Best Massage Therapist 2022
July brought an award-winning month as the Best Massage Therapist of 2022 was given to Haven House Holistics. Based in my gorgeous home salon in Halifax, West Yorkshire. I’m asked a LOT about my background and how I came to be here on my little journey, so I thought I’d share that with you today.
From Mental Health Nurse to Award-Winning Massage Therapist
It’s funny to think where I started all those years back as a work experience in a mental health unit (aged just 21).
Caring (animals and humans) is one of my core personality traits and this trickles through in my work and home life.
I toyed with the idea of nursing and caring for the elderly but mental health was something I was so very passionate about. I worked full-time in a Psychiatric unit for quite a number of years. Whilst this was very rewarding, I didn’t feel fulfilled and coming from a dancing background as a child (tap and ballet) I craved more somehow. One of my colleagues suggested that I look at ‘doing make-up’ as I was pretty good at it from my dancing show days. Back then makeup formed part of the Beauty Therapy qualifications, but I got to learn about massages, nails and electrolysis and I was HOOKED!
I remember a larger-than-life Italian lady I worked with and she said ‘unless you’re superwoman, you can’t do both’. Do you know what, I thought I’ll show you!
Whilst working full time, I completed a full time NVQ qualification in Beauty Therapy. A diploma in Relexology and Level 5 in Clinical Aromatherapy (the highest accolade). This qualifies me to make bespoke (and recommend) oils for your mental and physical health.
Deciding that the beauty industry was for me, I left my job and began working as a Spa Manager at a Hotel. Not long after I realised that this corporate role wasn’t for me. I missed spending time with clients and giving them the right amount of time for their treatments and therapies. My lovely Salon in Haworth became my home for 15 years, before selling and beginning Haven House Holistic in 2020.
Caring for Mind & Body
Whilst I missed the mental health sector, I felt that I was helping people in some small way. Mental health and holistic therapies are at the core of my business. Ensuring that everyone has care for their mind, body and soul.
Where I am today is from that lovely Italian lady telling me I can’t do everything! As I’m about to celebrate 2 years of Haven House, I’d like to thank that lady! But I want to progress and get my message out there.
Hence the two awards I have entered this year;
- Winner – Massage Therapist of the Year 2022 – British Hair & Beauty Awards
- Finalist – Home Based Beauty Business of the Year 2022 – Professional Beauty is recognised as the highest and most prestigious in our industry. It’s the beauty industry equivalent of the Oscars!
These awards are judged by the UK’s leading industry panel experts and I was so happy with what we had achieved.
The Therapist for Therapists
It’s becoming more apparent that I am the ‘therapist for therapists’ with my client base increasing in the public and private health sector too.
If you’re looking for a massage therapist or wellbeing treatment in the Halifax area then do give me a call, I’d love to help you.
Much love
Karen x
Award-Winning Massage Therapist Halifax. If you’re looking for a holistic massage therapist in Halifax or elsewhere in Yorkshire, get in touch by visiting my contact page or you can browse our treatment page for all our wonderful massages and other holistic treatments. We provide the best massage therapy in Halifax. We work with Pinks Boutique for all our essential oils and creams.