Wish me luck or call me mad.

[Chickpeas]

My DS and DH are AS and as such I cannot work a regular job so I work for myself.

I am a Phyto-Aromatherapist and work out of my home providing Aromatherapy treatments for children with ASD. I only ask for donation towards costs, some people can afford a donation and some can't. It doesn't matter. I do home visits too but I never make any money, just enough to cover my insurance and materials. It is purely altruistic on my part.

Today a very kind person found out what I did offered me a small lock up premises for cost (i.e business rates and electricity bills) They will not charge me any rent! I was gobsmacked to be honest as I could never afford to rent or buy somewhere.

The place is very small, needs totally gutting and doing up. There is already a manky loo and sink so I just need them replacing. There is car parking right outside.

It needs a new front window and door though and this will be expensive.

I don't know whether to take it, it's a lot of work and outlay for me but I feel the opportunity has been given to me for a reason.

Should I go ahead or stay working from home?

Are there any small business grants that you could access that would help with setting up costs?

It sounds like a wonderful opportunity but also a big SCARY step (leap!!).

Where do you see yourself a year from now?

What would you like to be doing a year from now?

Who do you have to convince?

Is it altruism v businesswoman, do you want the pressure or do you need something for yourself that takes you away from pressures at home?

Write a list of pros and cons.

Oh chickpeas, it's a difficult one - the list might help!

No grants, I already checked. I would have to foot the bills myself.

It really is money I didn't want to spend/borrow right now....and how do I pay it back?

But it makes me so happy to see an anxious child relax for just a few minutes during a massage or even show interest in the different smells.

One thing I have noticed in hypersensitive kids is an increased tolerance to touch with regular treatments.

If I won the lottery I would open a big clinic with sensory rooms, massage therapy, for SN kids and their carers...all free.

This could be my tiny clinic, just a seedling
I so want to help.

I am too old to procrastinate now. I either have to do it and spend the money or forget it.

It sounds like a great opportunity, but you'll need help. can you get some people whipped up to think it's a great idea? practice your sales skills...you'll need some volunteers...
would any of the big local businesses send some people round to help as a team building challenge??

I remember my dad building a scout hut from scratch with some of his mates... they really enjoyed themselves doing it.

Call up your local big building companies, or double glazing suppliers, I bet they have reject doors and windows all the time... where there's a will there's a way. give people the chance to step up and help you.

and... you'll have to charge a bit more for your services, but you can probably treat adults too? or let out your space to another healer/ therapist when you're not using it?

btw where are you based?

good luck x

I am in South Wales Valleys. There is not much for people round here and it's a high unemployment area.

I am getting a quote for a new door and window but I can't see it being less than £1500/£2000. There is so much to take into account, the width of the door needs increasing to allow for disabled access and it has to be laminated glass because it's a shop front. So it all adds up.there is plumbing etc. Once the quote is in I can shop around for cheaper.

My own house has a leaking roof and needs repairs where the cold freeze we had cracked all the render and water gets behind, so I need money for myself really. I don't get many clients at home because I am rural and they don't like to come out this far. I do home visits for those that can't come. The little shop is in the local village and people have already expressed interest.

My friend runs the beauty parlour in the village and her husband is a dry liner , so he can sort out the walls cheaply.

I see the window will be the biggest expense as my husband and I can do a lot of the stripping out and decor.

Yes I do adults as well, I have a few locally I treat with herbs. I do Reiki and aromatherapy. I am currently studying at the local college for a higher Diploma in the Aromatherapy. So I have my hands full.

If it's meant to be...it will happen.

jsut another thought, won't you need to also have some sort of liability insurance if you turn it into a business?

It sounds like a fantastic opportunity though, and if you already know there is demand in the area for what you provide, it could be the start of something great! I'd go for it.

Chick

Have you tried the Princess Trust I know that one local person to me got a grant from them to set up a buisness, Im sure if you explained to them what you are aiming to do they would help. Also what about asking some local BIG companies if they would help I did a charity event once and one lovely local estate agent gave us money for award certificates for every one who participated.

I know you said you have checked, but this website has a finance grant section for new businesses in wales.
If you are starting up a new business and can also treat NT adults then you can charge 'proper' prices which would help a bank or something loan.

Are you near cardiff? I was thinking maybe the children's hospital or Ty Hafan might be worth a call to see if there is any way you can help them or they can help you?

I think it is a briliant opportunity but sounds bloody scary too! Good luck whatever you decide.

Contact your local CVS who can let you know about any grants (if you run the business as a charity).
Sounds wonderful-good luck!

I already have liability and professional indemnity insurance as I already run a business from home treating people.

I would have to get buildings insurance incase of break ins/damage/theft etc.

I am waiting for some grants guru to ring me back but they said it's doubtful as I would have to provide full time employment for at least 1 person to obtain any money and the only grant available is regeneration of property exterior.