Lymington mum of two Katie Pearson who ‘followed her dreams’ wins top award
A LYMINGTON mum of two who followed her dreams to become a full-time maternity masseuse has won a top award.
Katie Pearson (36) had been a beauty therapist for 15 years, but after having her second child she decided she wanted to change career to help other mums.
Having started her new business only two years ago Katie said she was “absolutely thrilled” to win the title Mobile Therapist of the Year award from the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology.
She said: “My friend encouraged me to enter but I never thought I’d win. It was so out of my comfort zone to go in for the competition.
“But I did it to show my clients that if there is something you really want to do, like I did with setting up my new business, they should go for it.
“But it was absolutely insane I won.”
Katie said her “lightbulb moment” to launch her business Bump&Beyond came after having her second child: “I realised that I could really help mums, especially full-time mums who can be really anxious through massage.
“It can be so good for pregnant women and afterwards. Among things massage alleviates is anxiety, insomnia, sciatica, lower limb pain and cramping.”
Women are often advised not to have a massage if they are pregnant, but Katie says she operates on a “completely safe basis” adding: “I have a full consultation with someone beforehand and if I feel there is something that needs checking I get them to do that with their mid-wife.
“For some women it is just about the rest and relaxation aspect of a massage, for others it can really help any pain they are suffering from.
“I also have a special aromatherapy oil which can bring on labour at a safe time. It encourages contractions while also helping with anxiety and keeping the mind rested.”
She said it is not just the physical effects of massage during pregnancy that women benefit from but also how it can boost their mental wellbeing.
Katie said: “When I was a first-time mum it was so daunting and I was so anxious about everything, so I now run workshops where mums can meet other mums.
“They have fun while learning massage with their babies beside them. It’s a chance to make friends and find a support network which can be so important.”
She said her new business has become a “total passion” saying: “I really followed my dreams and love what I do.
“It is so rewarding to be able to help pregnant ladies and mums. I have a studio in Brockenhurst which they can come to, or I also operate a mobile service.
“That can be really helpful if you have other children and have just had your baby as you don’t need to find childcare.”
Among the services Kate offers are a Due Date massage, which prepares women for labour and a prenatal massage which helps with swelling of the feet, among other problems.
A ‘For All the Mamas’ full body massage incorporates Swedish massage techniques to “completely reset your body and relax tired and sore muscles”.
Katie is also able to offer a full range of beauty services too including waxing, manicures and pedicures.
Visit: www.bumpandbeyondlymington.co.uk
