Gayle Berry was a solicitor before deciding to become her own boss six years ago. That was the beginning of Blossom & Berry and the company’s been blossoming ever since!    

Factfile:
 

Age: 33
Home office location: Essex
Business description: Blossom & Berry is a natural and holistic lifestyle company created to promote gentle and natural nurturing for pregnancy, babies and children. We offer baby massage and yoga classes, training for individuals wishing to work in this field, a range of lovely natural products and a directory of holistic services.

When did you start Blossom and Berry?

In 2002

What were you doing before going self-employed?

I was a solicitor

How did you come up with the idea?
 

I practiced baby massage with my daughter and saw its amazing benefits. I love teaching and helping other people to enjoy life and what they are doing. I wanted to extend my local teaching nationally and promote the benefits of a holistic approach to health for little ones. Being a parent is one of the most amazing and rewarding things in life but it can also be confusing and scary sometimes. I wanted to help support parents as much as I could through my services. I believe relaxed parents help make relaxed children.

What has been your single most effective marketing activity to date?
 

Word of mouth.

What are your plans for the future?

To expand the business, train more instructors and teach more parents. I’m currently studying life coaching and would like to move in this direction too.

What one piece of advice would you offer to someone starting a business at home?
 

Meet up with friends for lunch and coffee to make sure you have social interaction in your day.

Gayle Berry talks to Emma Jones