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23 year-old graduate’s mission to corner aromatherapy market

A young North East entrepreneur is hoping to develop a market for an innovative clinical aromatherapy technique in the region, having decided to start her own business.

23 year-old Newcastle University graduate Melissa Neall is promoting a form of advanced aromatherapy called Qi Drop (pronounced ‘key drop’), from her practice in Newcastle city centre.

Spotting an opportunity in the North East health market, Melissa has set up with help from business support agency PNE Group, including one of the organisation’s ‘lean loans’.

The treatment, which is new to the North East, is used to improve energy levels and rejuvenate and Melissa hopes this unique offering will help her ‘MNbotanical’ brand to stand out.

Melissa told Bdaily: “It’s all about using completely natural products and repositioning aromatherapy as a health service, rather than the luxury beauty product it is often perceived to be.

“I’d always been interested in health and cosmetics, but went down an academic route at school and ended up doing a history degree.

“When I left university I realised my degree wasn’t necessarily going to lead into something I was passionate about so I retrained with an aromatherapy diploma, skin care and massage qualifications. Now I want to get into the biochemical side of aromatherapy - which deals with the science behind the processes.”

Melissa has found success in treating people with conditions such as hormonal imbalances and joint problems, as well as post-radiotherapy patients. She is now aiming to promote the benefits of her aromatherapy technique to others with similar conditions.

Currently operating from a clinic on Newcastle’s Pilgrim Street, Melissa aims to expand into her own dedicated building and take on trainees.

She added: “I’m also starting to get involved with the NHS. Soon I’ll be treating patients on a high dependency hospital ward in Sunderland, and the plan is to eventually merge my activities at the clinic with this - creating another revenue stream.

“The NHS is really opening itself up to complementary therapies and I know from contacts there is potential there. The NHS experience also helps me to sell my services to high street customers, and differentiates me from a beauty therapist.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .