Misha Barling (pictured above, centre), a radiographer who has spent 20 years working at our Trust, has won Business Start Up of the Year, in recognition of her healthy coffee brand, Bondi Coffee.

The idea to set up the business came about after Misha, 41, had her son in 2015. Becoming a busy working mum led to her eating unhealthily and with little time to exercise.

She said: “I was demotivated and unhealthy. I was constantly complaining to my husband that I didn’t feel like myself anymore and I had no energy. I was drinking a lot of coffee at the time and I didn’t want to give it up but I couldn’t find any healthier versions.”

So Misha set to work creating her own, calling it Bondi Coffee in recognition of the year she spent living in Australia, as it was a time when she felt at her fittest and healthiest.

Managing a fledging business, family life and continuing her job as a radiographer has been a challenge, which made her win at the Signature Business Awards, held in Birmingham in February, even better.

She added: “I was so shocked when I won – I thought I had no chance as the competition was so good. I’m so grateful to my two best friends, Rakhee Nakrani and Drusha Wallis, are also radiographers at our Trust, who came with me on the night and helped me celebrate.”

Having first joined our Trust from university in 2002 as a radiographer in general x-ray, Misha now works part time at our Elm Breast Care unit, based at King George Hospital, as mammographer.

What makes her coffees different is that they are packed with vitamins and superfoods. Her brand is sold at over 300 Holland and Barrett stores across the country.

Misha added: “My colleagues have all been super supportive and encouraging. My journey so far has been incredible, there have been quite a few ups and downs. I’m so lucky to have an extremely supportive partner, family and friends who are always there if I need a hand.”

Pictured top is Misha (centre), wtith colleagues (l-r) Rakhee Nakrani and Drusha Wallis.