‘I wish I had done it sooner’: NHS secretary side hustle nominated for awards

An NHS secretary from Sidcup started a second job six months ago by setting up her dream business, and it has already been nominated for two awards.

Nicola Spencer, 31, from Maidstone Road, Sidcup, qualified in Aromatherapy in 2020 while being employed by the NHS.

Miss Spencer had always wanted to start her own business but never felt confident enough to take on the challenge.

In 2022, Miss Spencer found that she needed a second income to cope with increasing bills as well as the stresses of her job. 

Because of the nine to five hours required as a secretary for the NHS, getting a traditional second job would not be possible.

She said: “I do love my NHS job but money wise I needed a second income.

“I found I used social media a lot in my spare time, having studied aromatherapy and I believed there was a huge gap in the market for essential oil based self-care promoted on social media.

“In November 2023 I started Love Autumn Rose and my life changed.”

Within two months of starting her side hustle, Miss Spencers new business was nominated for an award with the Women’s Business Club and later in March Business Awards UK’s nominated her for their Women’s Business Award. 

Miss Spencer studied media studies and then beauty therapy before she worked for the NHS.

She said: “Confidence-wise, it blew me away and made me believe in myself so much more.

“I always had that doubt, what if I embarrass myself, now I wish I had done it sooner.

“I thought people would think it’s silly but I’ve had so much support, lots of people have been there for me.

“If I could give anyone advice, just go for it.”

For more information on Love Autumn Rose, visit, https://www.loveautumnrose.co.uk

Pictured Top: Nicola Spencer with a Love Autumn Rose product (Picture: Nicola Spenser)