By ELLEN READ
Bev Isbill wanted to fill downtime during a seasonal lull in her small business. Now she has two small businesses.
The new business is her home in Titirangi - a bed and breakfast homestay.
The home is also the base for the Fashion Academy, which Isbill set up
15 years ago to offer consultations, workshops and seminars in the use of colour and style to enhance appearance.
That business has a lull in summer when clients are busy or on holiday.
So Isbill and partner Julian Cole set up the Fringe of Heaven Retreat.
Isbill says the two companies, which she runs separately, can complement one another.
Guests staying at the retreat might like a colour consultation or to buy the range of cosmetics on sale but there is no pressure for crossover.
The first guests stayed in November, and Isbill says the experience has been a lot of fun.
"It's been great because we've met some lovely people. And because I work from home I can decide when it suits to have guests."
The retreat's target market is overseas visitors and honeymooners.
Cole says they have listed the homestay in accommodation guides, but have been wary of spending too much on advertising.
"It's easy to spend more on advertising than you get in income because we've only got one room," he says.
Word of mouth and the networks Isbill had established through the Fashion Academy helped spread news of the new retreat.
