TGtS Meets...Lyn Atkinson

Owner and Director of therapies at Atkinson's Spa House, Lyn Atkinson chatted to TGtB about running her own business in Bristol, the challenges that she's to overcome and what she likes to do in her down time...

Where is home and why?

My partner Najib and I live in Redland. We chose this area because of the wonderful villa style houses and tree lined avenues. I grew up not far from here so I feel very at home.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bristol?

My family on both sides of my parents and grand parents are and were all in business in this area and again I felt I knew my audience and it was not a big leap of faith. I just felt very confident.

What are your professional goals?

I have been in business 34 years and had many shops in that time. I now feel very content and can allow myself the pleasure of being just me. One of my enduring professional goals has always been to deliver something that is real, demystified of hype, jargon and stultifying nonsense. I can be slightly "Trotskyite veganesq" about it though, but would like to think that I am the thinking person's beauty therapist.

Did anyone try to discourage you from setting up your own business?

I was not discouraged by anyone not even the bank which was totally amazing as in those days if the bank liked you they would fund 80% or more and in my case it was all unsecured!. I was most encouraged by my well experienced uncle Robert, who had had every business from cinemas to strip joints. One afternoon my dear Uncle took me out for a glass of wine to discuss the prospect of me opening a shop. He was so excited and made me feel much better regarding the risk of it all when he with much glee commented "if it doesn't work, shut it and try something else!" It sort of put it all into perspective for me.

What advice would you give anyone looking to do the same?

Go with a calculated risk, start small and then see how it goes. Have courage and always be your best employee with the best ideas and energy. Work on your experience before opening and try to get a job with someone impressive so you can gain as much experience, insight and knowledge as possible.

What do you think attracts business people to Bristol?

Bristol is so diverse and has benefited massively from the import of business that decentralised over the last 30 years. It is also a very nice place to live.

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?

I would have liked to try living in New York and seeing the beauty business from over the pond. Otherwise, if I were to do things differently I would simply have taken more risks.

How do you like to spend your time off?

My children live in London so I often pop to see them. Otherwise I love to people watch or simply get in touch with nature and go for a wonderful walk in one of Bristol's many parks.

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

I really can't say as she would be so disappointed in me, but I can say she is an international business woman.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Apart from being my own boss I love the fact that I don’t have to ask the bank to fund any projects or ideas I may want to pursue and that gives me ultimate freedom which is a good feeling.