The Interview: Sarah Jane Watson on her unique and tailored approach to wellbeing

How did you start your career? 

My journey into complementary therapy began in the mid-90s under the guidance of world-renowned massage pioneer Clare Maxwell-Hudson. When I graduated from her school, Clare invited me to assist her on the diploma course. During this time, I also qualified as an aromatherapist and continued to expand my knowledge of different massage techniques.

Then, later, I had the opportunity to be part of the original team of spa therapists who were personally chosen by Nicky Kinnaird for the opening of her Space NK flagship store in Westbourne Grove.

When I left the spa, I set up as a freelance therapist, treating people in their own homes – a way of working that feels deeply rewarding and that I continue to enjoy to this day. 

What does wellbeing mean to you?

For me, it’s all about the inner state. When the mind is in a good place, it naturally reflects in every area of our lives. Nurturing the mind and spirit can take many forms, as well as soothing treatments. Some of my favourite ways to restore inner harmony are meditation, spending time in nature and visiting museums and art galleries.

I was lucky enough to experience one of your treatments and it was unique and tailored to my energy. Can you talk about your approach to the treatments you offer to your clients? 

I received formal training in massage and have studied a wide range of techniques, yet I soon felt drawn to go beyond that - to a way of working led by intuition and the heart. Years of spiritual study and practice underpin my individualised approach and the deep reverence I hold for each body I work with.

My Signature Treatment is known for its rhythm and flow, once likened by a journalist to choreography. Long, fluid strokes are balanced with moments of charged stillness, easing the nervous system into deep rest. In this space of surrender, clients meet their own innate capacity for healing, and transformation arises naturally. I don’t hold any expectations or try to force outcomes, preferring to let the treatment unfold naturally, which results in each client having their own unique experience.

You’ve been voted one of ‘London’s Best Massages’ by Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, London Standard and Condé Nast Traveller. How do these ‘best of’ lists impact your business?

On my website I have a short contact form to fill out. One of the questions asks how the person enquiring heard about me. Time and again people refer to these press features. They are the gifts that keep giving.

How do you market your business? Are their channels you find work better than others?

From my experience, there is nothing better than personal recommendation

Do trends play a part in your shaping the treatments you offer and if so, how so you stay on top of the latest innovations in the space?

Trends, by nature, are fleeting, here for a certain period of time before giving way to the next new shiny thing that comes along.

Rather than following them, I let the treatment evolve organically. This ensures that anything I introduce is purposeful, aligned and anchored in authenticity and integrity.

I believe my Signature Treatment transcends trends through its timeless quality. At its heart, the work is always about the person I am treating; meeting them where they are and responding to their needs in the present moment.

For anyone starting out in this field, what would you say are the non-negotiables to delivering the gold-standard service? 

To me, gold-standard service is defined by warmth, personalisation, and thoughtful care at every moment of the client experience. Each element of the treatment matters, and no detail is too small to deserve the highest level of attention.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities and challenges in the wellbeing sector today?

With the wellbeing sector becoming increasingly crowded and complex, simplicity is essential if we want people to stay engaged and for practices to remain sustainable.