Oban business is fit for purpose
A FORMER NHS occupational therapist has set up her own yoga and massage business promoting health and well-being.
With support from Business Gateway Argyll and Bute, Oban-based Gill Spink launched Chill with Gill this year, offering clinical aromatherapy, massage and yoga.
Gill is now running several yoga classes a week, offering one-to- one and small group private sessions as well as aromatherapy and massage.
Gill said: ‘I worked as an occupational therapist in the NHS for 18 years in both hospital and community settings.
‘Having worked in a caring profession and from personal experience, I know how our health can be affected if we don’t take the time to look after our physical and mental well-being.
‘Yoga, aromatherapy and massage were fundamental in helping me manage my own health which, in turn, was the catalyst to setting up Chill with Gill. I wanted to offer a service which helped others find balance in an often chaotic world.
Helpful
‘Business Gateway has been extremely helpful and my adviser Angela carved a pathway for me to learn how to start up, manage and run my own business.
‘I attended many of the free courses on offer and without her support I wouldn’t have had the confidence to make the step into self- employment.’
Adviser Angela Vernel said: ‘Gill is very experienced in her field but had never run a business. Attending our fully-funded workshops and accessing one-to- one advice helped Gill move into a great position to run Chill with Gill effectively and confidently.’
Gill added: ‘I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the feedback I’ve received. People feel so much better when they take time for themselves.
‘I’ve had people tell me they have found the benefits to be way beyond what they anticipated and can see a real difference in their men- tal and physical health. I work with a variety of people, from children and teenagers to pregnant ladies and pensioners.
‘To see them reap the benefits of investing in themselves is fulfilling. I feel passionate about promoting proactive, healthy coping strategies in life.
‘Hopefully, I can grow Chill with Gill and work in partnership with others to offer more to the people of Oban and the surrounding area.’
For more information visit www.chillwithgill.co.uk.