Mums-to-be on Wearside have made a unique new business idea dreamt up by two Sunderland-based businesses a huge success.
Marie Gardiner, who owns Wheels of Joy Photography, and Lindsey Graham, who co-owns Totally Tranquil, a physiotherapy and complementary therapy clinic in Roker, decided to join forces and offer pregnant women in the area a rare opportunity to mark their happy event.
They decided to combine their expertise and qualifications to offer pregnant women a unique package of a relaxing massage and a maternity photo session. Their first day proved to be a sell-out and they now plan to hold a second one in January.
“We have a special interest in women’s health at Totally Tranquil and love working with pregnant woman,“ explained Lindsey. “It is a perfect time for them to enjoy a relaxing massage that helps ease out any aches and pains and gives them a bit of ‘me’ time.“
Photographer Marie Gardiner said: “Some women don’t feel at their most attractive when they are pregnant or want to show their bodies off but this is such a special and fleeting time in their lives that it is wonderful to have a record of it. We felt that combining the photography session with a relaxing massage meant that women who might normally feel self-conscious were tempted to give it a go. It has worked even better than we expected and the results have been stunning.“
Gemma Tempest of Sunderland, who is expecting her second baby, attended the first-ever maternity day and was delighted by the experience.
She said: "Marie took me into the studio and asked me to look through some different examples of types of shot that I might like. I was made to feel completely at ease throughout the shoot, there was no pressure at all and I never once felt uncomfortable with any of the poses. After the shoot, Lindsey gave me a pregnancy massage and it was blissfully relaxing and just what I needed. I came away with a lovely goody bag and am recommending both Wheels of Joy and Totally Tranquil to family and friends."
Wheels of Joy Photography and Totally Tranquil are running their second Maternity day on January 18, 2014. Any Mum-to-be in her third trimester of pregnancy in January who would like more details of the photo session and massage package should contact Totally Tranquil on info@totallytranquil.co.uk or call0191 5483388