Gef’s 30 Under 30 Winners: Q&A with Emma Blackburn

In addition to the #Gef30Under30 winners, our Headline Partner Amber Gaming recognised four additional Gamechangers for their resilience in overcoming obstacles in their lives and careers. These young rising stars are the ones to watch.

What is your name? 

Emma Blackburn, 26

Job title or role in the community?

Mindfulness Coach

Current organisation, business or employer?

The Willow Spa

How did you start your career or role in the community?

After losing my brother I realised life really is too short and it’s time to make a difference. I wanted to make sure I was helping others in some way. People would always ask me: “How are you coping so well?” This made me realise that I should share with people what has helped me. So I became both a mindfulness coach and fitness instructor as taking care of the mind and body is really how we can focus with life stresses. After doing this in the community for two years I realised there was a demand and decided to take the plunge and get the wheels in motion to open a wellness centre on the island.

In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.

Overwhelming joyful experience with such amazing support from the island! I’m proud to be Manx!

Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?

I have hosted many events where over 20 people have gathered in the forest to dance freely! It’s amazing how many people are willing to let go and have a laugh. Something so simple is so effective for the feel-good hormone! 🙂

Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?

So far it has been an amazing journey and I can’t pinpoint any negatives. The island and my family/friends support is enough to get me through any hurdles. Everyone is so helpful and genuinely want to see people achieve good things.

Tell us about why you think you won your category?

Losing my brother was something that made me the person I am today. I guess that was a ‘game changer’ experience for me and I believe I am living proof that good things can come from bad. All I aim to do is help people and hope that I can give them hope that you can get through the bad times.

Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?

Mostly all my family!! My brother, Will Blackburn, who sadly passed – he will always be my main inspiration and someone I will always aspire to be like. My Dad (Gary) and Mum (Joanna) are the most amazing role models!  They are an absolute inspiration and are the glue to my family. I am very blessed to have amazing role models.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.

What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?

My main thing I’ve learnt is to remember to always look after yourself as well as looking after others. You can’t look after others if you aren’t the best version of yourself. Starting at 6am and finishing at 9pm everyday got a bit tiring but I don’t regret working my bum off to begin with as I love what I do.

What are your plans for the future?

Future plans are to open The Willow Spa, a wellness centre, in the summer 2023!! I am so full of excitement and can’t wait to share this space with the island.

What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?

I want to make people more aware of what mindfulness is and how we can use it daily to help us deal with stress/anxiety better. Showing ways to be kinder to ourselves to make us happier, more wonderful humans!! 🙂

What does being a Gef 30 under 30 winner mean to you?

It means so much! It gives me the confidence to know that I am on the right journey to give back to the island! There are so many wonderful humans on this island making a difference and I am just glad that I can be one.

What would you say to young people nominating themselves, or people nominating others, for 30 under 30 in the future?

Do it!! It fills you with so much happiness knowing that you have others’ support in what you are achieving.