Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Madeline Blackburn, creator of The Soul Spa: a space to find mind, body and spirit balance and wellbeing based in Bath.

How are you feeling about your business?  

I am always hopeful, that’s one of the benefits of regular meditation! I am incredibly grateful that we have survived, unlike so many others, but the next few weeks are crucial for us. I love what we are trying to offer to the people of Bath and the visitors to our beautiful city, and I know people can benefit hugely from our work, we just need people to find us and use us. 

How are you feeling about business in general? 

There’s no doubt about it, we’re in a tight spot economically and things will probably get worse before they get better, but we’re a resilient nation and as long as we pull together we can evolve into something kinder and more sustainable than before, I hope.  

Tell us how you now apply this phrase to your business and/or life ‘buy local supply local’. 

I have loved supporting our local members during lockdown with our online meditation sessions.

I always try to support our local independent shops and businesses by buying from them. 

It has been a pleasure to welcome new local practitioners to work from the Soul Spa and support them as they grow their businesses.

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

I have discovered that companies are looking for ways to support their workforce and our online team or individual mental relaxation sessions have been very well-received. This is a market I hadn’t thought about before and it has been my pleasure to help people as they work remotely or are furloughed.

The Soul Spa has developed strong links with Bath Mind as we have tried to fundraise for them over lockdown and I am so grateful to be working with them. 

What makes a good local business?

I like local businesses that work together and support each other. Generally I have found the Bath business community to be incredibly open and helpful. It feels like everyone has the motto that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and we as a community in Bath can make that tide rise by making us more attractive as a city. 

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? 

I love the curries from Easton Spice in Batheaston. They started a delivery service during lockdown which we were so grateful for – organising three meals a day for four of us while working and homeschooling made the odd takeaway even more special!

https://www.eastonspice.co.uk

Can you name a local business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

Run Coach Angela MacAusland of Run Bath has been really inspiring throughout lockdown.

https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/RunBath 

Can you shout out to any local customers you'd like to celebrate? 

We have loved working with Curo and their amazing workforce who have been so busy during lockdown.

My members who have made the transition to online classes seamlessly and sent me so many wonderful messages of thanks and encouragement.

https://www.curo-group.co.uk

Can you shout out to any local suppliers you wish to celebrate? 

Float on Lower Bristol Road.  I can’t wait to get back there!

My landlords, St John’s Foundation, have been incredibly supportive and patient.

https://stjohnsbath.org.uk 

Can you name someone who has really helped you during this time? 

Sarah Baker. I can’t thank her enough for all the support she has given to the Soul Spa and many other local businesses. Sarah, you are a diamond! 

Can you name on person in your life who has really helped you during this time? 

My husband, Colin Blackburn, who is a local business owner and Independent Bath City councillor.  His business was completely decimated by Covid19 but he has remained positive throughout the whole time.  His resilience is totally awe-inspiring! 

What are your business plans for Q4? 

We have relaunched the website to reflect the balance of what we now offer between Therapies, Corporate work and Soul Spa Experiences.  I am particularly excited about Soul Spa Experiences as we position ourselves as well-being attraction for locals and visitors to Bath.  We have so many fantastic events for people to enjoy and I hope we will become a top attraction for Bath. 

Any special offers you’d like to mention? 

Reward Card holders and members can enjoy discounts off our sound baths which will begin to run regularly from this week. 

Anything else you’d like to say? 

I would encourage anyone who has an interest in any area of health to look at our amazing array of talented and dedicated therapists to see what they offer.  Also, please keep an eye on the website as we populate our What’s On pages and more exciting events are added to the calendar.

For more information visit https://www.thesoulspa.co.uk