Guest Post - Andrea Miles

Morning!  What a beautiful morning it is - I hope it's sunny where you are.

When we asked for interviews a few people took the questions and used them as a guide for a blog post, which was a great idea.  Posting one this morning from Andrea Miles.  Many thanks to Andrea for a great post, she can found in person at BSSK shows, the next one is Elsecar 24-25 August and online at andreamilescrystals.co.uk

My career began as a teacher.  I trained in modern languages and teaching English as a foreign language.I have taught youngsters of all ages from nursery up to eighteen year olds in many schools in Yorkshire.

In 1986 my husband Gordon and I decided to adopt two abandoned children from Ecuador.  I spent three months there alone during this process and returned to England with two adorable babies, Jonathan and Laura.

It became more and more obvious that Jonathan's development was much slower than Laura's and by the time they were 1 year old, I knew we had serious problems. He was diagnosed as having autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy and was put on a cocktail of medication which just made him worse.  I joined a local support group and discovered that many children thrived on an additive free diet, limiting dairy produce, refined products such as white flour and all junk food.  I went to a health kinesiologist  muscle tested for a complete list of foods and drinks he could and could not have.   Within weeks I noticed a difference and he began to progress slowly and amazingly his epilepsy came under control without drugs.  Two other therapies which also helped him was homeopathy and cranial osteopathy. 

 I became involved in other self help groups which eventually led me to a spiritual development group and I knew then that I had found my path.  I gave up teaching and went on a three year natural healing course at the College of Healing in Malvern. It was one of thehappiest times of my life and I developed a deep love of crystals and other natural approaches to goodhealth and well being.  I converted our garage into a therapy room and filled it with crystals and artefactswhich made it a beautiful, spiritual place enjoyed by so many people.  

Unfortunately this came to a sudden end when my husband had a stroke.  I found I could no longer have clients to the house as his needs along with my son's were taking up all of my time.  As Gordon gradually improved, I was told about BSSK and decided to change my approach to healing by selling crystals and crystal jewellery.  The experience I had gained working from home stood me in good stead to be able to help people choose what would be beneficial to them.  I always choose my stones personally and I know intuitively which I would need for my stand.  Similarly with the jewellery, I select hand made pieces which are filled with loving energy and beauty.  I thought I would miss practicing as a therapist but quickly realised that I could see so many more people at Mind Body Spirit shows and continue my work. 

 I now work with my daughter Laura at many shows, mostly in the north of England and have hundreds of regular visitors who come and ask advice and buy from me.  I am so happy that my daughter has  a love of crystals too and wants to continue to work with them.  She has been able to travel to India and Nepal and select stones at source and hopes to be able to expand this area of our business.  We both believe that although there are many books written about crystals, the most successful way is to use intuition.   So many times when customers have made a choice, they read up about the particular stone and find it is just what they need. When I look back and see how my life has has changed, I know I am blessed.  

I found my path through the problems with my son and husband. The hardships and frustrations were there to lead me to where I am today.   I have been helped mentally emotionally and spiritually to cope through the people I've met, my guides and guardian angels.  The lesson I have learned is to trust in the process.  This is the antedote to anxiety and frustration.

One of my favourite books is The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.  The lines that really inspire me and urge me to carry on are:  

 "And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb

            And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance"

Interview - Sidney Vincent The Neem People

To start off our interviews we've got an interview with Sidney Vincent.  His business The Neem People will be exhibiting at Elsecar on 24th and 25th August after a long absence.

To start off, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

 The hospitality industry provided my background.  My hotel management training and qualifications provided me with the springboard to venture into the world, catapulting me to a number of countries worldwide where my real education began. Insularity went out of the window as I voraciously absorbed the cultures of the countries  I was fortunate to work and live in. Old heads will tell you that the best way to learn a business is by starting at the bottom, and by keeping an open mind as you climbed each rung of the ladder. In doing this I learned how to communicate with people at all levels and to appreciate the efforts needed to keep the wheels of the business turning successfully.

Domestic requirements put paid to globetrotting and I had to scale > down to a different level. It was a calculated descent, rather than a fall, and it took the steadfast support of my wife to help me through the initial difficult period. The inherent spirit kicked in and we went on to gain national recognition as Innkeepers. Physical problems put paid to this chapter.

In a chance encounter, a clinical aromatherapist friend happen to mention her using Neem effectively in treating a major head lice problem. I found a seed and lodged it in my fertile mind: I remembered Neem from my childhood ( did  I mention that I am from India?) and cogitated on the fact that no one seemed to know about Neem in the UK – nay, in the western world- so I decided to  spread the word.

Can you tell us the benefits of your products?

 Not for nothing is the Neem Tree called The Village Pharmacy, as the benefits are numerous. Taken internally Neem helps stimulate the immune system, liver detoxification, regulate body functions. It’s anti- fungal properties make it helpful in treating internal fungal problems. It is also antibacterial and antiseptic . All these properties come to the fore in Neem body products such as face creams, lotions, soaps, toothpaste and other oral hygiene products. The proven benefits of The Neem People’s Neem products are now fairly well known worldwide.

You've stayed true to your vision ie not been tempted by MLM, is this a vocation rather than "just a job"?

We like to paddle our own and have had to paddle upstream sometimes, but we have the satisfaction of knowing that our achievements to date are off our own bat, mixed metaphors et al. Like most starters we have had approaches from others to sell their products, but we will not be swayed from our path of promoting the benefits of the Neem Tree. We are passionate about this and set ourselves as examples of what the Neem Tree has done for us, and what it can do for others.

Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?

 Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and other icons have inspired many to rise above themselves. My inspiration comes from nearer home; my father.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

Do whatever you are doing to the best of your ability, with dignity, and your reward must follow, though it may not be in the way you were hoping.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You reap what you sow.

Many thanks to Sidney for taking the time to answer our questions.  You can find him at Elsecar in August and on the web at theneempeople.com

Interview Update (mini-version!)

Wow, it's been a very exciting couple of days.  Our call-out for exhibititor and speaker interviews has been amazing!

I've been a blogger in one way or another (remember MySpace?!) for nearly ten years.  In that time I've done a handful of little interviews but nothing on this scale.

Having to research and interview nearly sixty people over the next few days has bought it's challenges but it's also shown what amazing people we have walking this earth.  Right now.  People who are committed to changing the world for the better.  When we start posting them, you'll see exactly what we mean.

We know most of you believe this anyway but sometimes it's a bit difficult to stay positive with all news that gets constantly piped to us via every method of communication these days.  I personally try to steer clear of news but it creeps in everywhere.  But the good outweighs the bad.  And these interviews will prove that. We'll leave you with a quote from Fred Rogers - and if someone could enlighten me as to who he was I'd be very grateful ;)

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."  To this day, especially  in times of disaster, I remember my mothers words, and I am always comforted by  realizing there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

x

Show Updates and Blog News

Another busy week at BSSK!

The 2014 booking pack is out to existing exhibitors and should be on the website within the next week.

Newark has had two stand cancellations so anyone who is not a reader, aura camera, jewellery, FLP, or crystals please give Angie a call on 01724 849886 for discussion.  Godmanchester is shaping up to be a great show with just one stand left there!  Again ring Angie for discussion.

We are looking for sites for our advertising boards in Cambridgeshire and Newark (and surrounding area).  Free tickets and a £20 supermarket voucher offered to anyone with a suitable site.  This should be on private property domestic or commercial where there is a lot of passing traffic.

Regarding the blog, while we are still making it news orientated, we are in the final preparations for a series of interviews with our regular speakers, readers and exhibitors.  If you haven't been contacted yet and would like us to promote you and your work through an interview, drop us a line through Facebook or e-mail Elaine at laineymiller8@gmail.com  Again, we'd love to hear from you!

Elsecar Draws Closer!

Elsecar is fully booked with regular faces and some new exhibitors.  In particular the Neem People will be back after a long time away.

The wonderful Jacky Newcomb is giving a free talk/meditation,  "Meet Your Guardian Angel" on Saturday. There will also be talks by Peter Wall, Jill Harrison, Lisa Whitehead and Richard Abbot.  Click Elsecar talks to see the full list.

Elsecar itself has craft workshops, a coffee shop and a children's play area.  So combine this with our usual array of fantastic readers, speakers and exhibitors, you have a great day out.  It's a bank holiday treat to suit every member of the family.

The show has all the usual BSSK attractions, the Zone of Tranquillity, the free Children's Angel Feather Hunt with a prize for every child and the free prize draw for every paying adult.  The prize being an amazing Amethyst cluster worth  £165.

See you there!