Where the business idea came from

Carmen and Laura Nash had problems finding sportswear that was both practical
and stylish.

They felt designs had “men in mind” and there was little to suit women’s
needs. Instead, however, of setting up a straightforward sportswear shop to address
this gap in the market, they applied their thinking to other needs of women.

“I am like most other 21st century women,” admits Carmen, “always rushing from pillar to post, with little time for anything and no time for myself at all. My daughter, Laura, and I felt there was a need for a place where women could go for a little respite and therapy - just for a short time perhaps whilst out shopping or in their lunch break - to escape from the rat race; a sort of sanctuary for peace and well-being.”

Getting it off the ground

One of the main difficulties was finding the right premises and gaining financial backing.It was a frustrating time in which the two had to overcome many challenges and
setbacks.

Finally, in June 2006, “Women in Mind” opened in a former church in central
Shrewsbury. Carmen and Laura received considerable support and advice from the RWEU in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) and Business Link.

“I have been a member of WiRE (partners in the RWEU) for many years and find them particularly supportive,” says Carmen. “They are always there for you and keep you going when things get tough as well as offering sound practical advice.”

The blueprint

Carmen and Laura describe the business: “We offer a range of attractive and hi-tech
sportswear for women, a therapy suite with individual therapy booths and a coffee shop.
There are two massage chairs, an infra red sauna and a body coach machine.

These enable women to have a half hour ‘relaxation fix’ - without even getting changed. We offer a range of holistic and beauty therapies and workshops for spiritual and personal development.

The coffee shop, Café Retreat, has become very popular as a destination in its own right. It is spacious with soft chairs and sofas. Our disabled customers find the shop comfortable and accessible. There is a regular group of about 15 mums who come along with their children and pushchairs. We can easily accommodate them all and they relax and breastfeed in comfort.

We want to emphasise that we are not ‘just another business’ - we are an ‘enterprise with contribution’ that gives back to others in proper, tangible ways rather than just paying lip service to things. We show this through the space we offer, the products we use which are locally produced or fair trade and the 10% of our profits which we give to Breast Cancer.”

Plans for the future

Carmen and Laura are thinking big and would like to see twenty “Women in Mind” ventures set up around the country and then consider expansion into Europe.

Laura’s views on self employment

“Self employment is challenging but worth it. Every morning when you wake up you are
doing what you want to do. At “Women in Mind” we see women who are rushed and
stressed when they come in. When they leave they are relaxed and serene and you feel you have done your job properly and are making a difference.”

For more info please visit www.womeninmind.co.uk or contact Laura or Carmen on 01753 235334.

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