Island Business Magazine interview company director Sara Mousley about Nova Lifestyles Limited and the first Isle of Wight Health and Wellbeing Directory.

‘The Story behind the Day’

Well, what a day it was! Over 60 guests, music, entertainment and information by the bucket load – not forgetting lunch and networking of course….. and even though HRH Prince Charles couldn’t make it – Andrew Turner MP did!

The day began early – all Launch Packs folded and filled, directories delivered on time (phew – thanks to Graham from Island Printers) and a good audio/visual rehearsal under our belt, the car boot was loaded up and, with a wing and a prayer, I set off before 8.00am for Newport.

Traffic was kind and I arrived in good time to find a parking space next to Quay Arts My parking angels were obviously present, as I secured the last available one in the car park – not as close to the Stage Door as I’d have liked – but hey, I got one! Thank you.

After unloading the car - several return visits and many trips up and down the stairs (‘health and fitness’ springs to mind….aaagh), I went in search of the theatre technician, my own technician and my Business Manager, Alison from Barclays and her colleague who were coming to help on the day, along with a supply of ‘healthy’ biscuits…. What a star!

Before too long the stage was set, the soundboard and visuals were set up and the coffee had arrived. (Hooray – now all we needed were the performers and the guests!)

Soon my wonderful crew, some of whom would be performing (Mas Fusion – more stars) arrived to receive a briefing on the day’s proceedings and to check out the stage. Then my other performers arrived for a final prep on running times etc. All seemed to be going to plan. The excitement was mounting now and the guests were beginning to arrive. Everyone to their posts then… and my dancers were now changing into their costumes

Luckily I’d studied stage management years ago at college, so everything technical had been covered  (hopefully) – so I could concentrate on greeting my guests. Well, it certainly staved off the nerves of that all too well known ‘waiting game’ before curtain up anyway.

Before I knew it, it was the 5 minute call and then, in the absence of a ‘green light’, it was thumbs up to the technician (waiting patiently up in the gods with fingers at the ready) for house lights down and MUSIC!

The theatre sprang into life as Mas Fusion, dressed in their amazing costumes (featuring Nova Lifestyles colours, naturally!) burst onto the stage, accompanied by their familiar carnival-style music. The ‘Event’ had begun….

With so much information being imparted by me during the Launch, it was important to intersperse this with a few entertaining intervals delivered by guest speakers.

I was honoured to welcome Judith de Corti who took the audience on an amazing journey – we all enjoyed a ‘Power Nap’! What an amazing experience that was – and well needed by me at this stage of the proceedings, so long as I could wake up again sufficiently in time to continue speaking (which thankfully, I did!) We all felt refreshed I’m sure – and what an incredible voice… such stage presence.

Following some more chat from me, I welcomed Tim Fearon to the stage to tell us a story – with a message, of course. I never tire of listening to Tim…. apart from being so entertaining, he has a certain charisma in his story telling that I find compelling.

After the final ‘call to action’ it was time for lunch (hoorah) – but not before those dreaded feedback forms had been completed – and thank you to all those who did this by the way – it has helped us to design our services to meet your needs.

To the background of more motivational music (apologies if this was a touch too loud to begin with), guests enjoyed a lively period of networking over lunch. Apologies also for some of the photos taken – not particularly flattering of those with their mouths full of (healthy) food. Oh yes, and apologies for no sticky buns either – well, it was a Health and Wellbeing event!

My thanks go out to many for making this such a special day – especially to the wonderful guests. In spite of strong competition from the Royals, we achieved an excellent turn-out.

Of course, you may think that once it’s all over, you go off and celebrate etc… well, yes and no. Once everything was cleared and packed away, it was back to my Business Mentor’s for a ‘post-mortem’ – replay of the video, study of the feedback forms and setting out a business plan for the coming months on the back of it all. Ok, this was actually accompanied by a glass of wine and by this time, a few ‘not so healthy’ nibbles – but hey.

After the weekend, the real work began….. letters to all who attended, packs to those who didn’t and phone calls, phone calls, phone calls!

I did take a break by Saturday evening though (a girlfriend’s birthday party which was in fancy dress, so I had to find a costume by 5 o’clock….eek) and the annual family picnic in the New Forest on Sunday (not sure whether this was a ‘break’ or not, if you know what I mean - but it was different!)

However, July 17^th 2009 was a day I won’t forget in a hurry….and by the way, business has been booming ever since - so who says there’s a recession on?

THE EDITOR

Thanks go to:

• West Wight Audio, for audio
• Mas Fusion, dancers and crew
• Judith de Corti, power nap
• Tim Fearon, story time
• Barclays Bank, for support on the day AND for voting Nova Lifestyles one of the top 100 businesses in the UK in their Trading Places Awards (Running a Business that Changed my Life) It’s certainly changed mine!
• Liz Earle Beauty Co for providing a signed copy of Liz’s latest book ‘Skin Secrets’ for our business card draw winner
• Sharon Morris from Health 2 Wealth Partners for providing a bag of Aloe Vera goodies for the runner-up
• Maggie Currie, Creedence for all her support in the background
• Andrew Turner MP   for finding time in his busy schedule to come along and bravely offer to have his picture taken with one of the Island’s acupuncturists from Watchbell House. Despite being very supportive of complementary healthcare, I expect he was quite relieved she didn’t get any real needles out!

 

The Island Health and Wellbeing Network held its inaugural meeting on 22nd September 2009. Meetings are held at least bi-monthly and give people in the sector the chance to meet, share ideas and problems, work together to share resources and raise the sector profile on the Island. Members are now working on developing a number of ideas to promote the work they do and introduce the benefits of the services they offer to even more Island people.

Members receive a wide range of benefits:

• Free and discounted advertising in the Directory;
• Free and discounted training and development opportunities;
• Free network meetings;
• Automatic involvement in the Health Convention and Health and Wellbeing Week.

AND ALL THESE BENEFITS FROM AS LITTLE AS £10 PER MONTH!

Nova Lifestyles launch event on the 17th July 2009 proved an exciting day, with over 60 people in attendance and a special guest appearance from Andrew Turner MP, who has lent his support to our work.

The day gave an opportunity for those in the health and wellbeing sector to:

• Launch the Island’s first Health and Wellbeing Directory
• Launch the Island Health and Wellbeing Network —the first of its kind in the UK!
• Work together to develop new support, training and development for the sector
• Recognise the valuable contribution made by the sector to the health and well being of Island people
• Explore ways of raising the profile of the sector so that even more Island people can benefit

The Launch also announced the creation of two new Island events to be held next year; the Health and Wellbeing Convention AND the Island Health and Wellbeing Week. Both of which will give the community a unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of treatments and therapies and will encourage everyone on the Island to get involved in some kind of health and wellbeing activity!

For more information on both these events and how YOU can get involved can be found in our next Wellbeing Directory issue.

To join the Network or for further details contact: Nova Lifestyles Tel: 07773014438 or e-mail: sara@novalifestyles.co.uk