Interview with Paola Bassanese

Award winning Complementary Therapies expert Paola Bassenese and founder of Energya dropped by to LCBT’s Have a Go event on September 29th to see what was going on and offer her advice on how to get into the industry. We took the opportunity to have a chat and find out more about how Paola changed her career and set up her own business.

LCBT: Hi Paola! You are now a successful Complementary Therapist, but what made you want to change your career?

Paola: I was working as a Civil Servant and had a lot of massage treatments due to built up tension and stress. I began to think while having my treatments that this is something that I could do too, as I already knew I loved massage. I then went to Peru and realised that complementary therapies is very much a part of everyday life over there. You do to the gym, you go to work, you get a massage. Massage is very much a part of a healthy regime, but this is not the case in the UK yet.

When I came back to London I started training part time in evenings around my work, then five years ago I was able to give up my job and become a full time Complementary Therapist!

LCBT: Did you find it hard to begin with and set up your own business?

Paola: Oh yes! The first year was very hard work.  I used to go to a farmers market and offer back, neck and shoulder massages, this was great to interact with the public and find out what people wanted and thought about massage. Then I met a lady who suggested I come to her offices and provide massages while people were working. This worked really well as I now had overheads, like I would if I ran a salon, and I built my business from there.

LCBT: And how has the business developed and changed since then?

Paola: The market has changed quite a lot as people don’t really want massages at work anymore. I now work with a number of Clinics in London where I freelance. This means I pay rent to the clinic but they help me find all of my clients, which is great as there is less marketing for me now. It has definitely taken the business to the next level.

LCBT: What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the complementary therapies industry and to set up their own business?

Paola: You have to put yourself out there! Get as much training as possible, then start in a salon or spa and get on the job training. Learn as much as you can about business and marketing, your local council, and library can tell you more about things like lunchtime workshops that you can attend to help with this. I would also recommend taking business cards with you everywhere! Even at parties or on nights out, and give to anyone who asks what you do for a living!
You have to promote yourself and make yourself stand out. Try brainstorming with a friend or family member that’s not in the industry and think about all of your achievements.

LCBT: You are so passionate about the complementary therapies industry, but what do you love most about it?!

Paola: It is so rewarding, as you get instant feedback and gratification from your clients. You don’t get that in a normal office job. You have such close contact with your clients… you definitely have to be a people person!

LCBT: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Paola: Definitely winning the ICNM 2010 Complementary Therapist of the Year and being shortlisted for a CAM Award. It was such an honour!

Below: Paola pictured at one of her fantastic LCBT Industry Talks

LCBT: You have been working with LCBT for some time now delivering Industry Talks to our learners and supporting our events, why do you think it is important to do this?

Paola: The Events and Enrichment Team at LCBT contacted me a year ago through Wahanda and I have since conducted quite a few Industry Talks explaining how I got into the industry and how to market yourself as a therapist. Working with the students at LCBT is great fun! There is such interaction, and the students are definitely all ahead of the game, thinking about their futures. It is so fantastic for me to share my experiences with people that are eager to learn!

LCBT: What have you thought about our Have a Go event today?!

Paola: What a fantastic idea. As an adult you just don’t get a chance to try new things like this. This is such a risk free environment where you cannot be judged. This is such a valuable experience for anyone that wants to try something new!

If you would like to begin a career in the Complementary Therapies Industry the take a look at LCBT's Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies and book on to an Open Day to find out more by calling 020 7208 1300.

You can find out more abuot Paola and her business on her website: www.energya.co.uk and follow her on twitter @paolaenergya