TESTIMONIALS
READ STORIES FROM CREATIVE HEARTS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH NICOLA WITH THROUGH HER PRIVATE COACHING, RETREATS or ONLINE PROGRAMS
Business Coaching Client Stories
Nicola has guided and supported me to start out as a full time artist and for that I will be forever thankful.
As soon as I saw Nicola’s website I knew I’d found my coach and mentor.
Working with her has been a dream.
The subtle shifts and resulting leaps have been amazing. So many lightbulb moments. I’ve hosted my first solo exhibition and sold large paintings from my first large scale series of artworks.
Learning about self-care, working with my own rhythms and personality traits. The Zoom calls are a great length and I especially love being able to email in-between calls to off load thoughts or ideas.
Jennifer Carlson of Jennifer Carlson | Artist
Choosing to explore my life, hopes and dreams with Nicola was as natural as turning towards the sunshine. She has an authentic spirit and calm, persuasive energy.
Creating my vision with her has been gently powerful, real, fun, inspiring, challenging…
If you are searching for someone to help you open your soul to possibility reach out to Nicola.
Kelly Herrick | Contemporary Landscape Artist
I’ve seen my wife blossom and grow since working with Nicola. Seeing my wife grow stronger, happier and more confident has not only helped her start to achieve her ambitions in life but has also been really positive for our relationship. We made the right decision.
Mark Griggs
Making the decision to work with Nicola is one of (if not the best!) decisions I’ve made for my creative business so far.
Nicola provides gentle support and encouragement, and she holds me accountable to achieving my goals.
She so beautifully holds space for me to share my thoughts and fears without any judgement. And the best part is, she helps me realise I’m not alone in what I’m feeling by sharing her own experiences.
I truly feel like I’ve got the right support in my corner with Nicola as I journey this wild, wonderful path to the prosperous, heart-led business I desire!
Heather Ashely Baker | Creative, Designer, Storyteller & Chronic Daydreamer
Nicola’s gentle nature and energy creates a safe space for you to come exactly as you are. Her presence is calming and grounding and she has the beautiful ability to nurture and really see you by listening closely to what you’re not actually saying.
Nicola not only has the creative expertise but also the business knowledge and experience to help you see how incorporating and expressing your creative side in your business can enhance it and add elements and dimension that create a whole new level of connection with your clients.
As someone who has and continues to experience her coaching and mentoring on an ongoing basis, I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Natalie Gaul of Natalie Gaul | Transformation Coach
Nicola is an incredible coach. I’ve been blessed to not only witness her coaching prowess on group calls, but to also be impacted by them first-hand myself.
Every time I’ve encountered an issue in my business or have struggled to make a decision, she has not only offered above-and-beyond support, but a fresh perspective, loads of suggested helpful resources (from a range of podcasts, books, and other useful places!), and ways I can nourish myself and my energy in the process.
She also has this infectious energy that uplifts, inspires and brings joy to your heart. Combine all this with her gift for creativity and ability to hold you gently accountable, and that’s one powerful coaching combination.
I can’t recommend working with Nicola highly enough!
Naomi Arnold of Naomi Arnold | Life & Business Coach, co-Founder of Feminist Coach Academy
Nicola is an excellent creative, business coach. I always feel incredibly supported, inspired, and motivated by her to keep following my heart and creativity in my business.
Her sensitivity, positivity, and thoughtfulness are her superpowers that make business more exciting and show me that there’s another way to do business that isn’t part of the hustle bustle.
Nicola is a beautiful example of what’s possible living a creative life and having a successful business. Gift yourself the opportunity to work with this amazing soul, you will not regret it.
Cameron Airen of Cameron Airen | Mindset Coach & Gender Consultant
With the perfect mix of patience, objectivity and understanding Nicola has helped me uncover the desires that fuel my passion and worked with me on succinctly making a plan for their achievement in my business.
With her background as an artist and multi-passionate creative and having set up and successfully run her own business, Nicola is in the perfect position to advise and mentor those of us just starting out.
Nicola’s ability to put herself in my shoes was very reassuring and allowed her to point out each of the many paths that were available to me.
Whether you are looking for direction, knowledge or accountability I couldn’t recommend Nicola more highly.
Assisi Chant | Writer & Editor
Nicola has a gift for business coaching.
She’s been in business a LONG time, is uncompromising in assuring her business fits in with her life and values and is the most encouraging and enthusiastic person I know.
Her child-like joy as I’ve vulnerably shared my heart’s desires with her is forever etched into my memory.
I don’t think I would have had the courage to do half of the things I’ve done in my business, without Nic by my side.
Amanda Rootsey of Amanda Rootsey & Shine from Within | Teacher & Mentor for Teen Girls, Eco Model & Writer
Creative Hearts Community Stories
"I just wanted to thank you very much again for a heartfelt held space for us all, the amazing connection, friends made and laughs had as well as giving hope and courage to each other along the way and support.
I might not of produced 100 paintings but once again I have tried new things, been open-minded and enjoyed the learning, sharing of knowledge and new workshops." ~ DN
Painting & Creativity Client Stories
Before my private painting retreat with Nicola I was feeling dead creatively. Thank you for bringing me back to life, I feel like a giddy kid again, delighted by colour, texture and so many possibilities.
My business had experienced massive growth and I could no longer afford the time to noodle about coming up with design solutions. In fact, I was deep in a mourning phase and so the offer of Flourish with Painting & Creativity and the one-on-one retreat came at the perfect moment.
What have I discovered from this experience? That painting is about my creative inner life. There’s no defined end goal in mind, which is perfect! Creativity is a continuing conversation, not a statement.
I love art. Always have. I’ve drawn, painted, written, sketched, coloured in and created since I was able to grasp a pen but for the past 20 years since I left uni, kick-started my career and launched my own business, my creative output to feed my soul was sporadic at best.
Before the program I was worried I would produce artwork I deemed “crap”. But now, rather than just consuming art and standing in front of my favourite artists, sighing, wishing I could do art, I now have the confidence to produce art of my own. The non-judgemental type of art, with no planned outcome and just doing something for me, by me.
I can’t overstate the benefits working with Nicola has provided me.
Thank you for bringing me back to life, I feel like a giddy kid again, delighted by colour, texture and so many possibilities.
I haven’t stabbed anyone with a pencil (energetically) since doing the program. I’m more sanguine too as I feel I have a creative, safe outlet for my feelings. Since painting more I’m feeling… wondrous about the world around me and what I’m capable of!
I reckon your creative spirit has a direct link to your soul and this is a perfect course to tap into your rich inner life. So much good stuff lives in this course and you won’t be the same person you were when you started the program. In a good way.
Andrew and Nicola, when can I move in?
Kidding!
I’m so looking forward to my next painting retreat with you.
Fiona Jefferies of Diva Works | 3D Marketing Expert & Founder of Diva Works
Flourish with Painting & Creativity gave me permission to take time out for me and to connect to my creative expression. Before working with Nicola, my brain told me that I wasn’t visually creative – for example, I could write, but I couldn’t paint or draw. However, I had this yearning or tug in my heart telling me this wasn’t true and that Nicola’s course would help me fully realise and own this.
I now KNOW that I am creative.
Flourish with Painting & Creativity was so very different to the many other online programs that I’ve participated in. It was FUN. It gave me permission to PLAY. It slowed down my brain and sped up my heart.
Over the past year, I’ve started to feel a real urge to embrace and foster my creativity. I’d done so in writing, but I wanted to expand this – to connect to myself and my heart in new ways. I was looking for a painting course that would help with this, and when I saw Nicola was creating one, I just know that it would be exactly what I was looking for.
I now know that if I continue to ‘train’ my creative muscle that my skills, confidence, and creative breadth will continue to grow. I see the world differently now – with a new appreciation and presence. I’m more playful, more joyful, more adventurous. I’m making more time for me – to paint, to create, to connect, to explore, to be.
I went from not having picked up a paint brush since school, to suddenly loving the paint brush so much, that I’d miss it when we’d been apart for a while (hehe). Plus I really noticed taking time out to paint and be creative opened up parts in my brain that inspired new ideas and possibilities for my business and work – and other aspects of my future.
I also noticed a big change in my family life. My new love for painting and creativity was contagious. Family members started to join in. We’d laugh together, make a mess together, and play together. Oh so much fun!
I loved the course so much, and Nicola & Andrew’s beautiful natures and essences so flowed through to the content and experience. All I can say is thank you.
I absolutely recommend Flourish with Painting & Creativity to others. In fact, I will sing its praises from the rooftops! It’s an incredible course, so different to anything I have experienced, and will teach people to feel confident and open in their creative expression, and connect to themselves and others in the process.
It would be a crime for me to not tell people about it – hiding a secret to learning to play more and experience more joy in your life – my goodness, I’d never forgive myself. I just want to say thank you. Nicola and Andrew, you have both created something amazing here, and I feel so very blessed to have experienced it.
Naomi Arnold of Naomi Arnold | Life & Business Coach, co-Founder of Feminist Coach Academy
I really loved art sessions in school and was missing it, so I wanted to have a program to follow to unleash my inner creativity. I’ve followed Nicola now for several years & have found her such an inspiration. So when she released this course I truly wanted to be a part of it.
I learned I shouldn’t be harsh with myself and when I painted, I felt peaceful and grounded.
When I paint, I really calm down and I can forget everything around me.
Since the Wabi Sabi session, I walk through my days with open eyes. I enjoy the little things and am happy to see all the “mistakes”.
I’m so grateful for this course.
I recommend Flourish with Painting & Creativity, because Nicola shows you step by step how to do everything, why you’re doing something, and Nicola’s smile is always heartwarming!
Jocelyne Clémençon of Jocelyne Clemencon | Life Coach & Graphic Designer
Spending a couple of days with Nicola painting in her studio was one of the most liberating and therapeutic experiences of my life. At the time, I was grieving the loss of a dear friend and wanted to channel my emotions onto the canvas.
Nicola not only taught me some great painting techniques, but she gave me the permission I needed to get messy, make mistakes and to let go of how I “think” it’s meant to be.
I’m so fortunate to call Nicola a dear friend, and I’m so grateful to be a frequent guest at her studio for some art therapy and good times.
Susana Frioni of Susana Frioni | Speaker, Writer, Personal Coach & Podcaster
When I’m painting I move into a space where time doesn’t matter and I am just here, enjoying.
There’s always been a tug inside me to paint. I knew nothing on how to and didn’t feel artistic or even if I could produce anything.
Yet I had been noticing colour and nature more than ever and was drawn to paintings that were vibrant and alive. Curiosity peaked I wanted to play with colour and find my style of art.
When I joined Flourish with Painting & Creativity I didn’t think I was creative, but I loved to feel free to be expressive. I had no idea about using paints and wanted to find which medium I wanted to work with.
I wasn’t really looking to do an online course, although I’d decided to explore various mediums to find something I enjoyed. Not having delved into this area before, I was going nowhere. Going into the art supply store and not knowing what to buy…it all looked good and exciting but was confusing at the same time!
I didn’t hesitate to join the program, no questioning, just an inner YES. I loved the Training and Studio Date videos for each module, the PDF Playsheets, the Facebook Community, the content of the program itself and the membership site design was beautiful.
How has my creative life changed since Flourish with Painting & Creativity? Well, I’m enjoying being in my own art world. It’s part of my life that I will continue to “play” in because there’s more than painting happening.
I’m being gentle with myself and loving every moment in my little studio. I don’t feel pressured which I would have in the past to catch up, I simply know painting is now part of what I do.
It is in the doing that I move into a space where time doesn’t matter and I am just here enjoying.
I love the energy, passion and love in what Nicola and Andrew have delivered with Flourish with Painting & Creativity. The presentations are excellent; easy to watch and learn from.
Thank you Nicola and Andrew for your generous, beautiful hearts. It’s been truly wonderful to be a part of your first group of students.
Jan Nunn | Perth, Australia
I absolutely love Nicola and the experience of painting with her opened up a new way of expressing myself.
I was so surprised by how moving it was to simply let go and paint and I couldn’t have even tried it without Nicola’s gentle guidance.
For me, exploring creativity in this way was more about letting go of inhibitions and finding a new way to ‘speak up’ – something I struggle with at times. It has helped me in all areas of my life and I can’t thank Nic enough for that.
After going through the program, you’ll feel proud, energised and, I dare say, free.
Amanda Rootsey of Amanda Rootsey & Shine from Within | Teacher & Mentor for Teen Girls, Eco Model & Writer
Nicola is a born teacher. She makes it so easy to understand. It’s all simple, in fact she takes Flourish with Painting & Creativity one step further than any other eCourse I’ve done.
Before Flourish with Painting & Creativity I didn’t think I was creative anymore. I thought my painting sucked & I had no confidence. I didn’t know HOW to do it & that stopped me. I didn’t have the confidence to pick up a paintbrush or pencil & experiment, & even when I did try, the inner critic crushed my spirit.
What has changed is my mindset. My skills appeared when I freed myself from the inner critic & took a playful, compassionate & experimental approach. My creative practice is now Flourishing!
I’m taking time out for me, daily now.
I’m writing every day, painting weekly & taking better care of myself generally. There’s a lot more joy & creativity in the way I’m living my life. I’m making down time & creative play time a priority & it’s improved my self-care & resilience.
I’m letting go of perfectionism & I’ve learnt it’s okay to do things for the fun of it!
Flourish with Painting & Creativity is really practical. There’s a lot of cool, fun, playful techniques which are complemented by practical & intuitive support for the inner world. The inclusion of supportive practices such as photography and writing allows you to really enhance & broaden your creative expression & your definition of what creativity actually is.
The community was amazing! I loved the group of like-minded people & it was so great to be able to share our struggles & wins, & see all the different ways in which people channel love onto a canvas <3
I highly recommend Flourish with Painting & Creativity! It’s gifted me with the skills, technical know-how & mindset to actually paint & incorporate it as a regular self-care & creativity practice in my life.
Flourish! has allowed me to feel pure joy, to get lost in the moment and to make beautiful things that I’m proud to share and hang on my wall. It’s changed the way I approach my life – with more play and openness. I’m experiencing more flow, rhythm & energy in all areas of my life. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Emma Shields | Yoga Teacher & Health Coach
Before I joined Flourish with Painting & Creativity, I’d always felt like something was missing. There were days where I felt like a pressure cooker. Now, I know what I have to do when I feel like that…..paint!
When I signed up I was nervous about my creative skills, and thought it could be too advanced and I’d be left behind. But I really needed to find my creativity. I was actually working with a coach and she found I needed an outlet… that same day I found Nicola and her course!
I was looking for ways to overcome creative blocks, feel more expressive and creative, use creativity as a form of self care, discover new creative techniques to express myself and make a studio to support my creative life.
I was also looking for inspiration to set up routines to be more creative in my life and practical tools to listen to my heart. Resistance was a huge part for me when it came to creativity, I just hadn’t recognised it.
What I loved about Flourish with Painting & Creativity was that the training videos had substance and there’s lots of information. The program delivered what it was meant to deliver and Nicola was very natural, which I totally appreciated. I’ve signed on for things similar before, though I felt they never really came through. I always felt wanting for the dollars I’d handed over.
Now, I know I NEED to be creative……it feels so right. When I’m unable to do so, I feel frustrated and irritated…its quite obvious really! Even my boys say… “Mum have you painted today?” LOL
Painting is not as scary as one thinks it is…it’s liberating!
We’re building a shed and I’ll have a designated part to myself now. Where as living with four men in the same household, there was just no room for being creative before.
I loved the painting side of things and also delving into the mindset of being creative was fantastic. I’d love to see more of Nicola painting and her process… I could watch this stuff forever!
Karen Royce, Geraldton, Western Australia | Farmer
Prosper Client Stories
Nicola is a wonderful, coach and mentor who gracefully guides you with ease and intention.
Nicola's passion to help creative passionate souls shines through, and you are held in a supportive, creative space without the pressure to perform to old outdated ways of being.
Nicola has helped me to talk about my art, so that I can share the unseen parts within it that make up my process, including my deep connection to energy and how my art impacts on people and the spaces that it is displayed.
When I started Prosper I was in a state of overwhelm and juggling a number of issues. My intention was to get myself and my website out into the world as I had been stalling on this for some time. What happened was unexpected. I made some amazing self-discoveries, including understanding being an HSP high sensation seeker. My world started to fall into place and completely out of the blue I was offered a shop. Intuitively I asked another creative to be part of it and we opened up our handmade studio retail space here on the beautiful Isle of Wight. We are now making sales and planning ahead for next year.
I was intuitively drawn to connect with Nicola and I can wholeheartedly recommend her. You will find a beautiful nurturing space in which to flourish and prosper x --
Nikki Finch | Artist
I realised my worth & value
Nicola is the reason I have been enjoying my creative journey so much, in spite of getting stuck or not understanding what I’m doing a lot of the time! She has showered me with kindness, understanding, patience, talked me through all sorts of dilemmas (personal and artistically) and I’m really going to miss the Prosper community and the impetus and continuity that Prosper gave me.
Through Prosper, I had a wonderful breakthrough in realising my worth and value – valuing myself and my artistic work, and that I have a gift to be seen and shared. I have really blossomed and am no longer hiding behind a veil of false modesty.
Robyn Hamilton-Smith | Artist
Prosper, facilitated by Nicola's warm and sensitive approach, was a welcoming, supportive and valuable experience on so many levels.
It equipped me not just with practical knowledge and valuable resources, but also with inspiration, clarity and much-needed confidence to grow my idea for a creative writing business for high ability children. Nicola's skilful and responsive guidance throughout weekly calls enabled me to focus, to relax, and to really enjoy the learning on my new path.
Being part of a group of creative people helped me to celebrate and understand the central role creativity plays in my life, and that of others. I have been able to pursue my goals in ways that truly do revolve around doing what I love the most and potentially sustaining a business doing that will be wonderfully satisfying and exciting!
Andrea Blake | Writer
I sold my first painting!
I learned so much with Prosper. Nicola is so generous with her hard-earned knowledge. I started the program at the same time I was trying to figure out how to monetise my art. Nicola and all the others in the group supported me and stepped me through all the bits and bobs for things like: preparing my art for art shows, creating a website to sell my art on, getting my art into a gallery and finally getting an art sale! I know the relationships and information I have received through this program will support me for years to come, I am so grateful for it all!
Kelly Burke | Artist