Cork Profile - Anita Siegl

Founder of Happy Feet Reflexology

Tell us about your career progression to your role today:

I qualified as a playschool teacher but my journey didn’t end in a preschool. Having been part of the corporate world for most of my life trying to combine motherhood with the demands of deadlines and projects, being stressed out of my mind most of the time, desperately searching for ways of coping with stress, demands of running a household and being a good mum.

The turning point for me was when I read that stress can reduce our mental capabilities by up to 30% and when I could see the effects of my unbalanced work-life on my daughter.

Since then, I have come a long way and I’m so grateful for being in the position of sharing my knowledge, expertise and experiences with clients who come to me in person or attend my online workshops.

In 2015 while searching for ways to release stress and improve my wellbeing, I came across Tibetan energy healing, also called Tibetan Reiki, and have been practicing it on a daily basis ever since, achieving a Higher Master Level over the years.

While enjoying the benefits of Tibetan Reiki and seeing how much I could help others, I started researching other holistic healing methods to further my knowledge, and once I tried reflexology, I knew it was my path.

Since then, I have attended numerous CPD courses, learned about stress management, how stress affects us during menopause, what a significant effect it has on our endocrine system, including our thyroid as well as our digestive system.

Last year I added hot stone reflexology to my offers to the delight of my clients.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

Seeing clients getting better week after week and regaining balance, equilibrium, and improving their wellbeing.

What motivates you?

I feel very privileged to be able to improve clients' wellbeing, reduce their stress levels and bring harmony back into their lives, and for being part of their journey.

What advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Believe in yourself and don’t listen to people who try to limit you. Enjoy what you do and always try to find some part of what you do that you enjoy.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

I can’t imagine doing anything else but being a reflexologist.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to-date?

I am very proud of not despairing during lockdown when reflexology was prohibited but pivoting my business and designing online workshops based on hand reflexology, which are still sought after by corporate clients. Looking back, I am immensely proud and grateful that we as a family came out as a stronger unit and that my business is going from strength to strength.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

My daughter. Not only is she an amazing person but she motivated me to implement positive changes and to break unhealthy habits.

What is the life dream now?

I am currently working on a platform for corporate clients where their employees can access my online tutorials and learn my unique relaxing techniques and moves based on hand reflexology.

How do you switch off?

I practice Tibetan Reiki regularly and I find giving hot stone reflexology treatments extremely soothing. We also spend as much time as possible in nature.

What is your favourite Cork memory?

Coming from a landlocked country, my favourite memory is the first time I went on a boating trip in West Cork.

What is your favourite place in Cork?

Too many places to choose from but I love Haulbowline Island, Inniscara, Fountainstown and the beautiful beaches.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

“Whatever you fight, you strengthen, whatever you resist, persists” from Eckhart Tolle.

When are you at your happiest?

I’m happiest on a beach with my feet on the sand and sunshine warming my bones, or with a hot stone in my hand during a reflexology treatment.

What is your hidden talent?

You have to ask my friends and clients about this!

What might we be surprised to know about you?

Most people are surprised that I practice Tibetan Reiki. I am a very practical and matter of fact person, which for many people does not indicate that I am also a spiritual person. I am fascinated by the science behind reflexology and with quantum physics - which explains very well how meditation and energy healing works.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

A few years ago, I joined Network Cork and it was one of the best decisions I made. It is a fantastic, supportive group run by women for women. Last year I joined the committee and gained even deeper insight into how much work goes on behind the scenes to organise enjoyable and inspiring events. We also work with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and met the most wonderful people who are creating many happy memories and at the same time spending their free time raising puppies for the charity. Both voluntary positions have enriched my life in more ways than I could imagine.

Factfile

Name and position: Anita Siegl, founder of Happy Feet Reflexology

Age: 53

Lives: Passage West

Family: 1 daughter

Pets: We are regularly fostering puppies for various charities. Currently we are raising Shaida for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and hoping she’ll qualify as a breeding dog.

Favourite thing about Cork: I love how open and welcoming Cork people are, especially my clients who are the most amazing, open minded of all.

Least favourite thing about Cork: The public transport or rather the lack of it.

One thing you’d change about Cork: An improved and more connected public transport system and hot meals as school lunch for all primary and secondary school pupils.

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up? Playschool teacher.