A step back in time

This was an interview from the grand opening of the centre in September 16th 2013. Looking how far the centre has grown and to be honest how much I have grown as a person and a business owner still amazes me. From a simple dream to what is now a thriving hub of wellness.

Thank you for growing with me over these years.

Claire

“Congratulations on the launch party, it seemed to be a great success! What made you decide to open your own centre?

Thanks it was a brilliant success, I am so proud of all the therapists for all their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the day. I always wanted to open a clinic It’s something I always dreamed of doing, but there was never the right property, or the right time. I stumbled upon 10 Main Street by accident. I was taking a break from doing some work on the computer so I just decided to go onto to have a look at commercial properties in the area, and saw this space for rent. I rang up on the off-chance to have look the next day, came along and from the second I walked through the door, I just knew this was the clinic and now was the time. That was the second week in June, I was in the building by the second week in July and just went from there. I have been a therapist since 2002 and self-employed since graduating. It hasn’t always been easy, especially when you are out on your own and sometimes paying quite high rent with no extra support. This is where the idea of River Holistic came from, I wanted to create a space for other self-employed therapists where they can use as their own clinic with the added support of having other therapists there for advice, support, clinic support (website, reception, social media and advertising) and in-house referrals. It can be a lonely world when you work for yourself so this way it gives the encouragement that some people need to stay in this business and build a busy practice.

You have diplomas in such a wide range of holistic therapies. Do you have a particular favourite?

I love all my therapies, I think they choose me from time to time. Some months I can be inundated with Fertility and Pregnancy clients, and they are so dear to my heart, I really try to make these women feel as comfortable and safe as possible. This is another reason for opening the clinic. To assure that the space where my clients are coming feels safe and secure. Following months I could have 8 clients a day for massage of some description. So to answer your question; my favourite therapy is whatever suits my clients needs the most. I make sure I only do what I would like to receive.

What is your vision for River Holistic Centre?

I would love to see River Holistic Centre celebrating its 20th year in business with the same clients that were there on the grand opening. My vision is to create a completely integrated complementary and alternative health centre to cater for north Dublin and beyond, for every walk of life and every situation in life. I feel we are almost getting there with 14 therapists offering such an extensive list of therapies, treatments and classes.

If you could choose anyone at all to give a holistic treatment to, who would you like to get your hands on?!

My Husband, Bless him! He hasn’t had a massage off me in probably 10 years! They say never bring your work home with you and unfortunately for him this is the case.

I know you’ve been really busy getting the centre opened while still keeping on your regular clients, how do you like to relax/spend your down time?

My down time is very precious to me, I love spending as much time as I can with my 2-year-old son Flynn and my husband Carl, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them, so be it grabbing an hour to go down to the park and splash in some puddles, or just getting home in time to put Flynn to bed then I’m happy.

What three words would you use to describe the River Holistic Centre?

Welcoming, safe, home.