After moving to Thanet in 2015, Charm Elakil found herself starting to miss her friendship group back in London and felt daunted by the prospect of rebuilding her business, Wholistic Medicine, a natural therapy service.
Through coming along to the 50+ Festival, Charm signed up to one of Ageless Thanet’s Wellbeing Activities and the Ageless Entrepreneurs course.
Charm said: “Taking part in these activities was very beneficial in feeling connected, making new friends and building my confidence. The course was extremely good at encouraging people to feel that age is not a barrier when it comes to business. The peer support was great as many on the course were in the same, or a similar situation to me. The course gave me lots of ideas and as a result I had my first stall at the next Ageless Thanet 50+ Festival at St. Georges School in 2016.”
Charm said she has learnt a lot from attending the Ageless Entrepreneurs course, in particular regarding the difference of running a business in Thanet, compared to London.
She added: “The course confirmed for me the significance, even if you feel shy, of meeting people and building rapport. This is something that is even more important if you’re starting a business in a new area and a new community. Thanet compared to London is a much smaller place so there is less reliance solely on a website for business and more about making connections with others, which in itself is very satisfying.”
Since attending the Ageless Entrepreneurs course Charm’s business has gone from strength to strength. She now has a number of patients that she sees regularly, runs a number of workshops, gives talks, writes articles and works with a variety of different local organisations and groups.
Wholistic Medicine is also a part of the Age-Friendly Business Scheme, offering Ageless Thanet Reward Card Holders a discount on consultations. More information about Charm’s business can be found on her website – www.wholisticmedicine.co.uk.
There are two new Ageless Entrepreneurs courses starting in October, on the 11th and 15th, which will run one day a week for seven weeks. If you are over 50 and would like to find out more information about the Ageless Entrepreneurs course, or would like to book your place, please contact Natalie Glover on 01843 855155, or email [email protected].