STORY inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
STEP INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH THOUGHTFULNESS, EXPLORATION AND INTENTION, GUIDED BY THE CONSCIOUSLY CRAFTED OFFERINGS OF THESE INSPIRING INDIES.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT STUDIO mindfulmovement-studio. co. uk mindful. movement. studio
Sukhi Tehara first discovered Pilates after a sports injury 15 years ago and it quickly became something deeply personal. It supported her recovery, rebuilt her strength and confidence and introduced her to a style of movement that felt mindful and sustainable. Years later, after experiencing a traumatic childbirth, Pilates once again helped her reconnect with her body. Those transformative experiences planted the seed for Mindful Movement Studio- which officially opened its doors in 2024 with just a handful of reformers and a vision to create a welcoming environment where others could too experience movement that heals and empowers.“ Winning Young Business
Woman of the Year and Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year has been an incredible milestone for both myself and Mindful Movement Studio,” says Sukhi.“ What began as a small reformer space in Gravesend has now grown into an award-winning wellness hub offering Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, Hot Pilates and Barre all fuelled by a community that continues to inspire everything we do.” Mindful Movement Studio today is a vibrant two-floor studio with a dedicated hot and mat space upstairs and a growing team of specialist instructors, with exciting plans ahead for the launch of children’ s ballet parties, corporate wellness programmes and exploring opportunities for a second location.
WILD & FREE NATURE CRAFTS- WILD & FREE PARTIES wildandfreenaturecrafts wildandfreeparties
Born from a true love of forest exploring and the great outdoors, Wild & Free was founded by the Cranbrook-based and nature-loving Alex Taylor who wanted to offer a collaborative, inclusive space where both adults and their little ones could experience the numerous wellness benefits of time spent amongst nature. Creating a safe and warm environment where families can take part in free play, traditional crafts, foraging walks and simply soak up the beauty of nature, Alex offers a jam-packed events calendar including seasonal stay and play mornings, nature craft workshops and woodland parties for all ages.“ My background is in education so I am passionate about people of all ages recognising the huge benefits of regular time spent in a woodland environment, whether that be climbing up a tree, lighting fires, foraging, woodland massage or forest bathing.” Wild & Free also champions their popular and wonderfully restorative women’ s only sessions and is gearing up for an exciting 2026 as Alex’ s launches a‘ Forest School for Grown Up Girls’ membership and collaborates with more inspiring independent businesses across the county to offer fantastic outdoor experiences for all.
© Katie Rhona Photography
© Chapter Thirty Six Photography
THE REFILLERY therefillerycanterbury. co. uk the. refillery. canterbury
Opened in Canterbury’ s thriving city centre in 2023, The Refillery, Canterbury’ s only plasticfree, ethical grocery and gift shop, was founded by the extraordinary Catherine Parker who had the idea for the business from her family’ s own efforts to reduce the amount of single-use plastic they threw away each week.“ Making changes towards a minimal waste lifestyle is really difficult- I want my shop to encourage and help others to make simple changes in shopping habits that can substantially reduce their household’ s plastic footprint.” With plastic waste having untold damage to our environment, wildlife and human health, it is vital as a society we do our bit to scale down the consumption of avoidable plastic by buying groceries in reusable, refillable containers.“ As just one shop I realise I can’ t change much, but I do feel I’ m helping to demonstrate there is sufficient demand for this way of shopping, and ultimately this might persuade policy makers and big retailers to make major systemic changes for the future.” Catherine is looking ahead to resolutions, habits and goals for the new year and hopes in 2026 to help more Canterbury residents and visitors decide to‘ Rethink Plastic’, making a commitment to filling up their plastic bottles and food containers at The Refillery.
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