18th Sep 2024
Meet The Member – Nicola Downie, Empower You Therapies
Name: Nicola Downie
Business Name: Empower You Therapies
‘Empowering you to make the change in your journey of healing and progression.’
Tell us about your business, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
Mental health and managing it has always been a big part of my life, either for myself or helping family and friends. I started a volunteering role with Childline in 2016 (something I still do today) and this made me realise that counselling was something I was really interested in and wanted to learn/understand officially with a qualification. I started studying part-time in 2018 and finished my diploma in CBT Counselling and Group Work in 2021, which is when I started seeing clients. Since then, I have completed further training and developed myself so I can offer more of an integrated approach when it comes to counselling, which can be tailored to each individual and their needs. I also run workshops and groups with businesses which I love doing.
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
I imagine this will be the same for many others, but don’t compare yourself to others. You have worked hard to get where you are, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to and there is room for everyone at the table.
What has been your biggest lesson/challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
Pricing! One of my biggest motivations was to make sure that counselling was affordable and accessible to those who needed it and couldn’t wait on long waiting lists. I found it personally challenging to find the balance of setting pricing for my time and skills but also being mindful of people’s individual situations – I think I have found a good balance now.
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Be patient and consistent. My business is still very new but I know that word of mouth can be so effective in the counselling world and I am now benefiting from this. Consistency is key, I block time out and even if I don’t have a client, I use it for reading/developing myself, social media or planning for further sessions.
What are the big business goals for the next year?
I want to continue to develop myself so I can offer my clients even more in terms of how I am supporting them. I have also opened up more counselling slots in my week and would love to have them filled and work with more people and businesses.
How can the GCC business membership help?
Networking is something I need to get better at and being more visible/promoting my business in general. I’m excited to start attending some of the business events and learning from others.
What’s the dream?
The dream is to go part-time in my 9-5 job and watch my counselling business grow, by helping more people and continually developing my skills.
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business?
‘Change your thoughts and you’ll change your world!’
Highlights how important and powerful our mindset is!
Shout out to another local business you admire?
@freeburnaccountancy
@ciarajaynehairdesign
AC Mortgage & Financial Exchange
Three fun facts about you!
1. I lived in London and France and loved every moment of it.
2. I also work as a Senior Product Manager in media and technology and there are many (surprisingly) similarities between my 9-5 and my business.
3. I play the saxophone, not well, but I can!
Find out more about Nicola here!
