Tag: covid19

Kirsten Scott

Guest Blog: Kirsten Scott, Mala Interiors

We’re delighted to welcome Kirsten Scott from Dumfries business Mala Interiors to our guest blog spot. As well as her interior design work, Kirsten is the local representative for Frenchic furniture paint, much loved by upcyclers everywhere.

Kirsten’s business was born from her own mental health issues. Initially as a way to feel less isolated, it soon became an outlet for her creative talents, and business is now booming. Kirsten shares her story with us, and who knows – it might help you discover a new side hustle. And if you need a workshop, we have affordable commercial units to let ideal for startups!

Why a Little Creativity is Good for the Soul 

Mental Health Matters

With all the COVID-19 craziness that is surrounding us all right now, it really is good for the soul to take a little time to slow down and let your creative juices flow. Whether that is tackling that long forgotten corner of your garden, trying out a new project or picking up a book or paintbrush, a little creativity has wonderful benefits for your mental health.

It was my own issues with mental health that spurred me to begin upcycling furniture back in 2009. I was married with a young child, with limited prospects and feeling socially isolated from the outside world. I felt like a I was a spectator to my own life.

Hooked on Upcycling

But that all changed when I bought an old chair from a car boot sale. I stripped it down, repainted it and reupholstered it. It was pretty rough around the edges, yet the enormous feeling of satisfaction and pride I had in breathing new life into that old chair gave me such a boost. I became hooked on that feeling so much that I’ve now been able to turn that hobby into a career and launched Måla Interiors in 2015.

Fast forward 5 years and you’ll now find me busily painting and restoring furniture in my garden studio using and supplying Frenchic Furniture Paint to the whole of Dumfries and Galloway. 

 

Lockdown Frenchic Frenzy

The upcycling bug has certainly seems to have gripped us all during lockdown. I’ve been inundated with orders for Frenchic paint, as people set about doing all those odd jobs around the house and garden that they’ve just been too busy to do. No excuses now though!

I set up a contactless payment and collection service to feed the Frenchic cravings. So many customers have commented on how they feel it’s such a rewarding hobby, telling me “It’s totally addictive” and they “Can’t get enough!”. I thoroughly recommend it!

You can follow Mala Interiors and see more of Kirsten’s work on Facebook and Instagram.

And If you’d like to be featured in our guest blog spot – drop us a message.

 

 

Coronavirus and Self-Storage

At time of writing – 17th March 2020 – the UK is in the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus management programme. it’s business as usual here at Heathhall Business Centre, but with a caveat: NHS guidance and government advice is changing not just daily but hourly – and we’re keeping a close eye on events and are ready to respond as appropriate.

Our priority is to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, so please observe government guidance with regard to precautions and hygiene:

Wash hands thoroughly

Wash hands thoroughly, for twenty seconds minimum, before and after entering self-storage units.

Self-isolation

If you’ve developed a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms even if you think your symptoms are mild.

Phone your GP if your symptoms:

  • are severe or you have shortness of breath
  • worsen during home isolation
  • have not improved after 7 days

You should also phone your GP if you develop breathlessness or it worsens, especially if you:

  • are 60 years old or over
  • have underlying poor health
  • have heart or lung problems
  • have a weakened immune system, including cancer
  • have diabetes

If your GP is closed, phone NHS 24 (111).

Catch it, bin it, kill it.

Cough into a tissue, dispose of it safely, and wash your hands for twenty seconds.

Sneeze into your elbow to avoid air transmission of germs.

The situation is clearly fluid, so can we please reiterate, in line with current events and government guidance, wash hands before and after visiting self-storage units, and if at all possible avoid touching surfaces.

Observe NHS Guidance

We know this is a big ask, but for your own – and others – protection – if you feel at all unwell, avoid accessing self-storage and self-isolate, again in line with NHS guidance .

Look after yourselves and your families.

Sources

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