Community, Connection, and Growth: My First Wellness Collective Experience

Since beginning my journey in this profession, I quickly discovered how deeply mental and physical health are connected. I saw firsthand how a person’s emotional wellbeing could impact their recovery, movement, and overall vitality.

Through this growing awareness, I was introduced to Joe Baynham @amatteroficeandbreath, a close friend who runs breathwork and cold water therapy sessions in Coggeshall. Joe kindly connected me with Danielle from @beebeautiful, who invited me to take part in her Wellness Collective Day held at Feering Village Hall — even though it fell on my usual day off!

Admittedly, I felt nervous attending my first event, surrounded by seasoned therapists and practitioners with years of experience in Reiki, Reflexology, and Indian Head Massage. Wanting to make a memorable impression (and calm the nerves), I brought along my trusty anatomical skeleton “Henry” — a fun and unique conversation starter that helped break the ice.

Within the first hour, the initial anxiety melted away. The room was filled with calming music, soft lighting, and the soothing scent of incense. I joined four other incredible practitioners in our shared treatment space, each offering different skills and healing approaches. As guests arrived and filled in their time slots, I was quietly proud to see my name on the schedule — four clients that day felt like a real win.

It reminded me that trust, visibility, and connection take time — and that every opportunity to show up matters. I’m incredibly grateful to Danielle and Joe for believing in me, and to the amazing women and men who welcomed me into such a supportive, healing community.