Feng Shui and Interiors Therapy in the Hospitality Industry
This interview with the wonderful Alison Magee-Barker featured on the Showcase Sunday programme.
Who are you, what you do and why you do it?
I'm Suzanne Roynon, International Interiors Therapist and Feng Shui expert. Feng Shui has been part of my life for over 30 years, and I now work across the UK, Europe and USA helping clients create healthier, happier, more supportive homes and businesses.
What is unique and different - Your USP as opposed to your competition?
People use Feng Shui for all sorts of reasons - the big companies, the Mandarin Oriental Group, Amazon, Apple, Coca Cola, HSBC and so on use it to increase their profits. People like Oprah Winfrey, Georgina Rodrigues, George Clooney and Victoria Beckham tap into it because it supports their success and relationships.
I combine Feng Shui with Interiors Therapy to supercharge the process. Interiors Therapy has 5 stages which when used together, change the energy of a home, business or venue for the better.
What do you do that will help and be relevant right now and in the future for the Hospitality Industry?
I recently teamed up with an Australian colleague last year to upgrade the energy of a struggling hotel in the south of England, which saw an immediate change in fortunes, including a much happier and more cohesive staff. Following on from that the hotel group asked us to review another location and we're also in negotiations to use Interiors Therapy and Feng Shui for a retreat venue in Bali and another in the South of France.
That's on top of the Airbnbs, retreat locations etc. in the UK.
I think every location can use some energetic help, not just to welcome in clientele, but also to motivate and support the wellbeing of staff and financial success. Some places inadvertently block a flow of positive energy with unfortunate choices of art and decor, and others fail due to the underlying Feng Shui energy of a building.
We work with the four building types ....
*Good for People and Money
*Bad for People and Money
*Good for People/Bad for Money
*Bad for People/Good for Money
This simple assessment often explains why you'll see businesses fail on repeat when they move into a location where a previous one has failed. You need to shift the energy into a more positive vibe, so it supports the business rather than working against it. It's not difficult to do with the right guidance.
What are your 5 top tips?
* The entire building is working for or against your Feng Shui, so don't let clutter or mess build up in any part.
* Your staff are an important asset and deserve to be treated that way - ensure staff areas are clean and welcoming.
* Understand the energy flow and where the key Feng Shui areas are for the business - Southeast - Wealth etc.
* Organise the business so it supports the Feng Shui
* Deal with any leaks, drips, blockages in plumbing and any maintenance issues immediately - by not doing so you invite in more problems and will exacerbate the difficulties the business experiences
Have you got any examples how you can help the industry and save time? - How do you add value to your clients?
We work closely with our clients, and we aren't afraid to be blunt if we see things which are actively working against a business. That might be the colours chosen for a space, the art, even the location of the reception desk. When we work in-person we've been known to jump in the car and source a simple solution rather than leave it for the manager/staff to get around to. Mostly we reflect back the impression the business is giving and help fine-tune the energy of the building to uplift it and inspire profitable activity.
If someone was on the fence thinking about working with you what would your present and past clients say about you?
There are several businesses which credit having their Interiors Therapy and Feng Shui done as the reasons that they are thriving rather than struggling. One implemented their Feng Shui and received a cash windfall a few weeks later which allowed them to complete a building project and open a new wing a year earlier than expected. It paid off for them in so many ways.
How do people get in touch with you?
I always recommend booking an Inspiration call to talk through what you're looking for and show me round the building. That way I can offer immediate value on what might be causing a problem and how best to move forward to resolve challenges and boost the business.
Connect with Alison Magee-Barker at www.ajlakes.com
