Video. The urban spa that’s healing with your help

January is a big month for fitness and health kicks, so if you’re digging out the gym pass or reaching for detox smoothies, we’ve got someone we’d like you to meet. Martha Mary is a business owner in Manchester. With a passion for healing and a mission to bring healing to the high street, she founded Urban Oasis day spa in 2004.

With locations at Debenhams and the Hilton in central Manchester, Urban Oasis offers treatments ranging from massages and reiki to nails and lashes. As well as keeping up with the demands of running the business, Martha Mary still takes time to perform treatments herself. Although the workload can be intense, her love for what she does keeps her going. “You’ve got to have a lot of energy, empathy and patience. I love what I do and I’m very passionate about it. Trying to make a difference and do something positive with my life – that’s what really drives me.”

Thanks to Funding Circle investors, Urban Oasis took a loan to get a new accreditation, train staff and buy new equipment. Watch the video below to learn more about her passion and the challenges of running a small business.