In the third of our popular series on Botanicals Therapists, Lisa talks to Mittal Shah, who runs her therapy business, called Cinnamon Wellbeing and Beauty, from her home in Pinner, northwest London.

What was your journey into therapy business?

I have always been passionate about beauty products and massages. I've always loved looking at skincare products in department stores. But it took a while to decide that it would be the right career choice for me.

I studied a degree in fashion, and also worked in that field for sometime. But there was always something missing. I decided to do a course in beauty therapy. I am qualified in NVQ level 2 & 3 - and my journey began. I started my own business from home, calling it Cinnamon Wellbeing and Beauty.

I cover a range of massages facials, threading and waxing. I also do pranic healing.

What do you most love about what you do?

I love doing treatments that make my clients feel calm and tranquil. Most of all, I love healing them with a nice massage to ease their stiff joints, or a facial to make their skin more radiant. A Thai foot massage to pamper their feet is always great.

Every aspect of a treatment is a form of healing - just like a facial can repair skin tissues. When a client gives me positive feedback about how they feel, I have achieved my goal.

What has been your greatest challenge?

One of my greatest challenges has been actually starting my own business. For example, not knowing where to start from, and how to go about building a business.

Building a loyal client base via word of mouth is particularly challenging. Also letting people know that I am here!

There is always advertising - but that’s also quite difficult. And to understand what form of advertising works, which cannot always be cost effective.

What has been your greatest learning?

I have achieved qualification in pranic healing; this is a no-touch, energy healing. It's based on the fundamental principles that the body is a self-repairing, living entity that possesses the ability to heal itself. It can help with everything from minor problems, such as headaches, constipation, fever - to more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, stress, depression, and skin problems.

Pranic healing has changed me as a person - the way I look at things in life. I am much calmer now, and relaxed, and more in touch with myself.

What made you choose Botanicals for your business?

One of the main reasons I chose Botanicals is that it is certified organic brand, and all the products are handmade.

There are many products in the market which claim to be organic, but do not have maximum organic ingredients. And for that reason, they're not certified.

Botanicals range also smells gorgeous! They always feels soft against your skin, and are also completely natural, which make me feel more close to nature!

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

Botanicals do a skincare range to suit numerous skin types, and that helps me with my portfolio of clients. I have always had repeated business with my facials.

My clients have tried other brands, but they love the products that I use. They have also started to incorporate the products into their daily skin care regime.

My clients also like the massage oils. Botanical has a lovely range; Deep peace, Muscle ease, Indulgence and Orange blossom. And my clients love them all - and they have a different massage experience every time.

Which are your favourite Botanicals products, and why?

I have oily to combination skin, and was prone to ocassional blackheads and spots. I tried many creams - from high street ranges to expensive ranges. But I have not come across anything that worked for my skin - until I tried Botanicals rose and camellia face balm.

This balm can be quite rich on the skin, but since I have used it, I don’t get many blackheads and spots - and my skin is never dry.

I also use Botanicals rose and camellia serum. After a long day of hard work I look forward to applying that on my skin as it smells divine and the skin feels really refreshed.

Do you have any case studies or client stories you could share?

My son has had eczema from a very young age and I have tried many creams. Botanicals body balm and creams have made him feel at ease. I always carry one tub in my handbag whereever I go!

Moisturising his skin His eczema has really improved his skin condition. He also loves the smell!

What are your plans for the future?

I would just like to carry out doing what I do and at a larger scale in the future! Have more treatments to offer my clients, and also have a good working relationship with my client through my treatments.

Learning is something I want to do continuously to enhance my profession and to be a flawless in my field.

Mittal Shah - Cinnamon Wellbeing and Beauty

Website: www.cinnamon-wellbeing-beauty.co.uk

Facebook:  Click here.

Email: info@cinnamon-wellbeing-beauty.co.uk

Mobile: 07808 475319