Getting to know... Dr Libby Artingstall

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know… feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Dr Libby Artingstall, founder of Manchester-based aesthetic wellness, advanced physiotherapy, rehabilitation and health optimisation clinic Projuvenate, talks about helping people feel their best, the satisfaction she takes from making a positive difference to lives and the pride she has in her home city’s sense of community, kindness and grace.

Did you always want to work in health and wellness?

Not in the way I would describe it now.

I don’t think health and wellness was really a concept I had properly considered when I was younger.

I do remember a random conversation at school, when I was about ten, about what jobs we might do when we were older.

A friend talked about wanting to be a psychiatrist, and described it as being a bit like a doctor and a lawyer.

I remember thinking, ‘Ooh, that sounds interesting.’

Then, 23 years later, I became a consultant forensic psychiatrist.

Over time, my thinking began to shift.

Through psychiatry, I became increasingly focused on what could be done earlier: how we might prevent mental ill health, promote good mental health and better align mental and physical wellbeing.

That eventually led me to step away from psychiatry and focus more fully on a positive, proactive approach to health and wellness – helping people feel good, function well and be well, rather than only intervening once things have become difficult.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best bit is genuinely making a positive difference to people in ways that really matter.

Someone said to me recently, ‘I feel like me again,’ and that captures so much of what I aim to do.

Helping people feel good, function well and reconnect with themselves is incredibly rewarding.

The worst bit? Working with family. I’m joking, of course. That is actually one of the best bits too.

In truth, I don’t think there is a worst bit.

The most demanding part is trying to balance work with home life and be the best mum I can be.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My family.

How do you relax outside of work?

Having fun and a laugh with the people I love.

I also enjoy padel, despite being pretty rubbish.

What makes Manchester such a great place to live and work?

Aside from my time in Liverpool as a medical student and junior doctor, Manchester has always been my home.

I’ve grown up with real pride in the city: from football – Manchester United, to be precise – to the nightlife as a young person, and now seeing the innovation, growth and energy across Manchester.

I was shopping in Manchester with a friend on the day of the 1996 bombing, and I remember the pain of watching the news on the day of the arena bombing.

I have also witnessed the strength, resilience and unity shown by the city afterwards.

For me, Manchester has community, kindness and grace at its core.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I once learned the moves to the New Zealand Haka, but performed it very badly!

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.