Success stories
Christine Hunter
I was given a second chance and I took it...
For seven years I fought breast cancer, undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The experience left me despondent and on the search for something to make me happy. I’d always fancied doing massage so I began training.
Why did you want to start your own business?
The turning point for me was having breast cancer. I spent seven years undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and drug treatment. The entire experience left me incredibly despondent. Fed up with feeling fed up, I went to see a counsellor, who helped me to work out what would make me happy. I’d always fancied doing massage.
What was the deciding factor for you?
My counsellor and my husband Ian really encouraged me to pursue my dream. I started training at the Central College of Health and Beauty in Manchester and then gained a diploma in Remedial Massage at the Northern Institute of Massage in Bury.
For the last two years, I’ve worked on a casual basis with Darwen Carers Service, but it got to a point where I had to make a decision - do I play at it, just doing bits and pieces, or do I do it properly? I decided to make massage my profession and went to No Limits for advice and to find out what I needed to do to start a business.
How did you get the business off the ground?
I started off in a small room in Blackburn in August last year. I decided to give it six months and see what happened. It was fantastic how quickly success came but I quickly outgrew the premises. No Limits helped me move to the Blackburn Rovers Enterprise Centre, at Elwood Park.
Best bits about working for yourself?
In this job the best bit is meeting loads of new, interesting people all the time. It’s very satisfying to be able to help people to relax or offer them some respite from pain. I really appreciate the independence too.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge was taking the next step to doing the business full time; finding the confidence to do it- to put myself out there and say 'here I am' and find out if anybody wanted me and what I was offering.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
I’d do it sooner.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
People pay me to do something I love. It still surprises me. I love who I am; I love what I do; I really love my life! I’m always telling people how great No Limits has been- I’ve even sent some of my clients to see them.
Finally, a piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?
Go for it. Find something you love and make it your life. There’s no better way to spend your days than doing a job you love. But make sure you do your preparation and thoroughly research your market. The groundwork I put in at the start of the process has really paid off in the long run.
