‘We spend our lives running from pillar to post and not necessarily doing anything to the best of our ability,’ says Kate Percival, founder of Grace Belgravia – London’s top health, wellbeing and lifestyle club for women.
And she should know. Percival started her career in advertising and then moved into the property industry, creating marketing and branding campaigns for clients. After selling her business to Chime Communications, she became chairwoman of the group's creative and marketing services. She admits that, like many busy businesswomen, she spent her life multitasking, always putting family and work before her own health.
In 2008, she decided on a career change and studied for a master’s in luxury brands and services. Her thesis was on the convergence of medicine and the global spa industry – and that formed the basis of her business plan for Grace Belgravia, a ‘sanctuary’ for time-starved, stressed-out women comprising a club, a spa, gym, a full medical centre, a bar and a restaurant.
‘There’s huge guilt involved in taking "me" time,’ says the 56-year-old. ‘But looking after your health is the most important thing you can do to be a good businesswoman.’
Watch the full video below.
A year’s subscription to Grace Belgravia is £3,250, on the basis of three memberships or more, plus a £1,000 joining fee. To join, phone 020 7235 8900 or email membership@gracebelgravia.com
