Claire launches a spirited business

Ghost hunting, past life regression and hypnosis to cure phobias. All these and more are available in a new business, Amethyst, Mind, Body and Spirit. The business has been set up by Claire Douglas, with the help of a New Entrepreneur Scholarships (NES) scheme at the University of Teesside

NES is a 16-week, part-time course. It provides the skills to start a small business and the opportunity to apply for up to £1,500 start-up funding. The next NES programme is due to begin on 28 February. For more information and an application pack contact Julia Gillam, Business Start-up Support Officer, on 01642 342806, email: J.Gillam@tees.ac.uk or visit www.tees.ac.uk/enterprise Claire, 31, from Billingham, left school at 16 to train as a hairdresser. She worked as a hairdresser for two years, moved into retail and then returned to mobile hairdressing. Claire was seeking a change of direction when she read a local newspaper article on a previous NES graduate, Miele Higginbotham. Miele had set up her own sweet shop on Norton High Street and Claire decided to follow her entrepreneurial example.

Mother-of-three Claire said: “I’ve seen ghosts since I was seven and they’re not always friendly, they can come up to your face! But my business isn’t just for believers; sceptics can come along as well. I’m taking a scientific approach, with sensors, thermometers, pendulums, dowsing rods and electric magnetic field detectors. If requested, you can have a psychic workshop beforehand. Individuals or groups up to 25 can book a ghost search and even if you don’t believe, you can enjoy the atmosphere. It might be a different idea for an office outing!

“My business isn’t just about ghosts, there’s hypnosis to cure any phobias, past life regression and Reki crystal treatments. The NES course has given me a background in all aspects of business, such as sales and book-keeping. Also, Walker-Hall, part of Business Link, has set up a web site for me. I’ve bought my equipment with the Business Start-Up grant and it was also a brilliant opportunity for networking, as I’m keeping in touch with my fellow NES students as they start their own businesses, which include children’s fashion and graphic design.”

Claire’s website address is www.amethystmbs.co.uk or e-mail amethystmbs@mail.com

Julia Gillam said: “NES is a great programme for anyone that wants to gain the skills and knowledge to run a successful business - no matter how unusual the idea may seem. To date we've helped well over 100 businesses get started, from beauticians and joiners to human hair importers and performing musicians. All ideas are welcome!”

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