Category: Diary

Mannequins and Wax at Belleva

I have a fear of deadlines. Years ago, I used to design, sell and hire out mannequins. They were not the easiest things to package and deliver. Human size. A little like working in a morgue but within the fashion sector. I had to ensure the mannequins were delivered to venues, then dressed accordingly and returned immediately afterwards, as otherwise I could lose them. They would end up buried away in prop rooms or worst still, stolen. I did ask for a deposit to cover this eventuality, so we still got by. But you know, I sort of got attached to the dummies. There will be mannequins here at Belleva and we are at 30 St Chad’s Road Blackpool.

I have spent over two years renovating Belleva. It’s been done in stages, and I have paid attention to each small detail. As this is a project with my ‘creative’ side, I have not simply done the basic requirements to get the doors open and take bookings. I have savored each small move, as I want to appreciate everything life gives to me. I want to see the reason why I have had so many challenges. It’s certainly made me wiser, because when things go wrong, I take time alone to reflect where this could have been done differently. And when humans intentionally hurt me, I ask myself why I allowed this to happen. Being ‘creative’ has the same ‘empathetic’ values within our sensitivity radar. It goes hand in hand.

The important thing in life is not to go looking for negativity and to have strength to focus only on that which drives us forward with optimism and positive mindset. I have had some promotional opportunities but it’s a 7-bed hotel, so I don’t really want to overburden the public arena. It really is about balance.

I don’t want to exist hanging on reviews either, as doing this trade for over 3 years most of ‘my’ visitors don’t do mobile phones etc, which surprised me with this ‘internet culture’ many live almost simulations existence within. When in the past I have had the ‘not so nice’ reviews there is always a hidden reason. And it’s usually we just didn’t get on – but generally speaking I did well considering I didn’t really know what the hell I was doing. It is a pity small business cannot review their guests by return as there are some shitty manners out there. Although I always say and will stand by, most people really are adorable. And there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. But when a guest leaves smiling saying they’ve had the best time ever then resort to the web to complain, it’s too late for me to do anything.

With Tripadvisor they do a hashtag to position each venue and this is based on many factors to include how often the venue is open and available. So for instance if a hotel closes during the week they will be near the back of the hashtag score. I don’t buy into that shit.

I have made Belleva in Blackpool an adult only hotel and often wonder whether I have made a mistake but the amount of washing up and laundry we get with larger occupancy to rooms is a lot of work. It took me sometimes until lunch time to get up straight after breakfast and then the piles of laundry were overwhelming. I am 56 years old and think that running a couples (adults) hotel will be more manageable, as I do have a life beyond cleaning.

I am really excited to share my home. And yes, to me it is my home – as I put my heart into the things I have chosen to do in life. Although my apartment at the back is my own little hub of happiness. It’s like having two lives all in one place and I am glad to be on this journey.

There have been mishaps. I flooded my bay window room. Nothing really matches (but I knew it wouldn’t). I shouldn’t have stored my furnishings in there whilst it was still being renovated but I was so excited I couldn’t wait.

If I could start again though, I would still make mistakes. But I am being true to myself and have some good people around me. St Chad’s Road is a lovely street. We cannot get along with everyone as some people don’t want harmony in favour of resentment but generally speaking I have met the most inspiring and sweet people in my life within my neighbours and community. They really have given me so much support in so many ways. I hope we continue to get along as Blackpool is big enough for everyone. There is so much progress being made here. The town is shifting and changing and the art is mind blowing. Tonight I have been invited to watch Alright play their first live gig and I am taking Josie. Also, I am doing some work for Stay Blackpool this weekend. Blackpool is a good place to live as there are no awkward introductions, you can get straight into groups and crafts. Everyone is very sweet.

As for breakfast. I have had a lot of feedback about this. My guests want the full English. I also want to offer a more extensive vegan option. Since we have local produce delivered to our doors I will probably stick with the more traditional approach. But I will also be doing meals. Belleva is my ‘social’ too and I want to talk with you all. I want us to nibble at posh natural cheese, organic fruit, dips and yummy desserts.

Remember I have my soap and wax counter too. If anyone fancies making some melts or candles with me let me know. Would love to play!

You will also meet my friends some of which are other hoteliers and interesting people from our community. They just drop in. I have no idea where this will take us but life’s short.

See you Soon.

Tiffany Belle Harper.

by Tiffany Belle Harper

A Treat to You from Me

I think we all struggled with lockdown. I run a bed and breakfast and to be honest for a while I enjoyed ‘me’ time. What with opening a new hotel across the street and wondering how to escape the lease from where I am still at – the stress at times was overwhelming. So, making wax melts at South Shore Soap Company became my therapy. I work with essential oils mainly.

I hover my hands over each batch and give my crafts reiki. I also love to make candles and melts with the full moon. My favourite though, when it is raining. I used to love hiding away as a child when it rained and scrap booking with old cards, comics, pressed flowers etc.

I went on to make soap then realised I had to have a license. I just love soapy crafting … So, I am making a brand-new range to launch soon on my website. I decided to gift my lockdown crafting to those I believe will appreciate a box of treasures made with complete love and emotion.

Crafts replace Boredom and Crafts build Inner Confidence

I just hope I can continue with the same momentum when I become more ‘professional’ as my soaps, melts and candles are made with pure soul and the love of my life – he was with me every step of the way, but that’s way too magical to ever begin to explain. A real and very true love story … the best ones are ‘indeed’ secret as love is such a personal thing. We have history. But for now I am on a journey with a design project I want to do for myself.

Some melts are labelled with flavours while others are not as I just went with my inner cycle of creativity, often forgetting which oils I had used. Mainly white sage, rosemary, frankincense, cedarwood, lavender, cinnamon and much more. It is good to be at one with our core values.

South Shore Soap Company LTD

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Pink House at the Back and p.s.

This last year has flown by. If you have been following here thank you! I have my soap and wax ready to set up and continue with my hobby aka South Shore Soap Company. A few rooms to dress – but since I wanted a few days off, I decided to stay at the back of our place and get some kind of organisation with the little yard. We are pink! I haven’t spent out on anything as I already have too much clutter so we potted up the tubs I have collected over the years. There is so much I want to do out here but this is a start.

Thanks this week to everyone who has helped here. You are always so welcome. It is still time bonding with new space and energy. To sage, to feel the crystals below the boards manifest their work. To watch plants grow (hopefully). To stay in a good place with an open heart and not allow any negativity to hinder such a great and transitional journey. As for the yard – next year we will be a bit more creative but this is lovely for now. It’s clean and fresh, although there are not as many seagulls up here. But I am between both so it’s a great contrast.

It was lovely to see my youngest son and the cats this week. Always miss them when they go home. I am getting lazy with the internet, apologies. Have a great weekend.

ps We made a wardrobe out of two tiles and some pipe. Waiting for splash back for the shaker kitchen. Door security locks on. Crow lamp hanging in the attic room. There’s a huge bath in a dark grey bathroom and the blinds are coming next week. They are the best blinds I have ever designed. It’s so freckin’ neat here! OOhh baby …

Tiff. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Alright!

Spent the last few weeks preparing for the summer. Lock down for me was a great opportunity to get the websites sorted out, plus craft about the place during all hours, with wax and soap! Now it’s more about getting some kind of order to open a hotel. It is not about a sense of obligation, but more so taking a few steps back to work out my time and how I can have some kind of job satisfaction without a sense of panic.

I do love making soaps and wax melts, candles and well … the bath bombs are all about the humidity. I do want a few weeks to lose myself ‘totally’ in the crafts … yet I have had to prioritise what is most important. Thing is … all of it matters. However, I am in my zone and enjoying our time. I won’t take life too seriously. Regardless of peer pressure or social expectation. It is all about me. Always … Of Course! And it is all about you. Put yourselves ahead too!

At Belleva House today, we had super fast internet installed. It has been a pain in the ass with all the work required to get to this stage. But well worth it. Just testing it out now with this blog post. It will be great for the hotel as each room will have Smart TV etc.

There’s a great new band evolving in Blackpool called Alright. They really are gifted and the lyrics are so uplifting. The acoustics are mind blowing not to mention the vocal contrast = perfect = brilliant. They released their first tune last Friday! I will post more about them soon and other stuff happening. There is a lot going on!

South Shore Soap are going to start selling gorgeous hand made Pamper Boxes to all of the UK very soon. Passing my exams was more complicated than the entire AstraZeneka process. Ridiculous. It is fine to bake food and sell it to guests … but to make soap with similar ingredients requires more red tape than stuff we digest or have injected into us. But seriously … I had my jab. No regrets whatsoever. I felt rubbish for a few days but better than getting sick. I would recommend everyone taking the opportunity as a preventative to get hit hard by the pandemic affects. No regrets at all.

Life is for variety, trying out new things and moving with the times. To not become stagnant and to over come our fears. To focus on our own aspirations and remain in a positive mindset. I do hope everyone is well and really cannot wait to catch up in person. Less is More and Love is the Answer. Time for ZZZzzz ….

Love, Tiff. X

ps. The Cat Room at Belleva House is ‘L Shaped’ and has a lot of features. But I haven’t taken any good pics of ‘it all’ yet. The one above is a bit blurry but it shows I am trying! It will be finished next week. I promise!

by Tiffany Belle Harper

March is Madness

I have been painting. Listening to the radio. Doing the flat. Trying to maintain space and good vibes. Musicians are allowed to rehearse. It’s front line work to keep their skills supple for the forthcoming steps to some kind of normality. I am living on a street that’s a fusion somewhere between Trumpton and Coronation Street but I have met many lessons that help me grow. And made many friends from all destinations. Yet sometimes seeming confident is taken with offence? A shame, because to inspire is preferred over anger.

A first impression is a cover but nobody knows the pages. What we may be going through and how we cope alone. And this applies to men and women. So many women angry with men.

I don’t believe I deserve to be bullied in terms of assumptions, an over healthy interest in my online presence or any urge to shout and swear at me.

This lock down has been emotional for everyone, so an ideal opportunity to one day reflect at how we managed ourselves in terms of empathy. We can all be vulnerable.

Happy Mothers Day to ALL. Women need to come together and not drive each other apart. We Don’t have to be friends or like one another but we can forget the gripes and niggles in favor of being gracious. Especially when we have to live and work on the same street. No woman should use her significant other as a shield to bully a woman who may seem alone. We all have someone, whether we choose to be public about it or not. Everyone has love somewhere. It’s a personal choice how we wish to conduct ‘that’ privacy.

So be kind. Be original. Put all that resentment towards a positive hobby or ambition. Making lists and plans to seek cowardly revenge will never heal your jealousy and bad intent.

Everybody has a life and since we are all here at the same time, make good of all gifts. Love is The Answer and there’s two sides to every story. So hear both before you make judgement. Better than that, mind your own business. Only a narcissist would believe everything is directed at them. As with ego comes paranoia. And wrong judgements are made in haste.

Good Manners Cost Nothing.

Tiff. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper