"I taught beauty and holistic therapy in West Midlands college classrooms for 25 years and now I have my own holistic and tarot business in Bewdley"

She started her business, Heel2Heal Aroma & Reflex, in Bewdley in June 2023 after teaching holistic therapy for more than 25 years.

Before moving from Warwickshire to Worcestershire, Melissa was a lecturer in beauty and holistic therapy and anatomy and physiology at Stafford College, Solihull College and Northampton College.

Along with her PGCE in education from Manchester Metropolitan University, Melissa has a number of qualifications in beauty therapy, aromatherapy, clinical aromatherapy, reflexology and sports massage with advanced training in anatomy and physiology.

She is also an assessor and judge for VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) national competitions in beauty and holistic therapy.

Although Melissa loved teaching and helping her students on the path to their chosen careers,after having her children she realised the time had come for a more flexible job.

Being her own boss seemed an ideal way to balance work and family life so she decided to open her own treatment space.

Now based at Bridge House in Riverside North, Melissa, who is also a tarot reader, worked hard to create a welcoming and calming environment. "It’s a beautiful, safe sanctuary,” she says. "I've always loved Bewdley and due to its extensive historical beauty, I felt starting up my holistic and tarot business in this town was the perfect setting for a calm and tranquil experience,” adds Melissa.

Reflexology is an ancient practice originating from Egypt, India, and China. The main theory behind reflexology is that all the systems and organs of the body are mapped in smaller peripheral areas, for example, the feet, hands, ears and face.

“I was first attracted to reflexology when I looked into the study of the practice; which is derived from zone therapy, where the body's systems can all be treated through complete zones of energy,” says Melissa.

"This makes reflexology very powerful in effect because you can treat every body area at a cellular level. So, for example, conditions like hay fever, sinusitis and digestive issues can be resolved after a course of treatments; where acupressure techniques are applied with a set sequence to a body "map" of the feet,” she explains.

Reflexology is said to be excellent for deep relaxation and stress relief, pain management, tension headaches, insomnia, fertility issues and menstrual symptoms as well as digestive and urinary concerns.

Aromatherapy is a practice using pure essential oils to help the body to ease and manage a wide variety of health concerns.

The oils are blended in carrier oils and applied to the body via light or deep tissue massage therapy.  “What attracted me to aromatherapy was the ability to learn how to blend pure essential oils so they have a deeper impact on an ailment,” says Melissa. Each blend is tailored exactly to her client’s requirements and they have the option to take them home to use after their treatment. Every week, Melissa posts a video on her social media talking about different essential oils and their benefits.

Appointments are also available for kaeso facial treatments; dermalogica facial and body care; massages with hot stones; chakra cleansing and balancing; and ear candling.

"I’m also an empath and a very spiritual person,” says Melissa, who offers a free 15-minute consultation and free car parking during treatments. She has worked hard to create a ‘safe space’ where people feel they can share what’s on their mind and any concerns.  “I want people to feel they can open up and talk because if they open up a little bit, I can find out what’s going on,” explains Melissa.

She recommends chakra balancing as being the way to “dip a toe” into the world of holistic treatments.  Chakras are perceived as centres of energy within the body and each one is associated with different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Aligning them is said to help reduce stress and calm our mental and emotional states.

“It’s deeply relaxing,” says Melissa, who uses a combination of crystals and pendulums during the treatment.

For Melissa, knowing she is making a difference to her clients’ lives is incredibly rewarding. "I love looking after my lovely clients,” she says.  For more information, see heel2healaromareflex.co.uk