New Cumnock: Lynette McGinn working with Pierce Brosnan

However, Lynette McGinn, who grew up in the Afton countryside, has experienced just that.

Now back home and surrounded by her friends, family and the supportive local community where she was raised, Lynette has spoken to the Chronicle to lift the lid on a life story she herself describes as "surreal".

After completing her beauty therapy training in 1991, Lynette went to work at Turnberry, now the Trump Turnberry Hotel and Spa, as a junior therapist.

But before long she decided it was time to sample life outside of Ayrshire - and the first overseas stop in her incredible life story took her from Scotland to Bermuda.

A collection of Lynette's photos from the U.S.A. (Image: Submitted)

From there, Lynette went on to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and then to Mustique in the West Indies, where she met more than a few famous faces.

She described "rubbing shoulders, backs and feet" with the likes of Pete Frampton, LL Cool J, David Coulthard, Tommy Hilfiger and Pierce Brosnan, as well as on the BBC's Travel Show, where she appeared alongside model and actress Jerry Hall.

"It was completely surreal, an amazing experience," she said. 

"I would definitely recommend giving it a try."

From there, Lynette returned to the UK, where her three sons were born. But the itch to see the world hadn't gone away, and she packed her, and her family's, bags to move away from home turf once more, this time to Cyprus.

Lynette spent some time in Bermuda. (Image: Submitted)

Lynette described it as "the most family friendly place I’ve ever been"

However, they had to return back home for personal reasons soon after.

Not one to dwell on the change, Lynette added: "This way my boys get to grow up with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins nearby.

"On return, I started teaching yoga and doing therapies, based at Boswells Coach House, working around school hours to make sure my boys felt settled back in Ayrshire."

From there, Lynette returned to New Cumnock before spending four years on an invention of her own.

"I designed and manufactured a neck massager called the Therapy Hand Neck Massager," she said.

"It took four years, from an idea I had while soaking in the bath to seeing it being put on sale."

The massager is available to buy through Lynette's own company, Therapy Hand Ltd, as well as from her own spa, which she has run in New Cumnock since early last year.

Lynette with her three boys in Cyprus. (Image: Submitted)

As with all beauty therapy businesses, Lynette's operations had to be put on hold four-and-a-half years ago when the Covid pandemic struck.

"I had to rebuild my business," she said. "Luckily I have a very loyal client base. 

"I started yoga in New Cumnock Town Hall and we looked at the old bank building to transform into the Therapy Hand Day Spa.   

"Alongside my partner we now own Therapy Hand Day Spa, which opened in February 2023. 

"I run the business and also work as a therapist/trainer.  I have some of the loveliest therapists working with me; they're a fantastic team."

Lynette with Jerry Hall looking onto beach at The Cotton House, Mustique. (Image: Submitted)

Lynette may have more than 30 years of experience in the beauty therapy business, and have amassed countless stories and gained plenty of experience from all corners of the world, but she says she'll always cherish the sense of community in her own wee New Cumnock.

"To me working in a small village means working with other local businesses such as Pathhead Bakery, who offer the best afternoon teas, Munro's Bar with delicious home cooked meals, and of course, hairdresser Sam Lorimer and his team, who can transform you."

Then there's New Cumnock Town Hall, where yoga classes are held with teachers Margaret Jolly and Cathy Morton, along with sports such as table tennis and badminton and classes and sessions in dance, art, music and more.

It's back to the home comforts of New Cumnock for Lynette. (Image: Submitted)

"This small village has quite a few shops, cafes, bars, mechanics and many more," she says, "and more importantly, everyone will say hello and have a wee chat. 

 The community here in New Cumnock has been so supportive of the Day Spa. I am truly grateful."