We’re celebrating Islington’s brilliant small and independent businesses. Here we talk to Vanessa, who established Stretch Life in Islington just three months ago. She tells us a bit about her business, the best thing about being a small business in Islington and why we should all get behind local independent businesses

Tell us a bit about your business and what you do

Stretch Life is an assisted stretching studio, and we’ve been here in Islington since September. Assisted stretching is a concept that can be hard to explain at first—think of it as a mix between physiotherapy and massage. Essentially, we stretch your whole body using the PNF stretching, which stands for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. It’s a powerful technique designed by a neurophysiologist in the 1950’s to not only improve flexibility but also to calm your nervous system so that your brain and body work together to achieve a deeper range of motion. The results are instant and lasting. Over time, with regular sessions, your brain “remembers” this openness, and your body stays more flexible.

The best part? It’s effortless for the client—the stretch therapist does all the work! After a session, people often feel deeply relaxed and free from aches, pains, or tension. We offer 50-minute or 25-minute one-on-one sessions, and for first-timers, we do a special introductory 50-minute stretch to see how their body reacts and to personalise their stretch sessions moving forward. Plus, there’s a 20% discount for first-timers! Use discount code: Opening20 when booking at www.stretchlife.com.

Why should people visit Stretch Life?

People visit us for all kinds of reasons. Some want to feel freer in their bodies, especially if they spend long hours sitting at work. Others are training for athletic performance and want to improve their flexibility and recovery. We also see clients who come to reduce stress—PNF assisted stretching calms the nervous system, helping people feel less anxious, more relaxed and to sleep better.
For me, this work is personal. Since my teenage years, I’ve suffered with joint issues in my knees and hips and stretching has made a massive difference, so I know firsthand how transformative this can be for others.

What’s the best thing about being a business in Islington?

We’re based on Goswell Road, near Angel, and it’s a great spot. We get a mix of clients from local office workers to people in the community. Islington has a supportive business network too—‘Made in Islington’ is a fantastic initiative that connects local businesses, and we’ve even participated in a food market event to offer stretching demonstrations.

Why is it important to support small independent businesses?

Small businesses need support because starting and sustaining a business can be tough—it takes a lot of tenacity. What we offer, though, is a truly personal service and I think that’s where smaller and independent businesses really shine, offering personalised customer care that big chains just can’t match. We’re proud of the high-quality experience we deliver from the moment someone walks through our door. Small businesses often have that focus on detail and customer care that makes them special.

Do you have a favourite independent business in Islington?

It’s hard to pick just one—there are so many! Islington is full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants that give the borough its vibrancy and character. It’s something that makes this area so special and is definitely worth celebrating.