The entrepreneur and her husband started their wellness business in 2019 and it continues to go from strength to strength
Wellness is a hugely popular area now – how do you keep The Head Plan fresh and relevant in such a competitive market?
I am so delighted that this space is FINALLY hugely popular! It was a very different space 30 plus years ago when my mother introduced me to wellness practices like journaling, gratitude, meditation, affirmations… that would become the foundation of everything for me now. People weren’t really open to it and would dismiss it before feeling the transformative effect it has on one’s life. But now everyone has some kind of practice, and I am so here for it!
I feel like we have managed to keep The Head Plan fresh and relevant by continuously innovating and listening to our community. Our community are everything to us. We stay ahead by researching the latest personal development and wellness trends and incorporating them into our offerings. We have a growth mindset, and we are always learning and expanding on our knowledge in the space from professional qualifications, reading the latest books and listening to the latest podcasts. Collaborations with wellness experts and influencers also help us bring fresh perspectives. We focus on authentic engagement and providing real value, ensuring that our products and services resonate with the needs of our customers.
With the hindsight you’ve gained from years as a successful company, what is the one thing you wish you had known before you started?
One thing I wish I had known before starting is the importance of building a strong support network. Surrounding yourself with mentors, advisors, and a reliable team can make a significant difference. Their guidance, experience, and gaining different perspectives can help you navigate challenges and in business you will experience many challenges. We launched The Head Plan in Dec 2019 but it exploded in 2020 during lockdown and it was a very exciting time but it also felt quite lonely at times. By 2021, with lockdowns lifted I really worked on building this network and I am so grateful for it.
What is your advice for someone who wants to branch out into a new area but is worried about leaving the security of a pensionable job?
My advice is to start small and gradually transition. You don’t have to leave the security of your job immediately. Begin by dedicating some of your spare time to your new venture, validate your idea, and build a solid foundation. Once you see traction and feel more confident, you can make a more informed decision about leaving your job. Financial planning and having a safety net can also help mitigate the risks.
What’s the most practical first step when setting up a successful business?
The first practical step is thorough market research. Research, research and then research some more. Understand your customer, their needs, and preferences. I will go as far to create a customer profile – name them – get to know them, down to where they shop and what other brands they like. Identify your competitors and find your unique selling proposition.
What has been your best business moment so far?
The Head Plan is 4 years old… it’s been a crazy four years with so many high moments from launching in Arnotts and Brown Thomas, The Head Plan App getting over 20,000 downloads within the first few hours of launch making it number 1 in both Apple and Android stores, launching multiple sell-out products, winning multiple awards, our best-selling collaboration with Roxie Nafousi, some surreal social media shares, growing our team and most recently our success on BBC’s Dragons’ Den… but the best moments for me, and the moments that still bring me to tears… seeing the positive impact The Head Plan has on our customers’ lives. Receiving heartfelt testimonials and stories about how The Head Plan has helped people improve their wellness and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces our mission and motivates us to keep going.
What has being your own boss taught you about yourself?
Being my own boss has taught me the value of resilience and perseverance. It has also taught me the importance of self-discipline and time management, as well as the need to continuously learn and grow.
How would you say your approach to work has changed since becoming a parent?
Charlotte has changed everything. I always have prioritised balance and carved out time for self-care but now it’s a little more of a juggle but we still make it happen. Self-care might look a little different and I grab mindful moments when I can now – even if it’s a trip to Circle K on a Wednesday for a car wash… I make it count and meditate in the car.
What do you do each week to stay grounded and calm during a very busy or stressful period?
To stay grounded and calm, I have a setup session every Sunday where I meticulously plan my week using my journals and agenda. This detailed process helps me organise my thoughts, priorities and set clear goals, providing a sense of control and direction. I also practice mindfulness and meditation every day, which helps me stay centred and focused. Physical exercise is so important, I have recently taken up running and I am really getting so much from it. I feel financial wellness is a huge part of our overall wellness that is often overlooked! I plan my spends when I can and seek savings and rewards on the items, we all need. Programs like Circle K Extra, which offer savings on fuel and more, are perfect for managing my budget and reducing financial stress.
For more information on Circle K Extra and to register, visit circlek.ie/extra.
