About Me

First off, my hair is NOT pink…it used to be when I was 22, but it’s not anymore.  (That’s a bit of what’s called “artistic licence” – my graphic designer asked me what colours I envisaged for my branding and I went off on one about how I LOVE the colour of my new bath towels – bright turquoise and hot pink – as a result, my colour scheme was born).

So what gets me out of bed in the morning?  Good question…

Have you heard of Simon Sinek?  He’s the author of a great book “Start with Why” and an amazing TED Talk (if you haven’t heard of them you MUST check them out now, they’re fabulous!)  Anyway, duly inspired, I spent some time contemplating what is really important to me – the core values that have run through my adult life.

My “why” is to be true to myself and encourage others to do the same.  I love to help individuals create businesses that genuinely reflect who they are and allow them to share what they believe with the world.  (When someone comes across as really being themselves you can tell and automatically feel inspired and drawn to them).

You’d probably like to know a bit about my business background – after all do I have ANY authority to say what I do?

Setting up an authentic business was always my first priority. I developed my online business skills through running a successful business providing Virtual Assistant (VA) services to clients for seven years.  I hold a Certificate in Coaching from Coaching Development – one of the few ICF (International Coach Federation) accredited face-to-face coach training organisations in the UK.  In 2007 I created the “VA Business Start Up Course” to help aspiring VAs create their own authentic businesses from scratch – so I understand where small business owners are coming from, both from my own experiences and those of my many clients.

Over the last couple of years my work has evolved much more into the marketing realm where I’ve developed my skills, particularly in the areas of blogging (from TypePad to WordPress) and social media.  Not all self taught I hasten to add – thank you Aletha McManama and Craig Cannings.

How about the rest of the time? (Although I love it, I’m not welded to my Mac, honest!)

I practice, study and teach Buddhist meditation at Bodhisattva Buddhist Meditation Retreat Centre; I’m aiming to perfect my acro yoga skills (yep, this really is a combo of acrobatics and yoga with a bit of Thai massage thrown in for good measure) – I believe in turning my world upside down – it gives a different perspective on things; when I’m not doing all these things I can be found in my local Picturehouse lolling on a sofa in the balcony (with a cuppa and a bar of Green & Blacks) viewing the latest cinematic offering.  Yep, I’m busy…AND find the time to stop often to enjoy the beauty of the small things in life…which is SUPER important to me.

A Big thanks to Penny Millar of Photo Voyage for the lovely portraits of me on this site.