MY STORY SO FAR…

How it all began

Back in 2005, I was teaching primary pupils in Tower-Hamlets when I undertook the Massage in Schools Instructor training - little did I know that would change my life! On seeing the positive effects on the children and families in my care, I was encouraged to complete the (IAIM) Infant Massage Instructor course, and in 2007, Buddha Baby was born! I set up some small-group infant massage classes and noticing I didn’t have any refreshments available for our discussion time one week, quickly baked a cake. The clients loved it, so I did it again the following week. Now I seem to be somewhat famous locally for my homemade cakes, which I still bake as a complimentary treat at some of my parent and baby classes!

In my teenage years, I really wanted to be a massage therapist and had a fascination with aromatherapy and massage. Whilst still teaching, I went back to college to study traditional Indian Head Massage and later undertook training in holistic massage (2016) and pregnancy massage (2017).

Buddha Baby grows

After a while, my baby-massage classes became well known and popular with new parents in the local area.  I was also starting to practise yoga regularly and found that this complemented my interest in holistic education and massage. Many clients were asking me to offer Baby Yoga, so it seemed the next most logical thing to try. I was dubious at first, but honestly, it’s brilliant! Parents talked a lot about slings/carriers in classes and I realised there were many myths and misconceptions, and that people wanted good no-nonsense advice - soon I found myself on the consultant training, and have since helped many families find their way! For a while, I was also a franchisee for Sling Swing (babywearing dance classes) but sadly had to let this go following the devastation of the covid pandemic. However, it was also during the lockdown that I developed baby-play and I started training in Toddler Yoga. My newest adventure has been undertaking my adult Yoga-Teacher-Training… it’s the beginning of the most amazing journey and I can’t wait to share my teachings with my clients.

From these small seeds Buddha Baby has grown, guided by my intuition and following only what has felt right to pursue.

balance and gratitude

Alongside Buddha Baby, I’ve always worked another job, changing from full to part-time class teaching, then local authority to national advisor for primary PSHE education. I now work freelance as a education consultant in PSHE education which makes it a bit easier to manage Buddha Baby too. It’s frustrating to work two jobs sometimes, but my other work enables me to continue my commitment to grow Buddha Baby! I love running Buddha Baby and I love its place right in the heart of the Wanstead community. I like my clients to feel ‘at home’ at my classes, babywearing consultations and massage treatments. Everything I choose for Buddha Baby is done so with care and consideration. It’s my greatest joy to bring you these services and products.

My favourite place in all the world is Bali, Indonesia, but I love nothing more than baking in my little pink kitchen with the door swung open to the back garden and the radio on. I like a good cup of tea, anywhere a bit wild and windy, elephants, seahorses and ancient stories of goddesses!

I’m looking forward to seeing you at Buddha Baby soon!

Sally x

A photo from ‘back in the day’ teaching baby music at home, pre-covid!