Emma and I connected on Instagram due to our shared love for the Isles of Scilly and our aligned beliefs in taking a holistic and sustainable approach to skincare, and life in general. Emma runs her own therapy suite, Abode, in the centre of Lewes, East Sussex. I was so flattered when Emma asked if I could supply Phoenix & Providence products for her to use in her treatments.
Emma has over a decade of experience as a beauty and massage therapist, and sought to deepen her understanding of the human body by pursuing a science degree in complementary health. In 2021, Emma successfully completed her studies at The University of Brighton, and her studies are ever expanding. Emma offers a wide variety of treatments at Abode including face sculpting facials, buccal for TMJ relief, holistic massage, deep tissue and cupping, reflexology and beauty treatments.
Emma,thank you for taking the time to share more about your life and business. Firstly, I would like to know, what is your connection to the Isles of Scilly?
I stumbled on a job advert for a summer season Spa Therapist position at Tresco Island Spa. I was living in the UK, but a quick search of the Scilly Islands showed the most gorgeous landscapes, and I loved the idea of being close to nature on a small island. I decided to have a change of pace from life on the mainland, and I fell totally in love with Scilly.
In 2022, you moved to the mainland and opened Abode. It was a big decision to start your own business, one people often dream of but never take that big step! What was your vision for Abode when you opened?
I started my business back in October 2022. It was a scary decision for sure, but my vision was to offer restorative face and body treatments, with sustainability at the forefront of the business. Starting my business involved so much hard work and long hours, but I’m so proud of myself for taking that leap. It’s one of the reasons I align so well with P&P, because I want to support another woman who’s made the decision to start her own business.
What have been the highs and lows of starting your own business?
At the beginning of starting a business, you can get consumed with what everyone else is doing. Comparison is the thief of joy, as they say, but thankfully I learnt early on that it's always best to stay in your lane, and not get distracted by the noise. Stay true to your values and simply being a good, honest person gets you far, and at the end of the day, I still think word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools.
It’s such a thrill to have our Phoenix & Providence products used in a professional setting. What treatments do you offer? What have you found to be the most popular?
Originally, I started off just using the Nourish Body Oil for massage therapy, but over time I realised how many other products for the P&P range I could incorporate into my other treatments. For example, with our reflexology, the treatment starts with the Rejuvenate Seaweed Bath Salt Foot Soak. Then the Ennor Seaweed and Salt Body Scrub exfoliates the feet in preparation for the reflexology massage. We use the Soothe Hand & Body Balm for that - I love the scent.
The 90-minute Face & Body treatment is the most popular P&P treatment, which is a full body massage with P&P Signature Blend Nourish Oil, and a 30-minute facial using the whole P&P facial skincare range. I particularly like the application of the Innis Face Mask. I notice every client seems particularly calm and relaxed after I apply it.
When you are choosing what skincare products to use, personally and professionally, is there anything you are particularly looking for?
Organic and small batch. This ensures product freshness and environmental integrity. I seek out facial products with either no fragrance, or scent derived only from pure natural essential oils, as I believe all skin should be treated as sensitive. Unnecessary potential aggravators should be avoided at all costs. You never know what might cause a reaction. I'm also a fan of oil or balm-based products as they mimic our own natural sebum production, meaning it doesn’t disrupt or compromise the skin barrier.
Running a business can be all encompassing, especially when you are passionate about it like you are. How do you carve out downtime for yourself?
That good old saying, practice what you preach! I allocate time out to have a monthly massage or facial. Daily walks with my Portuguese rescue dog Reggie help me to gather my thoughts and spark new creative ideas for my business. And it’s always a bonus to stop by a coffee shop to use my handy reusable Huskee cup, then find a nice spot in nature to sit and simply be.
I always think therapists are such giving people, always looking after their clients to make sure they are well pampered and relaxed. How do you look after your own wellbeing?
Knowing when to say no. In the early days that’s really hard. You work all the hours under the sun (and in the night, sometimes) to attract new clients. Now I’ve gained a loyal following, I try to stick to my fixed working days and hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Do you have a vision of where you and Abode will be in five or ten years time?
My ambition is to create an eco-wellness retreat centre with equine-assisted therapy as I am a passionate horsewoman at heart. Growing produce on site and using it for seasonal-menu lunches would be part of it, as well as the therapy treatments at the core. I am also passionate about passing my skills onto the next generation, so I would also consider a pathway working in education.
Finally, do you have a favourite P & P product?
That’s a hard one! It would probably be the Nourish Body Oil as this was the first product I brought for professional use. The uplifting scent, with the hint of sea, transports me back to the islands and was the catalyst for continuing the journey with P&P to bring a little piece of Scilly stillness to Sussex.
Thank you so much for sharing so generously Emma. I know so many of P & P community will be inspired by your story.
You can find out more about Abode and the treatments here. Lucky you if you live near Lewes!
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