Taking Ten with...Laura Clarke

Friday 22nd November 2019

By Michelle Hammond

Q1 - What shaped your decision to become a Therapist?

My very first job when I had finished school was working in a beautiful 5 star hotel leisure centre and I saw people arriving for massages and beauty treatments. I was intrigued to see how the guests would arrive and how they left like different people, but most of all how happy they all seemed and much more relaxed. I began to look into massage training and the rest is history.

Q2 - What is the best thing about being a Therapist?

Working with my hands! I love been around people and really enjoy the environment. I get to do what I love on a daily basis it’s a passion. Also knowing that you can help an individual at what might be a very difficult time in their life is extremely rewarding.

Q3 - What do you believe are the most critical character traits of a successful Therapist?

Empathy and compassion.

Q4 - Who has influenced you most throughout your career?

There has been many people that have influenced me on this journey. From trainers to fellow therapists. I am very fortunate to still call these people friends and they still inspire me on different levels and on a daily basis.

Q5 - What is your favourite treatment to give and why?

My favourite treatment to give is definitely my own massage treatment that I designed called “Hug of the Hands” it’s a full body massage. When I named this massage I was thinking about all the feedback from my clients. I constantly would hear back it felt like you gave my whole body a hug, and when I perform this massage I would always imagine wrapping their soul with a hug.

Q6 - Do you have any pre or post treatment rituals for protection and self care?

Yes absolutely I always ground myself before a treatment by putting my hands in prayer position and imagine I’m wearing a cloak, I go bare feet in all treatments to let energy flow, and I flick energy throughout treatments. I have definitely learned that our own self care is vital in order for us to be able to give wholeheartedly.

Q7 - What is your top beauty tip?

Drink plenty of water and wear an SPF daily even in winter!

Q8 - How do you invest in your own wellbeing. What do you do to look after yourself?

When I get the time to look after me I love to have a massage or any of our signature treatments in work. It’s so important to remember how it feels to be on the other side. I also love to switch off by going for a long walk and turn my phone off when I’m with my children. Making memories is what makes me happy, spending time with my husband, children, my sister, parents and friends.

Q9 - If you could change one thing about the spa and wellness industry what would it be and why?

I would love to see the rate of pay for therapist’s rise, the training that goes into this job is intense. It’s a skill that needs to be recognized and respected more by employers.

Q10 - What is the best quote / best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

He who has health has hope and he who has hope has everything!

FLASH FACTS - FOR FUN SECTION

1. What’s your favourite book

Think and grow rich-Napoleon Hill

2. What’s your favourite film of all time

Bridesmaids.

3. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Graham Norton- He just seems like so much fun and I’m sure it would be a night of belly laughs!

4. You get taken to your favourite place to be, where are you taken?

Anywhere near the ocean, there’s something about open space that makes me feel recharged and clears the mind. Achill Island.

5. Your perfect dinner is?

Sunday roast with my family.

6. Your go to drink is?

Bacardi and diet coke

7. Your favourite sweet treat is?

Eton mess

8. What’s your favourite essential oil / scent?

Ylang Ylang or Lemongrass

9. You go for a treatment - what do you have and why?

Always a massage of some sort I like to feel an all over treatment for relaxation purposes.

10. What’s your favourite flower?

Tiger Lilies or Lilies

11. You want to sleep deeply, what do you do?

I rarely sleep all night due to be woken by my daughter to be in beside me. I would have to spend the night away from home to sleep deeply.

12. You want to energise fast, what do you do?

Luke warm shower and a coffee!

13. The theme tune to your life is?

Skyscraper-Demi Lovato

14. What makes you laugh to your belly?

The program Derry Girls!

15. What’s your favourite season?

 Autumn

16. What’s your favourite colour?

Depends on my mood, sometimes I feel I crave different colors.

17. Your favourite time of day is?

Night time

18. If you could have been anyone or anything else, what / who would you be?

A forensic pathologist

19. What’s your current TV guilty secret?

Dr Foster

20. Magic dust - you can learn one new skill instantly, what is it?

Sign language or many languages.

Laura Clarke - Spa Therapist and Spa Manager at The Well, Cliff at Lyons

Laura has over 20 years’ experience in the spa and wellness industry. She has earned numerous prestigious awards over the course of her career. The most recent- Inspirational Therapist 2019 at tpot Shine Your Light awards!

 Learn more about Cliff at Lyons