Celebrating a visionary: the inspiring journey of May Chunladecha

In the heart of Brighton, May Chunladecha’s story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and visionary leadership.

From her roots in Thailand to becoming a beacon of inspiration in Brighton, May’s journey as a mother, entrepreneur, and business leader is both captivating and profound. As co-founder of Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa, she has woven a narrative of hope, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.

From Thailand to Brighton: a journey of passion and purpose

May’s story begins in Thailand, where her career as a creative producer for a leading radio station laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 2006, driven by a desire for growth and new experiences, she took a leap of faith and moved to the UK. Her destination was Brighton — a city known for its openness and creativity — where she hoped to improve her English and immerse herself in the Western world.

It was in Brighton in 2006 that May met her future husband, and together they built not just a life but a shared vision for the future. In 2008, after her husband lost his job at American Express during the global financial crisis, they faced a defining moment. Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, they chose to create opportunity. From the back of their living room, they launched Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa, driven by a shared passion for wellness and a desire to build something meaningful.

In 2012, they made their boldest move yet — investing their entire life savings, approximately £100,000, into their first three-storey building on New Road, Brighton. It was a huge financial risk, but one that paid off. Little Jasmine quickly established itself as a leading name in the wellness industry. However, in 2017, disaster struck when a building fire threatened to destroy everything they had built. Refusing to give up, May and her husband leaned on their resilience — and the incredible support of their team and clients — to rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.

Commitment to staff well-being: a holistic approach rooted in Buddhist principles

At the core of Little Jasmine’s success is May’s profound commitment to her staff — a commitment deeply rooted in her Buddhist background. May’s approach to business is guided by key Buddhist principles: compassion, mindfulness and balance. She believes that a harmonious and supportive environment creates the foundation for true success.

For 17 years, she has championed a holistic approach to well-being, creating an environment where people thrive. She offers salaries above the living wage, provides weekly well-being meals and hosts free development workshops to support her team’s personal and professional growth.

Her leadership style reflects the Buddhist value of interconnectedness. By fostering a positive and supportive work culture, she has cultivated a loyal and highly skilled team — one that reflects the values of the business. This approach has not only contributed to the success of Little Jasmine but also inspired a sense of pride and ownership among her staff.

Community contributions: a heart for giving

May’s generosity extends far beyond the walls of Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa. Her desire to give back to both her home country and her local community is deeply ingrained in her values.

To mark the 15th anniversary of Little Jasmine, May initiated and executed the “15 pence to 50 pounds: Healthy Meals for Everyone” project — a fundraising effort that provided meals for approximately 1,000 children in Thailand. The project focused on supporting vulnerable children, including those without families and with special needs, especially in northern Thailand.

Closer to home, May has also been a driving force behind several charitable initiatives. She has raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Society and actively supports local organizations such as Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and Together Co., contributing both services and personal time.

Her Buddhist beliefs in kindness and selflessness underpin these efforts. May sees giving not as an obligation but as a natural expression of compassion and gratitude. Her dedication to helping others has made a tangible difference, reinforcing Little Jasmine’s role as a business with heart.

Awards and recognition: a legacy of excellence

Under May’s guidance, Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa has become a symbol of excellence in the wellness industry. The spa has retained the top spot on TripAdvisor for over five years — a testament to its consistently high standards and customer satisfaction.

In recent years, Little Jasmine received the prestigious Sussex Business Award for Best Customer Service, recognising the team’s exceptional care and professionalism. Further validation of the business’s success came with its acceptance into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme — a recognition of Little Jasmine’s potential as a high-growth, high-impact venture.

May’s leadership has not only driven financial success but also established Little Jasmine as a trusted and respected name in Brighton’s  business community.

A vision for the future

As Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa continues to thrive, May’s vision remains clear: to expand their impact by bringing wellness into the workplace. Recognizing the growing importance of mental and physical well-being in the professional sphere, May is leading an initiative to introduce wellness programs in corporate settings.

“We’ve supported individuals on their wellness journeys for years — now it’s time to bring that expertise into the workplace,” May explains. “Businesses thrive when their teams are healthy and balanced, and we believe we can make a meaningful difference in that space.”

Her ability to combine strategic thinking with genuine care for others sets her apart as a leader. May’s Buddhist values of mindfulness and balance are central to her approach — she sees success not as a financial outcome, but as a state of harmony between business, people and community.

Conclusion: an inspiring legacy

May Chunladecha’s story is one of courage, vision and unwavering dedication. From her beginnings in Thailand to her leadership role in Brighton, she has created a legacy built on care, excellence, and generosity.

To the clients who have supported Little Jasmine, to the staff who have grown with the business, and to the community that has embraced it — May’s success is a shared story. Every challenge overcome, every milestone achieved, is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of a leader who leads not just with strategy, but with heart.