When bereaved customers consult Kathy Regan at her natural health store in Clacton, they strike up an immediate rapport.
"I know how they're feeling, because I've been there," she said.
Kathy was widowed ten years ago and she went for natural healing therapy to help her get over her loss.
It was so successful, she took a reflexology course herself and became a therapist at the Clacton health food store where she was a customer.
With daughter Hayley, 20, Kathy now runs the business.
Together they have expanded the store to include all forms of alternative healing. From three therapy rooms on the premises, specialists in hypnosis, Reiki, Indian head massage, homeopathy and other forms of healing tend those seeking help. Kathy and Hayley conduct the reflexology sessions themselves.
Kathy said: "We have built up a loyal client base and like to feel we have helped many get over their health and bereavement problems.
"Having known what it is like makes it easier to recognise the symptoms."
In the All Natural Health Store, mother, daughter and three qualified staff advise on health food remedies for a range of ailments, including food allergies.
Kathy said: "Resorting to natural healing helped me over a very difficult time, but I think it was destiny. I was 40 when Hayley and I took the reflexology course and, yes, that's when life began again for me."
Published Monday February 28, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article