A Year Since Lockdown - Caroline Peyton

Today we're talking to Caroline Peyton of Peyton Principles who is a nutritionist, naturopath and gut health expert helping women over 35 who suffer unresolved digestive and gut symptoms to finally find relief. She is Swindon & Cotswolds based but also works online globally.

This week marks a year since lockdown began and the reality of the pandemic hit the UK. What are your memories of that first day? 

Complete shock and devastation. I was looking forward to a special family holiday at Easter that had been arranged nine months before and we had to unravel all our plans. My thoughts about my business came second to that.

Thinking back, how did you anticipate the way forward for your business over those first few days? 

I knew I could take my business completely online. I already used Zoom for some client consultations but it did require my less tech savvy clients to show willingness to embrace technology. 

I have very few clients who are unable to use Zoom now! But I was very nervous whether clients would be willing to invest in their health when there was so much uncertainty.

What actions did you take to save/change/pivot/support your business?

In April I started to work with a digital marketing company to help me with online marketing; I created a video recorded course to help those suffering from IBS and I started to work with Fiona Scott, of Scott Media.

Name any positive outcomes of the last year for your business? 

I have a very clear focus on my business, my ideal client and my marketing strategy. There are still some further changes I am making but lockdown gave me the time to invest in my business and strategy.

Name any positive outcomes for you personally over the last year? 

Learning to appreciate having more downtime. I’ve always been super busy so I’ve enjoyed having free weekends with no plans. Going forward I hope I can keep a better balance in my life.

What do you most look forward to doing IN BUSINESS as we slowly move out of lockdown?

1. Meeting clients face to face. As a health professional I have been able to meet clients who personally prefer face to face contact, but in the interests of  supporting society as a whole I moved my entire business online again in January. 

2. Meeting colleagues to network face to face. I so miss human interaction.

What do you most look forward to doing IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE as we slowly move out of lockdown? 

Travel whether UK or abroad and compete with my horse (after a haircut that is).

What are your predictions for business generally in late 2021 into 2022? 

As furlough ends, increasing amounts of redundancies and a very sorry High Street. 

I wish I was feeling more optimistic about business in the UK generally. 

Name one person who has been a lockdown hero for you over the last year? 

My husband Trevor who has had the patience to cope with my ups and downs and remains a calm and optimistic person. He has truly been my rock.

Name one business which has been heroic for you or your community over the last year? 

The Natural Dispensary (Stroud)- my one stop shop for myself and my clients to order all our supplements and certain health foods. It was difficult in the early days of lockdown, order levels went through the roof, everything immune related was constantly out of stock and they managed to provide a first rate service despite social distancing requirements in their warehouse.

For more information visit www.peytonprinciples.com