Owning her own Podiatry business had always been a dream for
Liverpool resident Emma Christiansen. However, the chance came sooner than she
had expected when the opportunity to buy an existing business presented itself.
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| Photo: Jessica Lang Photography |
She told The Women’s Organisation: ‘It was the right place
at the right time. It came 5 years sooner than I had originally planned, but it
was definitely something I had wanted to do for a long time.’
With years’ experience of working as a podiatrist for the
NHS and boasting a first class honours in BSc Hons Podiatry from the University
of Salford, Emma felt she was ready to take the next steps in achieving her
ambitions. ‘Although I took over an existing business, it was a leap of faith
to set up in private practice. I haven’t looked back since.’
Based in the heart Runcorn Old Town, All About Podiatry Ltd is
a friendly, professional podiatry/chiropody clinic that can cater for
everyone’s ‘foot care’ requirements. ‘The practice has grown on reputation
alone and is regarded by many as welcome relief from painful feet allowing our
customers to feel like they are ‘walking on air’. It has a really positive
impact on lots of people around Runcorn.’
With the business being held in such regard by the local
community, it’s no wonder All About Podiatry Ltd has steadily grown over the
past 7 years. Emma told us: ‘Things are going really well, it’s grown without
any advertising, it’s all done by word of mouth. It’s been a controlled growth
because of having a young child. When I first started I only wanted to work
part time’ and it’s the flexibility and control that self-employment offers that
the mum enjoys the most.
To aid the growth of her business, Emma participated in TheWomen’s Organisation’s WeMentor project. The programme paired business women
with a mentor who could share their time and experience, whilst supporting them
to develop a clear business strategy and improve business performance.
‘Although I already had focus, the programme gave me time to
analyse and further focus on the areas I wanted to develop. My mentor
introduced me to useful contacts and supported me and my business in the right
direction.’
The successful Liverpool business woman’s advice to others considering
starting or growing their business is ‘be organised and be patient because
things don’t always go as planned, but that might be for the best. Spend
your money carefully, don’t rush into anything. Be vigilant, be friendly and be
good at what you do. Contact The Women’s Organisation and remember that good
customer service is the key to success.’
Emma and her business have just secured a contract with
Everton Football Club that will allow her to treat the staff, as well as
contracts with Howdens Joinery and Algeos Ltd. Whilst discussing this, she
noted how pleased she is with her progress and expressed her eagerness to make
All About Podiatry a household name. ‘I am extremely proud of myself that I
have achieved so much and been so successful in what is said to be one of the
worst economic downturns, without even taking out any loans!’
‘I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the support of
my husband and our families. Watch this space for the “All About” empire!’
To find out more about the services on offer, contact Emma
directly on emma@allaboutpodiatry.co.uk
/ 01928 576 363 or visit www.allaboutpodiatry.co.uk
And if Emma’s success has inspired you to take your next
steps, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk
for more information on the free business support and training available to women
in Merseyside.
Portrait photo by Jessica Lang Photography
By Beckie Kinsella
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