Some businesses are built around a product. Others are built around a purpose.
When Helena founded Helrica Massage Clinic, it wasn’t simply about opening another massage therapy business. It was about creating a place where women could feel seen, supported and understood during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
In the latest episode of the Made in Ely podcast, Helena shares the incredibly personal story that led her here – one that begins with friendship, loss, unexpected confidence and a determination to help others.
A business born from friendship
The name Helrica itself tells the story.
It’s a combination of Helena’s own name and that of her close friend, Erica, who sadly passed away following her battle with cancer in 2023.
During Erica’s treatment, Helena discovered first-hand how much something as simple as confidence, kindness and companionship could mean. Wearing wigs together became a way of helping Erica feel comfortable going out, while unexpectedly transforming Helena’s own confidence in the process.
What began as supporting a friend eventually became a mission to support countless others.
More than just massage
Today, Helrica Massage Clinic specialises in:
- Oncology massage
- Menopause massage
- Lymphatic drainage
- Alternative hair and wig consultations
Rather than trying to offer every treatment available, Helena has deliberately focused on the areas where she knows she can make the biggest difference.
Her goal isn’t simply to deliver a treatment – it’s to help people feel better physically, emotionally and mentally.
That philosophy runs through everything she does.
Building a truly personal experience
One of the themes that comes through repeatedly during the conversation is Helena’s attention to detail.
From carefully chosen cups for different clients, to creating a calm, clock-free environment, every part of the clinic has been designed to help people slow down and feel looked after.
There are no rushed appointments.
No conveyor belt of clients.
No automated messages pretending to be personal.
Instead, Helena prefers genuine conversations, remembering what’s happening in her clients’ lives and creating an experience that feels far more like visiting a friend than attending an appointment.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly automated, it’s a refreshing approach.
Supporting women through difficult chapters
Helena speaks openly about her own experience with perimenopause, describing the anxiety that unexpectedly stopped her from leaving the house for weeks.
That experience gave her an even deeper understanding of the women she now works with.
Whether someone is navigating cancer treatment, menopause, recovery from surgery or changes in confidence caused by hair loss, Helena believes there’s enormous value in speaking to someone who genuinely understands what you’re going through.
That empathy sits at the heart of Helrica Massage Clinic.
Giving back
Perhaps one of the most inspiring parts of Helena’s story is her ongoing commitment to giving back.
Alongside volunteering as a Macmillan Support Buddy, she’s pledged to donate £10 from every treatment at the clinic to Macmillan Cancer Support. Oncology clients connected through her Macmillan work will also receive treatments free of charge.
For Helena, success isn’t measured purely by bookings or business growth.
If she can help even one person feel more like themselves again, she considers that a success.
Finding confidence by being unapologetically yourself
One of our favourite moments from the episode centres around Helena’s philosophy of “Beautiful Every Day.”
It’s about embracing individuality, celebrating confidence and refusing to let other people’s opinions dictate how you live your life.
Whether that’s wearing colourful glasses, changing hairstyles with one of her many wigs or simply encouraging another woman to feel confident enough to try something new, Helena’s enthusiasm is infectious.
It’s a reminder that confidence often starts with giving ourselves permission to be ourselves.
Listen to the full conversation
This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, plenty of laughter and a powerful reminder of how much impact one person can have through kindness, empathy and genuine care.
If you’re looking for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose and building a business around helping people, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Made in Ely is available wherever you get your podcasts, or you can watch the full episode on our YouTube channel.
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