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Rochdale entrepreneur masters the business of healing

A former finance and banking supervisor has made the leap to self-employment, starting her own alternative therapy service with help from one of the UK’s leading business start-up support specialists, Blue Orchid.

Rochdale resident Angie Parr launched her new business in August. Angie Reiki Parr offers a range of treatments in reiki, a system of natural healing which originated in Japan in the early 20th century.

Angie Reiki Parr services include hour-long full body healing sessions, ten minute mini treatments, and a range of complementary therapeutic massage services. At home therapy sessions are also available, catering to those people with difficulty travelling or a busy schedule.

Angie was made redundant from her full-time finance role when high street giant Woolworths ceased trading in December 2008. Recognising this as a chance to change direction, Angie took a role at Rochdale Town Hall and it was during this time that she first tried reiki herself. She found the experience so positive for her overall wellbeing that she continued to receive treatments and gradually sought to learn the practice in order to be able to treat others.

Once she had reached ‘master’ level abilities in reiki healing and felt confident both practicing and teaching, Angie approached her local job centre for advice on how to start her own professional reiki service. Referred to Blue Orchid’s expert start-up support, Angie met with business advisor Shamuna Ahmad in May this year to perfect a comprehensive business plan.

Angie completed a series of business training courses offered by Blue Orchid to prepare her for the new challenges of running her own company.

She said: “I’ve never been self-employed, so the whole process was completely new. Reiki is a complementary therapy and it’s made such a difference to my life – how could I keep it to myself? My business advisor Shamuna was able to help me turn my passion, and a simple idea, into reality.”

Angie found the one-to-one support she received invaluable to her business’ launch: “There is so much to take in initially and reiki is also a new concept for most people, meaning there is the added challenge of educating them about what it is and why it can be useful. Blue Orchid has given me the encouragement and practical advice to succeed,” she added.

Blue Orchid business advisor Shamuna Ahmad said Angie’s pragmatic approach will continue to see the business grow: “Angie isn’t trying to make her whole income from this business right away; she is slowly building a client base and exploring ways to market it. Angie was very receptive to the planning process and naturally open-minded. She will go far.”

Other aspiring entrepreneurs can access one-to-one business advice and support through a new service called Start Up Now, which is delivered by Blue Orchid. The service is based in local venues with business advisors available in the community to offer a complete package of support to help individuals start up their business.

For more information about the services provided by Blue Orchid, please visit http://www.blueorchid.co.uk/

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