After coming to the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) for business advice, The Foot Lady has surpassed expectations with its growing success.
The Foot Lady is Kirsty Brunt, who is a Foot Health Care Practitioner working throughout Sunderland, Hartlepool, and more recently Washington. Providing a complete foot care service, Kirsty is similar to a chiropodist or a podiatrist, helping people put their best foot forward and have healthy feet. Kirsty said:
“I’m so surprised how well this first year has gone, considering I first started out with a handful of flyers and a little room in Hartlepool. I feel as if I’ve learnt lots over this year, like finding out word of mouth is the best form of promotion, and also how successful branching out has been.”
Kirsty has recently grown her business even further by renting space at Washington MIND, a move she feels is positive for people who prefer to visit a site rather than have a home visit.
“I didn’t think how much I would enjoy it,” Kirsty adds, “It’s a great feeling that I’m helping people who are in pain with their feet or unhappy with how they look. I have such a range of clients, both male and female, so no day is the same. I’ve got lots of exciting plans for 2015.”
Kirsty’s plans include refurbishing her workspace, hosting Foot Parties, opening up in another two regional areas, holding charity fundraising events, and eventually having a training school and franchising The Foot Lady.
Kirsty added:
“I’m particularly excited for this month particularly as I’ve committed to being in a booklet from the NHS. As there are such a shortage of foot healthcare practitioners in this industry , the doctors will refer clients to me instead.”
Shirley Hermiston, Business Support Manager at the BIC, said:
“It’s great to hear that Kirsty is doing so well and the business is flourishing. We are always on hand to offer sound advice to new businesses.
“The BIC outstrip the national average with 75 per cent of our businesses going on to trade into their third year so if you are interested in setting up your own business please contact one of our business advisers on 0191 516 6149.”