Hi, I'm Melissa — qualified Foot Health Practitioner and founder of Joyful Soles Footcare.

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My route into foot health wasn't a straight one. I spent a number of years working in corporate environments as a write and journalist before taking a career break to care for a family member. It was during that time that I realised I didn't want to return to an office — I wanted to do something more hands-on, more meaningful, and more human.

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During this time, I was also dealing with my own foot problems at the time, which resulted in having three nail surgeries. During one of my appointments, my podiatrist mentioned how much need there was for good routine foot care in the local area. I looked into the qualification, liked what I saw, and decided to go for it.

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I trained to Level 4 with the SMAE Institute — the UK's longest-running independent provider of foot health training, with a course credit rated by Queen Margaret University. From the moment I started, I loved it, and I haven't looked back since.

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I set up Joyful Soles Footcare to offer professional, unhurried foot care to people in Loughborough and the wider Charnwood area — both at my clinic at John Storer House and in patients' own homes. I'm a member of the British Association of Foot Health (BAFH) and the College of Foot Health Professionals (CFHP), and I keep my practice and knowledge up to date through ongoing CPD.

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My approach is straightforward: I take my time, I work carefully within my scope, and I'm always honest with my patients about what I can and can't do. Feet are something most people take for granted until something goes wrong — and I genuinely love being the person who helps put that right.