I gained my Diploma in massage therapy 13 years ago. After which I decided to take my new skills and use it to help me travel, offering massage to other travellers staying in hostels, renting rooms or shacks on the beach to help fund my trip. I also picked up new techniques along the way which have all shaped my practice today.

After an incredible 8 years working and travelling through Africa, Sri Lanka, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central and North America, I have settled back home and have gone on to study pregnancy and Oncology massage as well as dabbling in South East Asian Medicine where I learned my favourite treatment, Cupping.

For me having massage therapy is an amazing medium for getting to know people, whether its other therapists and like-minded people or someone who just wants to feel relaxed and rebalanced. You can get to know their life's stresses and worries all through touch and in turn you can physically feel it when you are making a difference.

While working a quiet shift in a restaurant in Glasgow, the girls and I decided drawing around my hands would be a good idea for a logo for my new venture, and Makara was born!

Not only is it my branding, but it is a little part of me...

Wee bit Sri Lankan, wee bit Scottish.

LEFT

This hand depicts a famous fresco painting from Sigiriya rock located in central Sri Lanka. Built over 1600 years ago it was home to King Kasyapa. Only a few of the frescoes of these women still remain.

They were ladies of the king's 500 strong harem, dressed in their finest. They were to be admired but not touched. For this reason, they were depicted in true form, voluptuous and desirable, but shorn of any earthly sexuality. They were not intended to be titillating.

Depicted as supernatural beings they are portrayed with flowers to shower upon humans below. They were intended to evoke a sense of wonderment and to project the opulence and grandeur of Kasyapa, the artistic, troubled god-king. They are a celebration of beauty.

RIGHT

This is the Makara itself.

Makara in Sinhalese means 'dragon'. It is a prominent figure in the mythical realms of Sri Lankan art. Often found above the door way to temples, it symbolises prosperity. It is made up of many different animals and every feature is a subtle representation of a human strengths.

The Elephants tusk- represents Dexterity

Paws of a Lion- Strength

Ears of a Boar- Acute hearing

Body of a Fish- Movement

Teeth and Jaws of a crocodile - Demand for respect

Eyes of a monkey- Vision

Tail of a bird- Splendid beauty.

This is all intertwined with ‘Bo Tree’ leaves and the Pictish symbol for Life.

At Makara I strive to make it a place that is inclusive for all. No matter your race, religion, sexuality or identity I believe everybody deserves to heal and be healed in any which way they prefer.

The wellness industry can be a strange space and often one some people feel out of place or uncomfortable in and I want to change that. No woo woo, dressed in white robes here just honesty, compassion and no judgement.