We're so thrilled that My Town Online has had such a great turn out in the first few months! So, to celebrate the founding members showcasing their products or services on
My Town Online, we are sharing the people behind these local businesses; what they do 
and how you can browse their listings! 

Today, we're speaking to Russell from Kubo Kitchens, Sheila Lemon from Forever Living and Holly from Little Bird Reflexology.

Kubo Kitchens

Hi Russell, tell us a bit about you and your business.  

My name is Russell Parratt, and my business is Kubo Kitchens, I 'serve up' a dynamic approach to modern family spaces.

Describe a typical day in your business. 

When we have project running, typically, first thing I'm at the customers home co-ordinating my small team of amazing sub-contractors. If I'm not at the Design Centre or meeting new customers in their home, you'll find me in the office designing kitchens, fulfilling orders or doing admin! 

Describe the ideal day in your business. 

As above (but no admin)!

Describe the ideal customer you like to help

I only work with customers that I'm the right fit for. I spend a healthy amount of time at the beginning of our talks determining this, as there is no point beginning the journey otherwise. I like to support homeowners that see real value in the service I offer.

What unique skills have you developed to run your business?

Being a carpenter by trade, I've several years of experience in fitting kitchens. This knowledge is priceless when it comes to designing a perfect modern family space, I feel privileged to be in this position.

Why did you choose your industry/sector or niche?

My father was a carpenter in his own right and my grandfather built a successful business from scratch, so I plan to combine the two!

What one piece of advice do you wish you had been given before starting your business?

Listen and take onboard advice from others that have been there (or be prepared to do it the hard way!). Create and document good processes so that you can offer every customer the same great service. 

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Avoid buying cheap generic boxes from the big boys. Support local independent cabinet makers, be a specialist, not a generalist! 

What is your ultimate goal for your business?

To create a smooth running, well-oiled machine and keep building a portfolio of chuffed customers with trendy kitchens! 

What's the most exciting thing you have planned? 

Lots of new social media activity, a Kubo manual and bringing quality kitchens online. Shhhhh!

What do you enjoy doing when not running your business?

Lockdown has reminded us about the great outdoors so, spending time with wife my young family (we love Geocaching) I'm a also a keen cyclist (both on and off-road). Supporting independent craft breweries ;-)

Tell us some of your life goals?

Show other experienced carpenters my business model (you can provide amazing kitchens without a costly high street showroom).

Organically grow the business so that we can get loads more modern family spaces into homes.

Travel the world as much as possible with my wife and two sons.

Tell us something surprising about yourself or your business.

Kubo comes from the Portuguese word for 'Hub' Kitchens being the Hub of the home!

Thanks for speaking with us Russell, it was great getting to know a bit more about Kubo Kitchens! If you would like to learn more, explore the Kubo Kitchen local business page on My Town Online or visit their website.

Little Bird Reflexology

Hi Holly, tell us a bit about you and your business.  

I'm Holly and I run Little Bird Reflexology. I have been a reflexologist since 2018 and prior to that, I have 12 years of Early Years Teaching experience. During 2020 I have combined my 2 careers to create my new business, Little Bird for Children.

Describe a typical day in your business

A typical day in my business does not really exist as every day is different!  However, before lockdown, it all started in the evening at around 7pm (as I have children, I see my clients in the evening). I would set up my treatment room to create a calm and warm environment for my clients to come in to. My clients would complete treatment forms and then receive treatment.  Some days I would see mums with their babies for reflexology workshops and classes tailored to meet their babies needs. I love that each day and each treatment is so different!

Describe the ideal customer you like to help

Lots of my clients come to me with very different needs that they would like help with.  Most recently lots of clients have come for support with anxiety and sleep related problems. However, I have clients who have come with digestive problems, shoulder pain, post operation care, pregnancy and ante natal care. As well as working with adults, I work with lots of children and their parents. I teach parents how to use reflexology at home with their children - this can be from giving newborns reflexology up to pre-teens who need support with anxiety.  

What unique skills have you developed to run your business?

What makes my reflexology business unique is my early years teaching background, as I am knowledgeable in children's physical and emotional development.  This allows me to use both this knowledge and reflexology to help children and their families. I moved away from education in 2018 when I had my second child and wanted to move into a more holistic practice. I have had a passion for reflexology since my early 20's when I first started to see a reflexologist myself. So, this was the perfect fit for me and my family.

I retrained and started my new business while I was pregnant and whilst having a newborn baby (crazy, I know!).  I wish someone had told me how much time it all took!  I was naive in thinking it would only be a few clients a week as it's so much more! There's marketing, paperwork and the finances as well.  For anyone new to the holistic industry I would recommend planning your marketing and your time. It's the best way to try and keep on top of everything.

What is your ultimate goal for your business?

My goal for both Little Bird Reflexology and Little Bird for Children is to make a difference to others, but ultimately my goal is to create a business that can provide me a good salary.

What do you enjoy doing when not running your business?

When I am not running my business, I have 2 children who take up a lot of time. But my love is reading, I read most things, but I have found that magical fantasy stories have provided me an amazing escapism recently. I also love journaling and keeping diaries, I find it very beneficial for my mindset. Also, I have discovered Mermaid Gin, which I enjoy very much!

Tell us some of your life goals?

My life goal is to move nearer to the sea, as I would love to be able to walk to the beach; my biggest wish is live on the Isle of Wight (which is also where Mermaid Gin is produced!). I surprised everyone during the first lockdown when I took up running, as I am a tea drinking, biscuit eating person with an exercise phobia!

Thanks Holly! Great to hear more about Little Bird Reflexology if you would like more information about their services, have a browse of their business page on My Town Online or look at their website.

Forever Living

Hi Sheila, tell us a bit about you and your business.  

I am Sheila Lemon, and I am a Business Owner with Forever Living - The Aloe Vera Company.

Describe a typical day in your business

A typical day in my business will be making new connections with people, following up on those with whom I have had an initial conversation and arranging one-to-ones with those wanting more information. I contact my customers when I know they are ready for their regular orders, making sure that I get in touch early enough so there is no disruption in supply.

I also connect with my team to find out how I can help them and make sure they know we are in this together for everyone's benefit.

Describe the ideal day in your business                              

The ideal day in my business is getting together with customers, my team and people looking at the opportunity. This reinforces the social aspect of this industry. Unfortunately, that has been curtailed right now while we live in this pandemic. The next best thing is connecting for virtual meetings. So, we have to settle for second best right now. Looking on the bright side, Forever is a global opportunity and I have a team in France, New Zealand and Norway. Everyone is being treated the same with virtual meetings.

Describe the ideal customer you like to help

My ideal customer is someone who likes to look after their health by using natural products to maintain their health. Forever offers a huge variety of products in the "Look Good, Feel Good" arena. As a Company they are continually striving to improve their products and are in a position to fund the trials, testing and research to make the best. They have total control over the whole manufacturing process. This simply means you know that no one can hold the Company to ransom. We like to say from Plant, to Product, to People.

What unique skills have you developed to run your business?                                         

I have a passion for these products and for helping people. Nothing gives me more pleasure than knowing I have contributed to someone's health or wealth and ultimately, their happiness. Within Forever's Mission Statement is the word 'fun'. We say, if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!

Why did you choose your industry/sector or niche?

I chose this industry, network marketing and in particular this company for what if offers. An opportunity to build a business that is flexible, gives you freedom and that word again, fun. I needed something to provide me with an income while being the sole carer to my disabled husband.     

What one piece of advice do you wish you had been given before starting your business?

The one piece of advice that I always share with those getting involved is prepare for disappointment. We are dealing with people who can go AWOL! It's a volunteer army that we work with, and they can let you down.

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Be prepared to work hard in a different way from being an employee, or even from working a traditional business. If this industry is new to you, learn all of the important communication skills. Dedicate the time each day, those small pockets you can set aside, and be reassured that you will be rewarded handsomely, but not overnight - it takes time.

What is your ultimate goal for your business?

My ultimate goal is to be working with an awesome team and have the income to live well with complete peace of mind. The business will be one that I can leave to my loved ones as a legacy when I am no longer here.

What's the most exciting thing you have planned?  

The most exciting thing I have planned is working to my ultimate goal.

What do you enjoy doing when not running your business?

When I am not running my business, I enjoy socialising with family and friends. I am also a keen walker and love to go out into the countryside where I live for long walks. I like my "Sunday 7 Milers" which will have to wait until the hip replacement now.

Tell us some of your life goals?

To be living in my forever home, one that can adapt for live-in care, where people know

they are made very welcome.

To go on some seriously long walking holidays like the South West coast, the Welsh Coast and Hadrian Wall. Let's not leave Derbyshire out of this!

Tell us something surprising about yourself or your business

I've always had a sense of adventure and I love spontaneity. If it doesn't offend anyone and I'm not behaving irresponsibly, I like to just get up and go.

Thanks for speaking with us Sheila, it was great getting to know a bit more about Forever Living! Explore Sheila's local business page on My Town Online or check out her website here.