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Ethics, Inclusivity & Sustainability
Ahimsa means non-harm. This shapes not just how I work with clients, but every decision I make as a business, who I welcome, what I buy, where I bank, and the mark I leave on the world.
"You belong here. Exactly as you are."
Ahimsa Studio is explicitly and unconditionally welcoming to everyone. This is not a marketing statement, it is a founding commitment that shapes every aspect of how the studio operates, how it communicates, and who it serves.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ friendly
A proudly inclusive space. Your preferred name and pronouns are used always, without question. All services open to all identities, orientations, and relationships.
- Pronouns respected by default, share yours when you book
- All services open regardless of identity or relationship structure
- Tattoo and healing work celebrates transition journeys and self-reclamation
- Plans to list on LGBTQ+ inclusive business directories
🌍 Race & culture
I actively serve and celebrate Hackney's diverse community. Culturally sensitive, free from bias, and committed to diverse representation.
- All healing modalities offered with cultural sensitivity
- Tattoo design led by your own symbols and cultural references
- Marketing reflects the diversity of the community I serve
- Community sessions targeting underserved groups, planned Year 2
👴👶 All ages welcome
From young adults to older adults. No wellness space should have an age ceiling. Chair yoga is a specialist offering, not an afterthought.
- Chair yoga for older adults and reduced mobility
- Sound healing suitable for all ages
- Making Space celebrates adults reconnecting with creativity at any age
- No prior artistic ability assumed or required
🧠 Neurodivergent friendly
Sensory-aware space. Pre-visit information for all clients. Adjustable environment. Extended time available. Stimming and self-regulation always welcome.
- Pre-visit guide sent to every client
- Lighting, music, and silence all adjustable
- Extended session times on request
- No pressure to talk, sessions can be conducted in near silence
♿ Disability accessible
Ground floor, step-free canal-side access once entrance works are complete. All services adaptable to your needs, just get in touch in advance.
- Step-free ground floor access planned, no internal steps or lift needed
- Adjustable treatment couch height
- All services adaptable for physical limitations
- Tattoo sessions adapted to any comfortable positioning
💚 Mental health aware
I am not a mental health service, and I am honest about this. This is a safe, non-judgemental, body-positive space that takes emotional safety seriously.
- Body-positive language in all sessions and marketing, always
- Intake forms include optional mental health context
- Right to stop or change any session without explanation
- Safeguarding awareness, appropriate signposting where needed
"Ahimsa Studio is for everyone who has ever felt like they needed permission to take up space, to feel good, or to begin again. You have that permission here."
Estimated annual carbon footprint
~990
kg CO₂e per year (early estimate, not yet measured)
0kg from commuting, cycle every day
~8×below UK small business average
Year 2target: carbon neutral via offsets
This is a rough planning estimate. I'll formally measure on opening using Small99 and carbonfootprint.com, then update this annually with real figures.
Estimated breakdown by source
LED lighting and minimal equipment significantly reduces vs average studio
Mix of public transport and cycling. Optional client carbon contribution at booking, planned Year 1.
Vegan plant-based products have a significantly lower manufacturing footprint than conventional
Unavoidable. Energy recovery incineration used where available.
I cycle every working day. Zero commuting emissions.
Green web hosting and email marketing substantially reduce digital footprint
Measure your own business footprint, free tools
Small99
2 minutes, no data needed. Best starting point.
SME Climate Hub
Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Free, no account.
carbonfootprint.com
UK's most trusted. 20+ years. Free for micro-businesses.
In place now
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LGBTQIA+ inclusive, pronouns respected, all identities welcome in place
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Neurodivergent friendly, sensory-aware, pre-visit info, flexible sessions in place
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Chair yoga for older adults and reduced mobility clients in place
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Body-positive language in all sessions and marketing in place
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Repurposed shipping container studio in place
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All furniture second-hand or donated in place
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100% vegan organic tattoo inks in place
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Biodegradable plant-based gloves and surface covers in place
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Vegan cruelty-free aftercare products in place
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Fair trade singing bowls, handmade in Nepal in place
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All jewellery gems reclaimed, no new mining in place
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T-shirts from charity shops, screen-printed in place
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Co-operative Bank, ethical banking in place
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Krystal & EcoSend, green hosting and email in place
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I cycle to the studio, zero commuting emissions in place
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Digital consent forms and records, paperless in place
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LED lighting throughout in place
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Eco-friendly paints and recycled paper for workshops in place
Planned, month 1
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Live plants in studio, air quality and CO₂ absorption month 1
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Reusable ceramic cups, no single-use for client refreshments month 1
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Soy or beeswax candles replacing paraffin month 1
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Natural eco-certified cleaning products month 1
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LGBTQ+ inclusive business directory listing month 1
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Pre-visit sensory guide for all new clients month 1
Planned, year 1
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Annual carbon footprint measurement and public reporting year 1
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Verified carbon offset programme, Gold Standard certified year 1
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Optional client travel carbon contribution at booking year 1
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Hackney community energy scheme membership year 1
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Annual supplier ethics audit year 1
Planned, year 2
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Carbon neutral, net zero via reduction and verified offsets year 2
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Flexible solar film on south-facing walls (subject to landlord approval) year 2
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Rainwater collection for plants and non-clinical cleaning year 2
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Community repair cafe, monthly upcycle sessions year 2
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Funded community sessions, menopause circles, chair yoga for older residents year 2
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CNHC reiki registration (supports GP referrals and health cash plans) year 2