Each week A Bit on the Side features an inspirational women, who manages to juggle a ‘day job’ as well as A Bit on the Side. This week we’ve been talking to Jo Child from CleverGreen Group:
Tell us about yourself
I’m originally from Bradford but I have lived in the south for 25 years and in Hove for the last 16 years. I live with my husband Marcus, and two sons Sam and Felix. I’m an entrepreneur with ADHD so life around me is always busy and interesting! I’ve worked in event management for the last ten years.
Tell us about your day job and your bit on the side (and do you keep it a secret?!)
My main job is I’m the founder of CleverGreen Group; a green business and community hub, focusing on sustainable living, heart-centred collaborations and green events. There are sub divisions of this also including CleverGreen Kids, which provides after school care and teaches children about green living.
If I had to choose just one bit on the side – because I have a few! – then I would say it is my alternative therapies service, Crystal Child Healing. I adore crystals and the power that they hold so to be able to use them to introduce crystal healing to others feels really great. I specifically focus on crystal healing for meditation and chakra re-allignment at the moment, but I will continue with training throughout the year to add reiki, massage and aromatherapy.
How did your bit on the side come about?
I visited a healer myself and had a really incredible experience. I really started becoming interested in crystals after that and began collecting them and learning all about their different properties. I also have a counselling background and I am an empath so it just made sense to me that I should combine all of it in a way that could really help people to find emotional peace.
What’s the best part of having a bit on the side?
Crystal shopping! They are just so beautiful to have around. I have a house full now and I’m learning all the time about them. I love that I can give people a lovely nurturing experience that is good for them.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
I would say the biggest challenge is spreading the word and finding new clients. It’s also an area that isn’t as talked about as much as other therapies so I find that people don’t always know what crystal healing is or the huge benefits that they can get from it.
What’s your advice for others looking for a bit on the side?
Don’t let it take your focus away from your main job, at least not in the beginning. Time management is really important. A bit on the side should comfortably fit in around your other priorities without causing stress.
What are your hopes for the next 12 months?
I’m hoping that there will be a natural growth in clients for crystal healing. CleverGreen Retreat is happening this September and I will be offering crystal healing there. There is definitely a chance for CleverGreen Group and Crystal Child Healing to continue to intertwine and compliment each other. CleverGreen Festival is happening in July 2019 and there will be a well-being area in which crystal healing can play a part. I would love to hear from anyone who would like to be a part of the festival. We hold monthly planning meetings and currently have eight members on our team but welcome more!
You can find CleverGreen Group on their website and Facebook, and Crystal Child Healing on Facebook.