Filming in Alora 2003
Presenter Scott Huggins and film crew
In 2003 we packed our bags and headed for Spain. WHY? you might say. Here´s my story.
For 10 years, we run a successful chauffeur business back in the UK and sadly when 911 hit, it affected our clients in many ways. Most of our business was based in London and with Arab countries. The work just dried up, chauffeurs were not required and companies were using cheaper options for travel. So it was time to decide how we were going to cope with a large 3 bed semi, mortgage and top of the range cars to pay for, a very worrying time especially with two little ones growing up. We were watching the TV one evening when the kids were tucked up in bed and up popped an advertisement “looking for families to re-locate?” both me and Barrie looked at each other and going through our minds at the same time was “what have we got to loose”. So the following day we put together a video…so funny, could not stop laughing and trying to get a 4 and 5 year old to sit still for long enough was not easy. Off we sent the video and we waited.
A few months or so went by and we got a phone call – “hi we are from the BBC and received your video, how would you like to be part of our new programme? GET A NEW LIFE”
Oh I was lost for words, of course I would love to be part of it. So it started, they turned up on the doorstep one morning and filmed us for the next 6 weeks organising our life around making such a big change. How was I going to tell my MUM, she was my main concern, losing my dad 3 years earlier and then going through breast cancer, I really did not know how she was going to react. At the time my focus was on my family and giving us the opportunity to gain so much by moving to a different county. We were struggling and when you are faced with the thought of losing your home and everything around you, you take action. As much as I loved my MUM, I knew over time she would understand I know she did not like me for a while, who could blame her, her baby was moving thousands of miles away and taking her grandchildren. I tried to make it a little easier by saying that after a month we may decide to come back. We said our emotional farewells to friends and family, got on that plane and have not looked back. Yes it has not been easy, lots of ups and downs, I certainly would not change anything. We have two bilingual children who were put into a foreign school where they did not speak the language, they did not know anyone, what was we thinking. Thankfully they are amazingly great and gained so so much and are part of our community, how proud are we. It felt so good to say that were were staying in Spain, even then myself and Barrie knew it was the right move for us and for the children.
MUM and of course Barrie´s MUM and DAD visited regularly so do other family and friends. Sadly in 2013 my MUM passed over losing her fight against Lung Cancer. Deep down I know that she is now by my DAD´s side they were meant to be together in the end. My two beautiful Angels up above. They shine their light down daily guiding us in all we do.
2008 was when I became attuned to Reiki, my Master at the time Julie Lomas told me that I may not stay with Reiki, it will take me on a journey of discovery. That discovery was finding MYSELF. Today, I am now a Reiki Master and love how it has taught me so many things in life and how to appreciate what is around me. I am truly thankful for every day and the journey that I am being taken on.
2010 became the year that I knew my children were growing and I could do something for myself, they were not so reliant on me, of course I am still the taxi service and everything a mum is about. So I started to focus my attention on making my own soaps and skincare, sourcing natural ingredients and essential oils, always keen to learn and making mistakes along the way, oh what fun it was. I firstly made them for friends and family. I think they were taken aback as my creative skills were flowing, not really being into art, I love all things creative and this is where it all falls into place. How time flies, today, I am still making and creating and still loving every minute, my passion is skin and I am confident that using my range of products your skin will benefit. In November 2014 we launched our website http://vidanaturalskincare.com I had great fun putting it together, planning pages and getting the pictures right, a brilliant experience, enjoy visiting.
I would like to thank all my clients from my heart who use my skincare range and who have faith in me and what I do. I would not be where I am today without YOU.
OUR skin is PRECIOUS take care of it…..x
If you are faced with a tough decision in life and an opportunity arises. Take it….Go for it…..What have you got to lose……Face your fear…..You never know what´s around the corner…..Feel It Inside….The Universe will guide YOU.
I hope my little blog gives you some inspiration to turn your life around.
Thank you for reading my BLOG xx
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Settled in our Rented Home
What a lovely piece of writing, authentic and as honest as you are! You are the heart of your family Jill and that shines through in your business too. You will be so successful and you have the most fabulous skin which must be the most perfect marketing tool! Keep blogging, that was uplifting :0)
Hi Sam,
Thank you for your lovely words. I am glad I had the opportunity to uplift you this morning. xx
Great reading, had no idea it all started with starring in a tv programme! Can we see that anywhere?
Love your products and the positivity you exude every time I see you xxx
Thank you Sue for your lovely comments, I have a video of it you can borrow, or am looking at getting it into a DVD. xxxxx
WHAT A READ!!!! I knew you and your family are amazing!
Yeap, we should have a viewing of the DVD all together one day! jaja!!
Onwards and upwards on your adventure babes, may your limitations be your imagination…a non-ending source of inspiration!!
Dee xx
absolutely brilliant!! loved reading it and felt your positivity and energy as i did!!
you are a true inspiration!
m xx
Thank you Manda xxxx
Hi Sue, I do have a video of it, you could borrow it of course. I am looking into getting it made into a DVD. Thank you for your lovely comments xx
Wow, how easy it is to forget the journey we’ve been on, this brought a lump to my throat, remembering the good and the not so good times and many dramas, all would be impossible without you, super Mary Poppins and my perfect wife xx
I could not have done it without you by my side, guiding me, supporting me and being an amazing husband. xxxxxxx
So funny Jill I remember watching the program just after we had moved here and thinking how brave you both were – then when I was walking the dogs one days and saw you were my neighbiurs I felt I lived near celebrities !!!
But from that day on you have proved to be one of my dearest and treasured friends and I’ve loved watching your family evolve into what it is today – you are amazing Jill and I always tell everyone you and Barrie optimize what family is all about and love you all dearly
How thankful am I that you got itchy feet and started your super business – I love love love your products and your reiki skills have been amazing – love you Jilly b xxx
Jo, what can I say, I am honoured to have you as a friend. I so remember that day when you was walking your dogs. Your smile, your caring way, your strength, your courage, you are absolutely an amazing lady and always there for everyone. Now it´s your time. Thank you….xxxxx
Hi Jill
Congratulations. You have done it! Love your Blog lay out and, of course, all the formation.
Keep up the good work. xx
Thank you Jan, glad you enjoyed the read…xxxxx
Hi Jill,
Thanks for sharing your journey,is always good to reflect on where we have come from and our achievements.
Its been an absolute pleasure meeting and your products at a Costa Women event a few years ago.
Love using them!
What a fabulous story to share and indeed inspire others to take action because there is always something out their for everyone… You write wonderfully Jill and who know, like myself after loving 3 years of blogging I just had to write all about my own magical journey through life… and I love your products, Thankyou for having the courage to follow your creative passion xxx barbara
Thank you all for your lovely kind words. It has taken me a while to get my head around Blogging, think I´ve cracked it now. You are all an inspiration in many ways and I know you will be on my journey throughout. xxxxx
Hi Jill, I really liked getting to know a bit more about you and your familiy through your blog! We all had our different and mostly difficult paths to get here and it’s great fun to be here together now! Hope to see you soon! XXX Flora
Thank you Flora, we are all meant to be here for one reason or another, look forward to seeing you soon xxx
Hello Jill, You are inspirational, you turned what was becoming a tragedy into a triumph, well done! There was a reason I am sure and that was to inspire and also to help others with your natural products. Jane x
Thank you Jane, yes I am hoping that my blog will certainly inspire others and give hope to them. I have a great passion for what I do and wanted to share that xx
What a wonderful way to come to the Costa! We should all take a lead from you and ‘Face the fear and do it anyway!’
Thank you Janis xxx
Oh Jill I have just stumbled across this what an amazing journey!!!! You are a superstar and I couldnt agree more “If you are faced with a tough decision in life and an opportunity arises. Take it….Go for it…..What have you got to lose……Face your fear…..You never know what´s around the corner…..Feel It Inside….The Universe will guide YOU.” Love this xxx
Thank you Gemma, well you did it too!!!! Inspiring each other with Facing our Fears and Going for it!!! xxxx