Holistic Entrepreneur
In a tough economic climate, new business start ups aren’t easy, but this month Wellbeing Magazine talks to local massage therapist Debbie Cobb, about her unique business and how it’s going from strength to strength. Debbie runs Yurtopia, which started from humble roots as a massage venue at the bottom of her garden.
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
I had some friends who lived in a network of yurts and I practiced yoga there with them and spent time there so fell in love with yurts and ended up buying a second hand one for my garden. Spending time in a yurt is real escapism and I love the feeling of only the canvas separating you from the breeze, sunlight and the natural sounds and smells of nature, something that a building deprives us of. Spending time in
and around my yurt calms my mind and lets me breathe again. I soon realized what a perfect place it was for massage and other treatments that compliment it.
What were you doing before you started Yurtopia?
I worked in an office but yearned to have a place to live and work all to do all the things I love like growing my own veg - I love being outside, and I'm so lucky to have finally realized my dream.
What do you offer?
I offer holistic massage therapy which is tailor made to suit a person's needs whether they want it to de-stress, for aches and pains like back pain or for ongoing treatment after an accident or operation, for circulation and detox or for that special treat and power of touch that so many
of us are missing.
Does Yurtopia have plans for expansion?
Yes, this is only the beginning! I hope I will be lucky enough to turn Yurtopia into a retreat that people can either visit for an hour or stay for a week. I have many contacts who can offer various therapies and personal physical training. I'm a born co-ordinator and whatever the visitor requires I will do my best to arrange even if its a map to the pub across the fields! We plan to embark on this next year with more yurts!
Where do you get your yurts from?
From Woodland Yurts in Cornwall, they use sustainable ash from local woodlands and their craftsmanship is second to none. My yurt stays up most of the year. It is heated in winter by a woodburning stove and therefore clients can experience the unusual warmth that a yurt provides even in thick snow.
Where are you based?
We are based in Westfield, East Sussex, nestled away from the road in 20 acres of countryside, pastures and woodland with a stream running through. We have sheep and a horse, all rescue animals - all different and all named now! Emma the Horse was badly treated so we give her lots of TLC. The sheep are a motley crew who love the odd treat and are very happy in the paddock.
A massage treatments start from only £30 and the location is a unique and relaxing experience, my clients rarely want to leave! Contact Debbie on 07969 949984 www.yurtopiatherapies.co.uk
Or find Yurtopia on the Wellbeing Directory
