Reflexology learner sets up her own business thanks to help from Tafflab

A Coleg y Cymoedd learner who has dreamed of being her own boss for years is set to achieve her goals as she prepares to open her own business next month thanks to support from the college and Tafflab project.  

Hayley Humphries, 54, is due to open her own reflexology studio, Ty Adweitheg Reflexology Therapies, after mentoring from the project inspired her to take the plunge and follow her dreams.

Following a 21-year career in nursing, Hayley decided it was time for a change in direction, choosing to swap her high-pressured job to pursue a more relaxing route in reflexology – something she had long been interested in.

In 2021, she left her role as a children’s nurse and started a Level 3 Reflexology course at Coleg y Cymoedd. Noticing her passion for the therapy and seeing her interest in entrepreneurship, towards the end of her first term, Hayley’s tutor, Hayley Hunt, put her in touch with the college’s events and international partnerships team to help her explore her options.

Hayley was then referred on to Tafflab, a charity-funded organisation that helps aspiring entrepreneurs from FE colleges in the South Wales valleys to fulfil their business dreams. Learners admitted onto the programme receive mentoring from successful local business owners, who provide them with encouragement, support and advice on their next steps.

After presenting an impressive business case, Hayley was selected to join the Tafflab cohort in January 2022.

Through Tafflab, Hayley received advice on all areas relating to setting up a business including guidance on how to apply for financial grants, write business plans, conduct competitor research, ensure her services meet compliance requirements, develop a website and market her new business.

Speaking about her new business and the support she has received, Hayley said: “I enjoyed my time as a children’s nurse, it was extremely rewarding and I was very proud of the roles I played throughout my career, it was also incredibly stressful and it was hard to see things that devastated me every day. I loved working with people so I thought about other ways that I could still do that. I was keen to do something that relieves people of their stress while relieving mine which made me think about reflexology in – something I have always had an interest in.

“My confidence has grown ten-fold over the last year because Tafflab placed their belief in me. I am so excited to be turning a long-standing dream of mine into a reality.”

As part of her next steps., Hayley has secured a purpose build garden space room which she will use as the base for her business. Looking ahead, Hayley plans to enrol on two part-time evening courses in Indian head massage and aromatherapy alongside her business, so that she will be able to expand the treatments she is able to offer to her future clients.

Following the success of her business journey, Hayley has also been asked to work with Tafflab as a new business mentor for next year’s cohort to help with their Tafflab journey.

Ty Adweitheg Reflexology Therapies will open on the 1^st of September. For more information visit: https://www.ty-adweitheg-at-the-mill.com/

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