A women’s wellbeing sanctuary in Maybole has joined forces with an Ayr-based window artist to show how local businesses can support one another through creativity, shared services and community spirit.
Jeanine Mckinlay, owner of Pink Moon Healing Co. on Maybole’s High Street, commissioned Laura-jane Govan to paint the windows of her shop. The pair have now agreed a trade-for-trade partnership, exchanging their services while promoting each other’s work.
Jeanine said she was delighted with the finished display and hoped the collaboration would encourage other South Ayrshire businesses to work with local creatives.
“Laura-jane recently painted the windows of my shop and I absolutely love how they've turned out. She loves keeping her hands busy and putting her creativity into something positive.”
Laura-jane, who is based in Ayr, lives with rheumatoid arthritis. The condition has not stopped her from pursuing window art, which she uses to bring colour and personality to business premises.
Window art partnership aims to support local businesses
With Hallowe’en and Christmas approaching, Jeanine is encouraging businesses to consider seasonal window art for their premises. She said the approach could give businesses something distinctive while also directing work towards another small enterprise in the area.
“Not only would they be getting something unique and personal for their business, but they would also be supporting a talented local artist and another small business within our community.”
The partnership is also being used to highlight the wider importance of backing independent businesses across South Ayrshire. Jeanine said recommendations, referrals and practical opportunities between businesses can make a significant difference to people building their own companies.
The two businesses are running a community giveaway as part of the collaboration. One winner can receive a free Hallowe’en or Christmas window painting and a free hot-stone back, neck and shoulder massage.
Further information about the giveaway is available on The Pink Moon Healing Facebook page.
Pink Moon Healing Co. rebuilding after Facebook account loss
The collaboration follows a difficult period for Jeanine, who recently lost access to both her personal and business Facebook pages. She said much of Pink Moon Healing Co.’s audience and community had been built through the platform, making the loss particularly damaging for the business.
“So much of my business had been built through Facebook, and losing those pages meant losing a huge part of the audience and community I had worked so hard to build.”
Rather than allowing the setback to stop her, Jeanine said it had pushed her to reconnect with other local businesses and to look beyond social media while rebuilding her audience from scratch.
Pink Moon Healing Co. is based at 55 High Street in Maybole and is intended to provide a peaceful retreat where women can relax and focus on their wellbeing. Jeanine says her aim is to offer a safe and welcoming environment for women dealing with trauma, hurt or a loss of confidence.
“My main passion is helping women heal, grow and become the best version of themselves they can be.”
Wellbeing services and community focus
The sanctuary offers a range of holistic therapies, including reiki, meditation, release ceremonies, cleansing sessions, full-body massage, hot stones and Japanese head spa experiences.
Jeanine also works with Natalie from Sunset Glow on pamper parties and a “Bestie Deal”, which includes services for men. The arrangements form part of her effort to create an inclusive place where people can take time to relax, switch off and focus on themselves.
She said her own experiences had contributed to her passion for helping women and that the partnership with Laura-jane demonstrated how businesses with different skills could still work together.
“I think Laura-jane and I are a lovely example of how two completely different small businesses can support one another, share their talents and help each other grow.”
For Jeanine, the window project is therefore more than a seasonal decoration. It is part of a fresh start for her business and an invitation for other companies in Ayr, Maybole and across South Ayrshire to support local talent through collaboration.