Psychologies_UK_04_2020

(Darren Dugan) #1
APRIL 2020 PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE 33

children’s parties, events, courses, a cafe, weddings and
afternoon teas – it was a bit of a jumble,’ she says.
‘It has been an incredible journey and the business is far
more stable now. I am able to go away, trust my team and
know that we have bookings for the next few years. I started
in a fragile situation and I truly didn’t think I’d work again.
Wellbeing, sustainability and llamas have always been at the
heart of the farm, and I was lucky those things are big draws.’


Robust optimism
With weddings in mind, Celia sourced their decor from
reclamation yards, eBay, charity shops and craft fairs.
‘You have to be creative and resourceful. To have turned our
rundown, neglected farm and cowshed into a venue that is
filled with demonstrations of love every week is one of my
greatest achievements. It’s a truly happy place,’ she says.
‘I initially called it The Wellbeing Farm because it focused
on stress management and health. Now it has evolved to be
about the wellbeing in having fun, dancing, enjoying great
food and good music, with the animals making it memorable.’


And Celia’s wellbeing is not forgotten. ‘I meditate daily and
I’ve just completed my first 5km run. You cannot have success
for your business without having your mindset and health
aligned. I’m trying to put myself first. Entrepreneurship
is a task in resilience, but if I hadn’t met so many hurdles,
I wouldn’t be where I am. I think if I can do it, others can. I
truly believe that no idea is stupid, and it is having a go that
is the point. Having no regrets in life drives me to keep going.’
Celia has written a book, Why Put A Bow Tie On A
Llama?: How A Crazy Idea Can Change Your Life And
Transform Your Business (Practical Inspiration Publishing,
£9.35). ‘I want to guide people who crave something
di‹erent. There was no information about how to diversify
a farm; how to transform it. I figured out everything the
hard way and have learned so much. You have times in
life when you think your world is going to end but, by
doing something completely left field, you can use it as
an opportunity to ask, “What else can I do?” Something
good can come from even the most dire circumstances.’
celiagaze.com; thewellbeingfarm.co.uk; @CeliaFarm

ABOVE Celia was
keen to share
everything she’s
learned as a
businesswoman
in her new book,
Why Put A Bow
Tie On A Llama?

LEFT Initially, Celia
lived on the farm
but has recently
moved to the
nearby village and
handed some
responsibilities
over to her team

“I truly believe that no idea is stupid, and it is having a go that
is the point. Having no regrets in life drives me to keep going”
Free download pdf