Sweet success for choc therapy

It's an almost irresistible combination: relaxation, pampering and calorie-free chocolate.

That's what is being offered to customers of a brand new business aimed at smoothing away the stresses of everyday life for the women of the Black Country.

The chocolate therapy is the signature treatment offered by Judith Morgan, who recently launched her holistic therapy business, Bodessa, inside Petra's Hair and Beauty Salon at Hayley Green in Halesowen.

After a hitch in supplies of the manufactured gel-based facial mask had disrupted the business's first few weeks, Judith set about manufacturing her own Bodessa version.

Now she's able to offer customers the best of both worlds.

The supplied treatment comes in the form of a gel-based facial mask made of Swiss chocolate and, says Judith: "It releases all the same endorphins as you would get from eating chocolate - but without the calories."

"The Bodessa Chocolate Facial will clean off more like a mud-mask, while the gel mask peels off," says Judith. "But holistically they do the same thing, which is to hydrate the skin and to soothe, calm and deep cleanse."

Unfortunately, neither treatment is really edible. But, by way of compensation, customers who choose the choc therapy do get a specially-made Belgian chocolate in the Bodessa brand to take home with them.

"Chocolate is one of my biggest passions in life," admits Judith. "But I'm constantly having to remind myself that the chocolate is for my clients' enjoyment only."

Opening Bodessa is the culmination of 18 months of planning after Judith made a bold career change after 25 years in the catering industry.

"I was interested in hairdressing and beauty 25 years ago," she said. "But after qualifying I somehow worked my way into the catering industry and did that at all levels.

"A couple of years ago I decided to do what I had originally intended. So I have spent a couple of years training in holistic therapies and I've put them together to launch Bodessa."

She has been encouraged by her husband, Brett, a graphic designer, who has produced some of her literature and designed her logo and by Business Link West Midlands, who led her through the start-up process.

Judith's adviser acted as a sounding board for the new business, offer impartial advice, support and guidance to help Judith and Brett develop Bodessa. The adviser also helped Judith prepare the business plan that gave her a sound footing in starting the venture.

Judith added: "The business plan advice was great. It allowed my husband and I to put together a plan that was very realistic, not just for the bank manager to be impressed with.

"I was also helped with things like advertising and opening my eyes to a few things. We have developed a good relationship. They are helping to turn me from a worker into a businesswoman."

Business Link West Midlands adviser, Bob Howard, said: "As long as a company requires help they can come back to us. They know there's someone here for them who can keep giving them relevant information, perhaps guidance on training and maybe advice on gaining access to new finance to help them progress the business."

Business Link West Midlands says it expected to help over 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a company with information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced business advisers by 2010.