My Story

I’ve started blogs before and never kept up with them but I know I love to write .. so this is one way to fulfil that love. I’ll tell you a little secret .. I was going to write a book this winter but then I realised it was too much pressure so I will share my ramblings, my knowledge, my inspiration and what I read and learn here.

So let’s start with my story and how I came to be still working at the grand old age of 72. I used to work in the NHS, first as a nurse (when they wore proper uniforms!) I trained at Great Ormond Street and loved it. However I also loved the fun I was having in London and found out about this thing called health visiting which appealed because it was better paid and better hours. I hadn’t a clue what it was but somehow I got through the interview and got accepted on the course and that was what I did for most of my NHS career with a bit of practice nursing thrown in!

I met my husband, Iain, while on holiday on Mykonos and we have now been married for 44 years. We had our one child, Laura, in 1980 and sadly were only able to have the one child. I’ve written more about this time in my life in my book Journey to Chocolate. You can learn a bit more about the book here.

So let’s fast forward to 2000, I was in a leadership role in my job which included a clinical role as well. I loved it and gave it my all but so much of it was a battle and I felt sandwiched between my colleague and management. I was diagnosed with stress and depression and two years later made the decision to leave. Incidentally I was probably peri-menopausal so the outcome may have been different now. However it was a great decision!

So what next? I ultimately found life coaching and retrained and set up a practice in about 2009 and thought I’d found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But the universe had other plans. In 2011 my grandson, Jacob was born, I was already receiving my pension and I knew we would need an extra source of income to visit him and his Mum & Dad when they moved to the States (my son-in-law was in the American AirForce). I also couldn’t see a way I could ever retire from life coaching and that exchanging time for money business model. I had heard about Arbonne and decided I would start a business to fund trips across the Atlantic. I hadn’t a clue about skincare or the business .. what I did see was a solution. So I signed up!

Fast forward to now, 2022 and I absolutely love it. I can help so many people live happier, healthier and wealthier lives through this genius business model, the products have helped my health and skin and I am part of a positive community who definitely enrich my life. And best of all I can will my business to my daughter so why would I not build the biggest possible business and leave her financially secure?

But I knew there was more and I believe, as women, we need to be visible to show up for women who are unable to. And so this year, the Unlikely Guru was created. I bring all of my skills and experience to the world to inspire, encourage & support women on their ageing well journey so that they can become the best version of themselves .. it’s all based on self care principles, fun & joy! A week ago my Facebook community was born I’d love you to join by clicking on the link!

So there you go .. my story. Reach out to me by e mail, LinkedIn or Facebook and let’s chat! You can read more about me and find my contact details here

For now and until the next time, have a lovely day. Love Ann x

Laura & Jacob .. these two are the reason I get up every morning and do what I do!