We had a great response to our recent profile on Botanicals therapist, Siobhan Carey. Siobhan has only recently completed her therapist training. In this second feature, Botanicals Consultant Therapist, Lisa Whitehead, talks to Julie Streeter (above) who has over 20 years' experience, and runs her own training school called Therapy Courses.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business:

I am the founder and proprietor of Therapy Courses. With 20 years hands-on experience, I have great credentials. I have been employed by some of the world’s most prestigious health spas, worked alongside doctors, chiropractors and homeopaths to deliver beneficial therapies. I also run my own private training school, as well as teaching at a local FE college, for beauty and holistic treatments.  I offer two qualifications, VTCT and Guild of Beauty Professional Therapists. All courses are accredited, certified and insurable.

What was your journey into the therapy business?

When I was 18 I became very ill with glandular fever. I met a lady who gave me aromatherapy massage and reflexology which helped me immensely. I then trained and worked alongside her for five years.

What do you love most about what you do?

My passion is teaching, and I love to teach beauty and holistic therapies. I love to see students become professional therapists and thoroughly enjoying their new career.

What’s been you’re greatest challenge?

Setting up Therapy Courses and becoming a Centre Approved for VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) which is a government approved awarding organisation offering National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs).

And what’s been you’re greatest learning?

My life long career in this industry is my greatest learning, gaining all my qualification in therapies and teaching and being able to pass on my knowledge and skills to other people.

What made you choose Botanicals for your business?

I chose Botanicals because of the support I was given immediately from this company.  Not only just in the skincare range, but also supporting me with my website. At the moment I am only a small business so my orders are small. But I am in no way pressurised into selling or ordering large amounts of products. I am really looking forward to the future with Botanicals.

How do you integrate Botanicals into your business to make it such a success?

When I both teach and treat clients, I only use Botanicals skincare products. I feel that it's important to be able to offer students and clients a skincare range that is organic, not tested on animals, vegan, and Soil Association approved. And knowing that botanicals is an award-winning natural and organic skin care company; why would I want to use anything else? And my salon smells wonderful!

What is your favourite Botanicals product and why?

The organic green clay & avocado facial mask. It's good for all types of skin - and in particular for oily and problem skin.

Also, Botanicals therapy course kits – facial, pedicure, manicure and body worker - are perfect for students and therapist. And students get a really good discount on their first purchase.

Do you have any case studies, or client success stories, of using the products that you could share?

One lady in particular suffers from rosacea and eczema. I needed a model to demonstrate a facial. I was concerned about giving her a treatment as her skin was dry, flaky and irritated red due to the blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin. She was experiencing burning and stinging sensations.

After the treatment her skin had calmed down, was rehydrated, and now the lady has had four facials and her skin looks amazing! I am now very confident in using the Botanicals skincare range. The client commented the other day and said she wished we had taken a before and after picture!

What are your plans for the future?

To continue teaching and developing the training school. And to have other teachers around the country teaching for Therapy Courses. To have all training course work on the website so I am able to support students on their journey to becoming a successful therapist.

Julie Streeter - Beauty and Holistic Educator for the South

Website: http://www.therapycourses.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/therapy.courses

Email: therapycourses@btinternet.com

Mobile: 07900864159