Empowering Beauty: A Journey from Spa Closure to Cancer Awareness Advocacy

Clare Porter, in her spa: The Fountain Beauty Therapy

“This poster has definitely raised awareness and resulted in more proactive doctor visits, all thanks to the power of lemons!”

Written by: Clare Porter, Lemonista, Surrey, England.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges for businesses across various industries, including the beauty sector. Among those impacted was my spa, The Fountain Beauty Therapy, which faced three temporary closures, totalling nine months overall due to lockdowns and safety measures. However, what began as a setback turned into an inspiring journey of personal growth and community impact. In the midst of the pandemic, I embarked on a path of learning and expanding my knowledge and skill set. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to the "Know Your Lemons Foundation", an initiative that would reshape the way I viewed my role as a spa owner.

Seizing the Opportunity

The temporary closure of my spa prompted a period of reflection, during which I realised that I could utilise the time productively. There were courses becoming available online in the UK with a focus on treating clients through their cancer journey, something I always had an interest in but hadn’t had time for previously. I was learning who I could treat safely and how. Through doing my research I came across Know Your Lemons and was struck by their bright and fun way of teaching the importance of early detection. They offered online breast health education courses. I was delighted to be accepted onto the course and it has proved to be a valuable avenue for growth, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

One particular lesson in the course that really broadened my understanding of what breast cancer is, was an egg carton of 12 lemons displaying what breast cancer can look and feel like. The campaign's creative use of imagery made complex information accessible, allowing people to recognise potential warning signs. Completing the course not only equipped me with the knowledge I sought but also inspired me to take action in my own community.

Transforming the Spa Space

Armed with newfound insights, I realised that my spa held the potential to become more than just a place for beauty treatments. I adorned the walls with "Know Your Lemons" posters, creating a visual reminder for both clients and staff. In addition, I began distributing informative cards which had the 12 signs of breast cancer image on them. The spa has always been about beauty treatments and wellness, and now radiated a sense of health-consciousness and care too.

Becoming a Voice for Awareness

While the pandemic imposed restrictions on large gatherings, it couldn't quell my determination to spread awareness. I found creative ways to engage with the community by speaking at outdoor events, sharing insights about early detection with newfound confidence. Through these engagements, I discovered the power of storytelling and personal connection in conveying important messages. Each time I shared the story of "Know Your Lemons" and its impact, I felt a sense of pride and purpose to be raising awareness and engaging in these health related discussions. 

Empowering Conversations and Proactive Steps

The completion of the course not only empowered me to discuss the topic of breast cancer openly but also to direct people to the "Know Your Lemons" app for regular self-checks. The beauty spa environment proved to be the perfect avenue for raising awareness. Husbands noticed the posters and reminded their wives, and conversations about early detection naturally flowed. This newfound awareness translated into more proactive visits to doctors, fostering a culture of health consciousness that extended beyond the spa doors.

Uniting Spa Owners for a Common Cause

Recognising the impact I was making within my own spa, I saw an opportunity to magnify this impact by collaborating with fellow spa owners. This month, I hosted a mentoring call with other spa owners, emphasising the importance of equipping ourselves with knowledge and confidence to engage in these vital conversations. The call serves as a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and ideas on how to effectively integrate awareness campaigns like "Know Your Lemons" into various spa settings. By uniting for a common cause, we hope to amplify the ripple effect of awareness and action.

Conclusion

What began as a response to a pandemic-induced closure evolved into a transformative journey of empowerment and advocacy. Through the lens of "Know Your Lemons", lemons transformed from a simple fruit into a symbol of awareness and empowerment. As the spa environment embraced this message, clients became not just recipients of beauty treatments but also active participants in their breast health journey. The journey continues as I collaborate with fellow spa owners, recognising the collective power we hold in raising awareness and fostering early detection. The Know Your Lemons breast health online education course has forever changed the way I approach my role, proving that even amidst challenges, transformation and impact are possible.