If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her this: you are stronger than you think, and kindness is not weakness.
When I came to the UK from Thailand, I carried big dreams but also fear, self doubt, and the quiet pressure many women know well, to work harder, stay grateful, and not take up too much space. For a long time, I believed success meant endurance. I now know it means alignment.
If I could do anything differently, I would have trusted myself sooner. I would have rested without guilt. I would have believed that caring deeply for people, for community, for wellbeing could be a strength, not a compromise.
My “why” has always been simple: to help people feel better in their bodies, calmer in their minds, and more connected to themselves. That is why Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa exists. It was never just about treatments. It was about creating a safe, nurturing space for our guests, for our team, and for the wider community.
Eighteen years on, as a multi award winning business, my work matters because wellbeing matters. Especially for women. We carry so much, families, businesses, expectations, emotional labour, often without pause or recognition. I want other women to know that looking after yourself is not indulgent. It is essential.
My purpose is to lead with compassion, fairness, and integrity. To create opportunities, not hierarchies. To pay people properly, treat them with respect, and build a business that gives back. Through Little Jasmine, we support charities, nourish our team, and try every day to live our values, not just talk about them.
If there is one message I would leave with other women, it is this: listen to your inner voice. Choose work that aligns with your values. Be brave enough to slow down. And remember your softness can be your greatest power.
With warmth,
May Chunladecha
Author Bio
May Chunladecha
Co Founder and Director, Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa
May Chunladecha is the co founder and director of Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa, an award winning wellbeing business based in Brighton and Hove. With over 18 years of experience, May leads with compassion, integrity and community at the heart of her work, creating nurturing spaces that support wellbeing for guests, teams and the wider community.
Website: https://www.little-jasmine.com
Email: info@little-jasmine.com
Instagram: @day_spa_brighton
