At BizCover we seek to recognise and reward small businesses owners who go above and beyond for their customers. For massage therapists like Eileen, providing their customers with the highest quality services is their passion.
The $2000 BizGiver grant is awarded each quarter to better the lives of small business owners and facilitate growth through a product or service. During our selection process, we provide a space for entrants to share their story and tell us how they plan to use the grant. At BizCover, we take this grant seriously. We share all the finalists’ stories with our staff and invite everyone to vote for who they think should win.
Congratulations to Eileen Collins, owner of A Calmer Therapy, for being the latest recipient of the BizGiver NZ grant. She has been insured for Professional Indemnity and Public Liability through BizCover since 2018. We are proud to support her small business journey!
We interviewed Eileen about why she opened her business and the significance of her wish. Here is her story.
Why did you start your business?
During 2006 I was supporting a family member undergoing high level chemotherapy. Being able to provide gentle massage not only maintained connection, it also reduced pain without interfering with his medication. The positive effects were substantial. I wanted to be able to do this in a way that was proven to be a safe and effective complimentary treatment. I studied massage and complimentary therapy in 2010 and in 2019 qualified in oncology massage.
Why did you enter the BizGiver competition? Why did you wish for your particular wish?
I thought it was pretty nice of BizCover to offer encouragement to small businesses, particularly at this precarious time. I have an increasing number of clients with compromised mobility, so I wished for a wheelchair ramp to install at the entrance of my home where I provide my treatments. Having a ramp and aides to help will mean these people can have better access to my services.
How will winning this prize help your business?
Winning this prize will help increase my exposure to a bigger audience, which means more people will be aware of the specialised services I offer. I will be more confident to invest in further training in areas such as oncology and lymphedema when I know my workplace can accommodate these clients. Winning has also given me an emotional boost. This business is very close to my heart.
What does being a small business owner mean to you?
Being a small business owner means being able to specialise in areas of interest and putting people before profit. I can be flexible without compromising values and vision.
Why do you love your job?
I love that I can provide a safe space for women who may not have felt safe for some time. Being the owner of this small business means I am open to all feedback, and I love that I can make improvements which will benefit all clients.
Where do you see your business in 5 years’ time? What are your growth goals?
This year I will continue studying Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage. This will be of particular benefit to clients who have lymphedema, which is a condition where extremities become swollen due to damage to their lymphatic system. My plan is to be qualified to offer this at the end of 2022.
What are the biggest challenges your business faces?
Massage therapy is an unregulated industry in New Zealand which means people do not have to meet any standards, or have any training, to practice. From the beginning I chose to belong to the professional body (Massage NZ). This gives reassurance to clients that I have an Annual Practicing Certificate and am qualified to offer what I do. It is quite a physical job and since covid I have kept my daily numbers low to ensure safety for myself and my clients, particularly around cleanliness. To give my best to clients I will never compromise this. I work holistically with clients to help them find ways to reduce stress and therefore reducing muscle aches.
What have been your biggest achievements?
My biggest achievement is having consistent 5-star reviews. The vast majority of my clients come from referrals from existing clients. I feel very privileged to provide a proven therapy which helps clients feel safe and relaxed when they are sometimes feeling vulnerable and in pain. I see positive results every day.
If you are interested in Eileen’s services, please visit: https://acalmertherapy.nz/
Follow A Calmer Therapy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalmerTherapy
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