Closing down my business

Have you ever been skinny dipping? You take every last stitch of clothing off, you run (I doubt anyone casually strolls) squealing with delight into the cold water and immerse yourself in the coolness. The sense of freedom is so liberating it’s a natural high, it’s slightly naughty and feels like heaven. Making the decision to close my business, the thing I have worked so very hard for, has been huge. I didn’t sleep for weeks but now the decision is made the sense of relief is overwhelming. It’s feels like skinny dipping, it’s the only way for me to describe how I feel.

In January 2008 I left my 11 year career in the airlines and set up The Beluga Club, an online dating and events company for 27 – 49 year olds, based in Scotland. I’ve built an enviable customer base, created and developed a brand, sold memberships and tickets, organised nearly 30 events, introduced hundreds of people and tried to always offer honest advice and excellent customer service.

The Beluga Club featured in the Ecosse section of the Sunday Times, the Herald, Daily Record, Scotsman, Evening Times and some local papers. We got mentions on numerous radio stations and I even phoned in Chris Evans Radio 2 show and made a request live on air for a song for The Beluga Club – not bad for free advertising! We’ve worked with Glasgow University and the research is incredibly interesting and valuable to our sector.

The Beluga Club has introduced many couples who are dating and in relationships and to my knowledge 9 couples live together as a result of meeting via our service. Beluga really is a social network, our events offer a different approach to dating, we don’t have naff name badges, we take time to introduce people and know the majority of our customers - some choose to treat it like a business, others want the personal touch. There are certain aspects of the business that I love, it’s extremely rewarding to watch friendships and romances blossom and know that I played a part in making people happy. I also really enjoy answering email questions about dating and relationships, a free service I’ve offered via our Twitter account @TheBelugaClub. Its been a brilliant experience, I’ve learnt so much and had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people. I’ve had the support of the bar and restaurants trades in Glasgow and Edinburgh and developed valuable relationships for future roles.

So, why am I closing down the business? For the last 2 years I have eaten, slept and breathed Beluga. It has become a way of life instead of a job, it has taken over everything. If my business was a hotel I would be checking people in, cleaning rooms, cooking breakfast and carrying luggage out to the car. It’s too much for one person and I need to find a balance between my work and my personal life. At 33 I want to live my life to the full, I want to surround myself with those I love and I want to be laughing, dancing, socialising and not working myself into the ground. I believe that life is for living. I want to grab it with both hands, stand at the edge and jump right in. I need a work/life balance and can’t find a way to achieve that whilst running Beluga.

By the time you read this all my customers will be informed that the business is closing. It’s going to be a busy week dealing with all the enquiries and the refunds and contacting all the businesses we work with. I’m not entirely sure what the reaction is going to be or how I am going to feel but for me it’s the right choice. I’d like to say that the business doesn’t owe anyone money, we’re not going bust and the tax man isn’t after me. I have no plans to leave the country unless it’s for a holiday.

I am also now looking for a job. When I left the airlines people asked “What does an air hostess do when she hangs up her wings?” For me the answer was to run a social network, organise events and build a business. Now I wonder what a dating expert does when she stops matchmaking? I’ve always worked hard, I’m full of ideas and enthusiasm and working with people is where I’m at my best. I’m organised and I work well under pressure. I can take the knock and I bounce back. What does the New Year have in store for me? I have no idea, I’m open to offers, my interview shoes are polished and I’m just a little bit excited about my new beginning. Will it involve social media, events, sales, PR? Who knows, let’s see what happens.