07/05/2026
Please have a wee read ❤️
With all the rising costs i’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on my business lately… where it’s going, how it’s evolving, and what feels right moving forward- as im sure alot of self employed people are.
There’s no hiding how deeply I love what I do.
This work isn’t just a job to me… it’s something i’ve poured my heart, my energy, and years of learning into.. holding space for people, supporting their bodies, their nervous systems, their emotions… it means everything to me and more, i know its what im meant to be doing.. ❤️🥰🫶
I was chatting with a friend about pricing, and I mentioned that I try to keep my treatments around £40 an hour… sometimes its less depending on the treatment.
And it made me realise how easy it is to assume that means I’m earning £40 an hour.
I would have thought the same myself, being self employed is flexible and well paid, but the truth is, that £40 isn’t wages...
From that one hour, there are so many things that need to be covered before I even think about paying myself…
Room costs, rent, rates, heating, electricity,
insurance and professional memberships, oils- massage oil/essentials oil (organic), waxes, creams, aromatherapy blends, facial products, sound equipment, linens, towels, blankets, little extras that make every appointment special,
laundry, cleaning products, constant washing and resetting the space, booking systems, card fees, advertising, marketing, ongoing training, courses, certifications etc etc… because in this line of work, you never stop learning or investing in your skills, replacing towels etc
And with ehat i offer massage, reflexology, Reiki, sound and energy work, amzing combination offers that take real thought and intention, workshops and classes… there’s the unseen preparation, the grounding, the energetic holding, the clearing, the care that goes far beyond the physical, and then the aftercare..
A large portion of that £40 is already gone before it even reaches me and then there’s tax and national insurance and what’s left is far less than people imagine...
And then there’s the time because a one hour treatment is never just one hour.. From the intention behind the treatment, preparing the space so it feels safe, calm, and held, pre consultation, consultation, then the treatment itself… where I give physically, emotionally and energetically.
Then cleaning, resetting, washing, replying to messages, admin, checking in.
That one hour can easily become two and sometimes three, and any of my clients know there is never a rush to get you out the door for the next one.. I dont rush, its not about that for me.. i truly care ❤️🫶
And the reality is, this work is physically and emotionally tough.. There’s only so many hours a week the body can give to hands-on treatments before it starts to take its toll. Most therapists, myself included, have to cap those hours to protect our own bodies… so we can continue doing the work we love long-term..
And outside of that, there’s no sick pay, no holiday pay and no guaranteed income... last minute cancellations and no-shows mean lost hours that can’t always be filled and lost income... which can honesy be devastating for a small buisness- thank god this rarely happens ❤️🙏
And when you run your own space… you’re never fully switched off. Messages come in all hours, and because you care, you answer… even when you probably should be resting.
But despite all of that… I love what I do,
I love the quiet moments in treatments,
I love seeing someone soften, breathe deeper, reconnect with themselves, i love knowing that what I offer can bring even a wee bit of relief, grounding or healing to someone’s life.
So when you book with me, you’re not just paying for an hour, you’re supporting a whole business, supporting years of training, care, energy and dedication, you’re supporting someone who has chosen a path of helping others, even when it isn’t always the easiest or most secure one... 🥹❤️🥰
And I just want to say… a massive massivethank you, to every single person who books, who shows up, who trusts me, who recommends me, who supports my work in any way… it truly means more than you probably realise....because small businesses like mine don’t exist without you and I don’t take that for granted for a second...
With gratitude,
Tracey xx
