In the world of entrepreneurship, many individuals start their own businesses with a specific goal in mind. They may want to escape the corporate world, follow their passion, or pursue a new dream. However, what happens when that passion no longer fills their cup? This is the topic of today's episode, featuring our good friend and Digital Circus royalty, Nicola Dickinson, who is embarking on a brand new path after years of running her own business. We will explore her motivation for this transition and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Or LISTEN to the podcast on your preferred podcast platform via www.digitalcircus.life today!
One of the most common pitfalls that people face is the tendency to play the'follow the follower' [Earl Nightingale] . Nicola's realisation of this unrewarding game woke her up and inspired her to stop being a follower. She has decided to live life on her own terms and pursue her own desires, rather than conforming to the expectations of others. This powerful statement really reflects her desire for personal freedom and authenticity.
Nicola is currently going through a major transition in her business life. She is in the process of closing down her current business and training for a new career as a forest bathing guide. However, the process of closing down her business has proven to be more difficult and time-consuming than she expected. On the other hand, her training for a new career in Forest Bathing represents a massive difference and a true passion for the outdoors and the natural world.
Nicola's love for the natural world and the outdoors did not always dominate her life. Growing up in London, she had access to open fields and the beach, but it didn't resonate with her at the time. However, after moving to Southampton and being exposed to the sea through her husband's naval background, her appreciation for nature was reignited. The sense of freedom and open space had a significant impact on her, leading to her current passion for the outdoors.
From a young age, Nicola felt the need to belong and be part of a community. This desire for belonging influenced her choices throughout her life. Moving to Southampton and finding a sense of community through work and networking events further fuelled her motivation to be a part of something. However, she eventually realised that she was merely following the expectations of others and not living authentically.
Nicola's entrepreneurial journey began when she trained to be a beauty therapist, working part-time at IBM and eventually starting her own beauty salon. She then stumbled upon an opportunity to create a natural nail polish remover when she couldn't find one in the UK market. Despite not knowing how to create it, she took on the challenge and found her way through networking and learning from others. This problem-solving mentality and the willingness to take risks led her to establish Fresh Therapy Products, a successful business in the beauty industry.
After a few years of running Fresh Therapy Products, Nicola realised that she no longer enjoyed the business and felt disconnected from it. She hated the feeling of following the expectations of others and craved something more meaningful. Through various experiences, such as reading'The Strangest Secret' by Earl Nightingale, she discovered the problem with being a follower and made the decision to shut down her business. This decision allowed her to pursue her true passion for Forest Bathing and live a life aligned with her desires and values.
Closing down her business taught Nicola the importance of getting your priorities and logistics in order. She recognised the need to have a solid understanding of all aspects of her business, including finances and operations. This experience also highlighted the importance of seeking help from professionals and experts in areas where one lacks expertise. By aligning passion with proper planning, Nicola is aiming to avoid making the same mistakes and approach her new venture, The Forest Bathing Company, with a more methodical mindset.
The transition from following to leading has had a profound impact on Nicola's personal growth and overall fulfillment. Her decision to pursue her passion for Forest Bathing has brought a newfound sense of purpose and satisfaction. As she embarks on this new journey, she radiates joy literally in her face, demonstrating the transformative power of following your true desires.
Nicola's story serves as a reminder to break free from the follower mentality and embrace your individuality. Through her journey, she has learned the importance of aligning passion with planning and seeking personal fulfillment. Her experience highlights the resilience, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate the challenges of business ownership and personal growth.
Find out more about Nicola
Follow her adventure on Instagram and say hello.
Her new website is coming soon!