A whole new world

Law graduate Debbie Cheetham, of Guiseley, used to turn to an aromatherapist to relieve the stress of her job as a solicitor. Now she has turned the tables and ditched her legal caseloads to massage away the cares of high-flying professionals herself.

Candles flicker within glistening crystals, sending their soothing rays around the dusky pink room. In the background, soft, relaxing music plays. The air is filled with a heady, luxurious aroma.

This is where mother-of-two Debbie Cheetham works. Yet only a couple of years ago she was stuck in a solicitor's office, surrounded by books and busy telephones.

After graduating in law from London University, Bradford-born Debbie, then 19, joined a firm of solicitors in Otley. She worked hard and enjoyed her job, dealing mainly with matrimonial matters and custody disputes, as well as other general litigation.

Then Debbie met her husband-to-be, Andrew, in an Otley pub. She settled down with the company director and five years ago they had a son, Oliver. Debbie knew she wanted to carry on working, but switched her hours to part-time so she could spend more time with her child.

"I moved to manage the probate department so that my work did not have to fit in with court agendas," she says. "The firm was brilliant. I worked three-and-a-half days, which fitted in with child care arrangements."

When, two years later, Debbie gave birth to her second child, Abigail, now three, she cut her working week to two days, but found it difficult to manage her workload. "I ended up bringing work home and working when the children had gone to bed."

She realised that, in the long-term, she could not carry on juggling her responsibilities as busy solicitor and mother.

So Debbie took a risk. "I decided to give up my job and start a business at home as an aromatherapist and massage therapist."

She says: "I had always been involved in complementary medicine. I had my first treatment as a teenager and when I worked as a solicitor, at the end of a busy day I used to go for stress-relieving treatment. I knew it was something I could train for which I would enjoy."

What she didn't know was how she would feel about leaving her job after eight years. "It was a massive leap. I did not know how much I would miss it, but I felt I was making the right decision."

She adds: "Part of me was looking forward to getting out of the cut and thrust, in favour of something more tranquil."

But not everyone felt that way. Says Debbie: "There was a lot of criticism from people who know me. Some said it would be a waste of time, and although members of my family tried their best to support me, I could sense a slight disappointment that I was walking out of a good career, plus this meant more training and more exams."

The financial considerations also came into play. She says: "We bought our house on the basis of two salaries, and now, suddenly, I was going to be a student again."

But Andrew was always supportive. Says Debbie: "I could not have done it without him, he has been great, helping produce my stationery, do the books and manage the business generally."

Debbie was fortunate in that her mother Anne runs the Leeds-based School of Natural Therapies. She signed up and, after a year's training, took written and practical exams with the International Therapy Examination Council.

Debbie set up her business at home, decorating a room in restful shades. She now has a number of clients who come for a range of treatments including aromatherapy, Swedish body massage and Reiki healing - the laying on of hands to create energy.

She even treats members of the legal profession - some of whom have been inspired to consider a similar career change themselves.

Debbie has reaped the benefits of her move in other ways. She is healthier - "I used to suffer regular migraines in the office, but rarely get them now" - and, as she can arrange appointments to fit in with her role as a mum, she can spend more time with her children.

She says: "Oliver starts school soon and I'm going to be outside the gates at 3pm to pick him up. That means a lot to me and to Andrew."

Even those who were sceptical admire what she has achieved. "I've gone to the other side of the couch and I'm not going back," she adds.

Debbie can be contacted on 01943 871011 or on her mobile 07970 558983

Woman nightclub bosses are few and far between. But, at the age of 45, to give up a steady job in a profession you trained for and open up a brand new venue takes guts. Jan Yeadon took the plunge.

Thursday is a big night for Jan Yeadon. It heralds the opening of a new dancing and entertainment venue in Shipley, which she is attending. But, unlike previous nights out clubbing, on this occasion she won't be queuing up to pay at the door.

In fact, she will be very much the VIP at the event, for Jan, 45, is co-owner of the nightspot. Along with her step-daughter Ruth Low, she has spent the past three months overseeing a major revamp of the run-down premises in Briggate. And now, with its plush furnishings, gleaming chrome decor and inviting dance floor, the Basement caf bar is ready to throw open its doors to the public. Understandably, the women are buzzing with excitement. For mother-of-two, Jan, in particular, the opening marks a milestone in her life - a major change which she sees as a whole new beginning.

Only three weeks ago Jan was working as a residential social worker - the job she trained for and had enjoyed since she was 18. She decided to give it all up for the club scene. "It will be a big change, enormous in fact, but I think it will be worth it," she says.

"Ruth and I are really excited, but I will miss my job. I'll miss the residents I worked with, and the staff. We worked as a very close team."

Londoner Jan moved to West Yorkshire 11 years ago after meeting her husband, a Yorkshireman.

She trained as a social worker with Islington Social Services and wanted to carry on in the profession. Initially based in Leeds and most recently in Bingley, she worked in various capacities, dealing with children, young people and adults. Her job was emotionally demanding, covering areas including drug dependency, adult learning difficulties and other problems.

But Jan, of Apperley Bridge, was happy in her work and did not consider a change. Then, one day, Ruth happened to be driving past a former pub with a 'For Sale' sign prominently displayed on the outside.

Says Jan: "Ruth has always bought and sold property, so she was interested. Then the place went for auction and sold, then it came up again. It was then that she asked me whether I'd be interested in taking it over."

Jan admits she was surprised by the offer. "I said 'I'm too old for that'." But after thinking about it, she fancied the idea. The pair bought the premises and have since ploughed at least £175,000 - more than their life savings put together - into doing it up.

The task was huge, says Jan: "To say it was a mess would be an understatement. There was no electricity, and the rooms were filled with grime and clutter."

She adds: "We had no licence and we were inexperienced - we really took a chance."

The women launched themselves into the venture, carrying out research into what people wanted in such a venue, liaising with the police and councillors. As well as a licensing course at John Smith's brewery - which she passed with flying colours - Jan went on a door supervisor's course run by the police.

Since those early days, the women have overseen the renovation, interviewed staff, recruited top DJs and publicised the opening. The club, which will accommodate 400 people, has two dance floors and an eating area where food will be served.

Jan's family have been supportive, although her husband Malcolm, a property developer, did fancy early retirement in France, and the move has scuppered those plans. Says Ruth: "He is pleased, though, and has been great about it." Her children, Nicola, 21, and Dean, 26, simply said: "Whatever you do, mother, never surprises us."

Jan and Ruth are determined they will be very much hands-on in their management of the club. "It is very much a family thing," she says.

She is determined to enjoy her new career. "I love dancing and music, and I'm definitely a night person." she says. One thing is certain, it will be very different to social work - "I'll have to buy a new wardrobe," she adds.

"And although I'll miss my former colleagues, I'll see them when they come to the club to enjoy themselves."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.