Life re-evaluation led Fife mum-of-two Carly to pregnancy and baby therapy

VENTURE: After completing a Hypnobirthing course, Crossgatesbased Carly Greig launched...withcarly

What does your business do?

My business is focused mainly on pregnancy and baby therapies. However, I also offer Reiki, meditation and crystal healing.

Why did you start in business?

A couple of things led me down this path. Being a mum-of-two, I had experienced a very long, tough labour the first time so undertook Hypnobirthing for my second.

I even opted for a home birth and, happily, it was a wonderful experience. I had started my career as a quantity surveyor and moved on to a buyer role.

Following my second maternity leave, I re-evaluated my life. I looked into mindfulness and holistic therapies, searching for things that would bring peace and calm into life.

I undertook Hypnobirthing training and extended into IAIM Infant Massage, Groovaroo and Hypnomothering.

How did you get to where you are?

I have spent many hours undertaking the best training so that I am able to offer a range of professional services.

This has been expensive and time consuming but very worthwhile.

Business Gateway Fife has also provided so much support and I have greatly benefited from its free workshops. My adviser, Marissa Yassen, gave such good advice, in a very friendly way, all of which has been invaluable.

Who has helped you along the way?

I have many people to thank, including the knowledgeable instructors who conducted the training I received.

I am very lucky to have family and friends who have been very supportive.

Your biggest mistake?

‘Touch Wood’ – no big mistakes so far!

Your greatest achievement?

I have a lot of excellent reviews which I am so grateful for and proud of.

These have come from people who I didn’t know before they came to my classes and the fact that they have taken the time to review my social media pages means so much.

In the last two months I have received two fantastic awards: Lux Parent and Baby Awards: Maternity Hypnotherapy Specialist of the Year (Scotland) and Best Baby Massage Therapist (Scotland). I’m so proud to have received these awards.

Hopes for the future?

To keep on promoting and building my business. Having happy clients with content babies is very rewarding.

Offering new mums the opportunity to have a calm birthing experience is particularly pleasing, as so many (including myself) find the thought of the whole experience a bit scary. I also hope to encourage more mums to come to my Hypnomothering® class, which teaches mothers easy and fast techniques to make the most of limited sleep, keep calm and balanced on challenging days, and find focus and mindfulness amid the myriad feelings they face following the birth of a child.

Do you want to recruit in the future?

No plans at the moment.

What is the hardest thing about running your own business?

Being a mum myself, with two girls who have lots of extra-curricular activities, the hardest thing is time management. Also, as my classes run from my home, my housework can’t lapse. The vacuum is always close by!

Advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

Get in touch with Business Gateway, the team there are worth their weight in gold. Try to stay positive and go for it.

How would your friends describe you?

Loyal, friendly and caring.

Favourite film and book?

The Greatest Showman. My favourite book would be Positive Hettie.

Mum-of-two Carly Greig worked as a quantity surveyor before she set up her pregnancy and baby therapies company.