After thirteen years working for the NHS as an occupational therapist, Louisa Waite decided to start her own practice. Louisa launched Waite Wellbeing in February 2022 after getting support from Cumbria Business Growth Hub. Six months on, her business is thriving as she works with clients across the county.

Waite Wellbeing provides Wellbeing Coaching and Occupational Therapy to clients and specialises in: “Helping teens, parents and adults to ditch self-doubt and cultivate confidence to achieve their full potential.” Louisa also supports clients “experiencing a range of dis-ease and psychological distress.”

Prior to setting out on her business journey, Louisa approached Cumbria Business Growth Hub for support. We set up regular meetings with one of our business advisers, Juan Carlos Valenzuela.

“Juan helped me get clear on my vision for my business and how to make it profitable, providing advice on how to take quick, high profit actions. This involved supporting me to devise a business plan, cash flow spreadsheet, develop a marketing strategy etc as well as making me aware of other opportunities available to support the growth of my business.”

Louisa also took advantage of Cumbria Business Growth Hub’s free workshops. As well as equipping her with the skills necessary to run her own business, these workshops also offered the chance to network and meet other entrepreneurs.

“The Growth Hub helped me feel connected to others journeying the entrepreneurial path, which can feel often overwhelming and lonely at times. It provided me with inspiration, hope, wisdom and a sense of camaraderie. Knowing others locally were in the same boat, yet being able to collaborate with them at ease online from a far was an invaluable resource.”

In her previous career, Louisa felt limited in the time and support she could offer her patients. Running her own practice has given her “the freedom to service others in line with [her] values in a way that she feels is right for them.”

Waite Wellbeing offers flexible and tailored support to clients. Sessions take place either online or face to face and during the day, in the evening or on weekends. With sessions in high demand, new clients are now asked to join a waiting list.

As well as working with individual clients, Louisa provides two days a week Occupational Therapy input at a local secondary school where she supports teenagers struggling with their mental health.

Louisa also gives wellbeing talks and provides support and training to various businesses and support groups. This has included: collaborating with a Fitness Coach to help enhance his clients’ mindset and mental wellbeing; providing a talk on Sleep at a local Breast Cancer Support Group; running groups for those recovering from mental illness and collaborating with a Clinical Psychologist to support in the delivery of a parenting programme.

When asked what she is most proud of about her business Louisa says, “helping teens and adults find freedom from fear and helping them heal. Witnessing their transformations, being part of their ‘life’s journey’ and receiving the thanks and feedback I get for doing this is by far my biggest achievement to date. “

Looking to the future Louisa plans, “to collaborate with others to devise a Wellbeing Hub for Cumbria, that helps others regain hope and heal in every way, shape and form. Be that from physical health problems or mental health difficulties to lift their spirits. To deliver the services that others deserve to receive whilst alleviating some of the pressures that can have a crippling impact on the NHS and statutory services.”

Visit WaiteWellbeing’s website here.

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