little bit different,

buy a Holistyx Gift Voucher.

Vouchers are valid for 12 weeks from the date of purchase, the expiry date is given on the Voucher. The 20% for yourself is valid for the same period of time.

To purchase, phone or email me with the following details:

Which value of Voucher you wish to buy - £20, £23, £29, £34, £39 or £45.
(View Price List to see which treatments would be covered by each price.)
Your full name, address and telephone number.
The name of the recipent - the person the gift is for. Gift Vouchers must be purchased for someone else, not used for yourself.
Their address if you would like me to send the Voucher directly to them.
If the gift is for a special occasion eg Christmas,Yule, Hannukah, Birthday, as I have special envelopes for different occasions. 
Any message you would like to me to include.
Their contact number if you would like me to ring them a couple of weeks before the expiry date to remind them in the event that they have not yet booked an appointment.
The date you would need the voucher to arrive by.

I will then tell you my mailing address, and you can send me a cheque for the appropriate amount.
I will then post you or the recipient the voucher as soon as I receive your cheque.

Seasonal Saturday Shopper Special: 1/2 Hr of Foot Massage and Reflexology for Only £12!

Do you enjoy shopping on a Saturday at this time of year? Or will you be pounding the pavement, pushing through the crowds, carrying loads of shopping bags, increasingly tired and fed up? Going home frazzled? Wondering why people call it the season of cheer instead of the season of pressure and stress?! Wondering when you get time for YOU?

Here's an alternative! Plan ahead for a little time out for yourself. Ease your aching feet. Unwind, relax, de-stress. Go back home feeling calm and with happy feet!

Sound good? To book yourself in with me for a half an hour of foot massage and Reflexology on a Saturday afternoon for the discounted rate of only £12,  call 07888 692803 or email me on Holistyx@gmail.com. 

WHEN: Sat 20th Nov, sat 24th Nov, Sat 1st Dec, Sat 8th Dec, and Sat 15th Dec between 12 and 6pm.
I am closed on Saturday 22nd December, sorry, that's me giving myself some time out! ;)

MORE INFO:  Reflexology

If you think you should be focusing on giving to others at this time of year - easy! - share this offer with them as well! :D

Happy shopping!

Student Discount for Purple Card Holders

Mondays 9-3, £5 off usual price 
Only £24 for an hour OR £18 for 45 mins for purple card holders

AT CONCEPT HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
41 China Street, Lancaster, LA1 1EX

The Purple card is the Students’ Union card for Lancaster University.
 

Swedish Massage

Deep and vigorous body massage. Relaxing and invigorating. Excellent for stiff and knotted muscles, and relieving tension, aches, pains and fatigue. 45 mins for back, neck, upper chest and shoulders, or an hour for more intensive work on knots or problem areas, or to include arms and hands, which can hold more tension than you realise from writing, typing, texting, and working a mouse.
More info 

Indian Head Massage

Spent too long hunched over your studies? Stiff neck and shoulders, tension headaches or eye strain? Finding it hard to take it all in due to mental fatigue or problems concentrating? Try this seated massage to upper back, shoulders, neck, arms, scalp and face, plus energy balancing to help you relax and focus. Or the 45 minute shoulders, neck and head.
More info

Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that the feet can be seen as a 'map' of the body, with reflexes - specific areas on the feet - corresponding to different parts of the body. More than just a foot rub - pressure on these reflex points aims to release tension and blocked energies, provide stress-relief, and restore flow, balance and relaxation and a sense of wellbeing throughout the whole body. An hour treatment is recommended for an initial session. 
More info

Aromatherapy

Slow, gentle, deeply relaxing massage. With a wonderful smelling blend of pure essential oils to enhance your health and wellbeing with natural therapeutic properties to address any specific health issues you may have and/or how you are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 45 mins for back, neck, upper chest and shoulders, or an hour for deeper work or to include arms and hands.
More info

To book 07888 692803 or  Holistyx@gmail.com
Also please like my Facebook Page. :)

(PS I attended Lancaster University myself, County College, 1991-1995, BA Hons RS)

World Reflexology Week and a fabulous Testimonial

DISCOUNT OFFER 

Its World Reflexology Week! I am really busy this week though, too busy to do any special promotions or get an influx of clients from a special offer!

BUT next Monday the 1st October is quiet - SO if you would like Reflexology on Monday? You can have £5 off my usual prices.

 Eg an hour session, usually £29, offer price only £24. On Monday only - so book now to be sure to get in on the offer! Phone 07888 692803.

Fabulous Reflexology Testimonial 

"Yesterday Ceri visited House Morgain and did a reflexology treatment on my feet. I knew the basics of how it works but had never actually had the experience before. It did always seem logical to me because there are so many nerve endings in the feet. I also knew how sensitively feet express emotions. But in my long experience over decades it is not so much the -ology or the -ism as it who does it. This is certainly true of Ceri. She is a gentle, patient, deeply intuitive healer who yet has that touch of ruthless certainty where to be tough. Again and again she “touched on” a zone which connected with the health problems I have, without me telling her what they are. She “listened” to my body and then talked to it in no uncertain terms! It was a delicious experience of trust to receive her care. Safe hands. Afterwards I went to bed and slept deeply, more deeply and more thoroughly than I have in months. The stresses of these challenging months fell away from me. Today I am striding about, lighter on my feet than for so long. My back is stronger. My head which was muzzy with fatigue, has cleared. My mind is bright and quick and I have cleared a big load of work so I’m caught up. Plus done some satisfying tidying around the House and handled some bundles of complexity without strain. Who is this woman I am today? I like her! To all those who live anywhere near Lancaster I so envy you. You can go Ceri at Holystix to get refreshed, heal, gain strength and increase brightness and pleasure in life. You lucky people!"

Shan Morgain, Newport, Gwent. 17th August 2012

A lovely reply to an email. :)

I always send new clients who give me their email addresses an email with some info, links to further info here on my website they may find helpful, links to my facebook page, etc, and saying thanks for coming to me. Its not very often I get a reply - I suspect some of them end up in people's spam mail! Sometimes I do however, and this is the nicest one I've had for a while!

"Hi Ceri,

Thanks for your email, and also for my wonderful massage, you certainly made my weekend, never mind the day, I spent most of Sunday wandering around like a zombie because I was so relaxed!
I'm so looking forward to my head massage in just over a week, yay!
Thanks again for a truly lovely experience and I'm counting down the days to my next session!

Take care and see you then :)

Sam"

:D