After the last five years of working as a nurse for PIP, Rachael France realised that it wasn’t something she wants to do for the rest of her life. Having over ten years of experience in working in a hospital setting, she wanted to get back into patient care. Unfortunately, physical issues meant Rachael couldn’t be on her feet 24/7.
While working in the hospital, she noticed that a lot of patients come in with ear infections and wax pushed further in after syringing done at the GP surgeries.
Gap in the market
If you’re a patient trying to get into the hospital with an ear infection, it isn’t that easy. It’s always very busy with not enough space for everyone.
Being trained within an ENT Department in Southport & Ormskirk Hospital to perform the micro-suction removal of wax, Rachael spotted a gap in the market and decided to open her own business Clear Ear to Hear to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
“A lot of people with hearing aids can’t actually access to get their ears cleared. It’s a problem when you got a hearing aid because the wax gets stuck and you can’t hear. It’s just like a constant problem that really can affect your life” Rachael said.
Clear Ear to Hear offers a completely safe and effective wax removal without the use of water. According to Rachael, “Syringing is quite a risky procedure because you don’t know if the wax has come out. With micro-suction, you watch what you’re doing so you can make sure you do it safely.”
Starting business because of health reasons
Another reason that pushed Rachael to switch to self-employment was her health.
“I’ve actually got problems with my hips and my back. Working in a hospital setting where I’m on my feet 24-7 is not going to work for me anymore because my back’s gone and my hip’s gone. With self-employment, it’s a sit-down job. I can work around any needs I have and the needs of my patients.”
Starting from the very begining
With no business knowledge and experience, Rachael knew what she wants to do but had no idea how to. Advice and support provided by EMS and business advisor Daniel have helped Rachael set her business up and has given her a boost of confidence.
“With Daniel, he gives you that confidence. He’s been very good at ensuring that I’m at the place I need to be and has given me all the tools I need to be able to set up my own business. He’s gone through a whole range of different areas where I wouldn’t have even thought about including advertising, target audience, cash flow.”
Attending a networking event has also helped Rachael realise that she’s not the only one starting her journey from the very beginning. “I realised that we’re all on the same boat. We’re all getting these same anxieties. It did give me that encouragement to think, well actually, I’m going to do it” she added.
Future plans for business growth
Clear Ear to Hear Clinic is based in Preston Farm Industrial Estate, Stockton-on-Tees.
Although Rachael is just starting up and is focusing on putting her name out there, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of growing her business further by doing training in other areas to provide different services in the future. She would also like to improve her digital marketing and social media skills.
“I can get myself around the computer but doing advertising for myself is a bit difficult. I’ve discussed doing a little course on that with EMS. Hopefully, I’d be able to get some help with that.”
Experience with EMS
When asked about her experience with EMS, Rachael said that she was impressed and happy with everything.
“They got me up and running. Didn’t think it was something I’d be able to do. I was lacking in confidence and they’ve given me that confidence to move forward. Considering the climate with Covid and things like that, it’s been really well run and it’s nice that we’ve actually managed to get together with other people. A little bit more interaction would be nice, but obviously within the climate that we’re in, it’s just difficult. But it’s been good. It’s been very good.”
Do you want to start your own business?
If you, just like Rachael, have a business idea but aren’t sure where to start. Or if you only need a little bit of advice, we’re always here for you! We don’t care about your experience in the business. We want to see your passion and help you with your journey!
