Who are you? 
Rachael Hose, founder of Atlas Therapies.


What does your business do?
I provide complementary therapies including aromatherapy, reflexology and massage to support women’s health and wellbeing throughout all stages of life.


Where are you based?
I am based in Glasgow in Neal’s Yard Remedies therapy rooms, Royal Exchange Square. I chose to be based within Neal’s Yard Remedies as I feel that their business ethos was aligned with mine and we have a similar client base. Being in the city centre is ideal for many of my clients who work there.


How did you get started?
Initially I rented a room in a clinic that I could use as and when I needed it rather than commit to renting a whole day when I hadn’t established a client base.

From there I focused on getting the word out about my business through creating a website, using social media and attending events.  


What is your background?
I began my career working as a midwife which I loved – it was through this that I realised that I had a passion for supporting and helping people achieve better health and wellbeing.

I worked in a small birthing unit where women would rely on using aromatherapy, relaxation techniques and massage to cope during labour.  When I saw first-hand how effective this all was and how women using these techniques had a more natural birth experience, I was inspired to retrain as a complementary therapist!

Now I work mostly with women who are pregnant, thinking about starting a family, or in the postnatal period. I think my background helps people feel comfortable coming to me for treatments as they know I have the appropriate training and experience to give them safe and effective treatments.


What is your top tip? 
Don’t compare yourself to others in your industry. Have a clear vision of what you want your business to be about and celebrate those differences because it’s what will draw clients to you. 


How long has your business been running?
Just over a year. My very first client actually had her baby when my business (my baby!) was 9 months old which I thought was a lovely coincidence!


Has anyone helped you get started and how? 
My family and friends definitely gave me the encouragement I needed to get the business off the ground and Business Gateway has been a great source of information and advice. Lynne Gorman was the first person I spoke to there and has been great at giving me personalised business advice and support.


Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?
My dream is for Atlas to have its own premises, a women’s holistic health clinic, with practitioners from other therapies. I’m also working on launching an aromatherapy product line.


Useful contacts
Website – www.atlastherapies.co.uk
Email - rachael@atlastherapies.co.uk
Facebook – search “Atlas Therapies” 
Instagram – atlas_therapies