We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Ballantine. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Hi Nicole , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My whole life has been about meaningful living. I create because my soul feels a deep need to express itself. With each creation (whether it’s a product or service) I’ve been drawn to create it from a place of purpose and desiring to see an idea brought to form that may help someone else. My previous creations-my travel blog, yoga practice and offerings and present creations: my apothecary and human design readings all serve as a reflection of my “Ikigai” brought to form. What makes my creations so meaningful to me is the relativity of the creation and my personal life experiences. Everything I created is a version of something I desired to see or feel. My struggles feel transmuted when I turn my wounds into wisdom and lemons into lemonade.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My entire life I have been drawn to the human body’s ability to heal itself. My fascination lead me to become a 200 HR Registered Yoga Teacher, a Reiki Master and a Wellness/Holistic Health Practitioner and Educator. My journey towards a spiritual career path started during my own wellness journey spanning over 15 years of my life. I battled with depression, anxiety, overeating and religious identity issues. My personal battles have led me to open a practice that is meant to help reshape, transform and heal all those looking for guidance. My holistic approach to wellness combines my knowledge of yoga, reiki, nutrition, astrology, and meditation to help you become your highest self.

Cole Apothecary started as a idea and a way to share my love of nutrient rich goods. As an 100% Jamaican- American, I was raised on Sea Moss, Black Seed Oil and the wonders garlic and brandy can do for the common cold! So I took my natural chemist skills to the kitchen and created my first product Sea Moss Gel.

Along with my apothecary and love of nature I also share my love of esoteric, human design and mindfulness. You can find my writing and offerings on all Youtube, Patreon and Instagram at @withlovecole.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, to anyone reading I want you to know the world is truly your oyster. If I used the internet back in 2012 the way I use it know I would have been much farther along on my content creation and perhaps even my self development journey. We are living in a pivotal time in human history where technology give us access to the worlds most sacred answers. Allow your creativity to guide you to the answers you are seeking. Use the internet as a tool and a way to reach people with a message of positivity, empowerment and love. You can do this.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my mission is to raise collective consciousness. At first this looked like trying to save the world and burnout but now I see how my contribution on an individual level is enough to impact and create change on a collective level.    

Contact Info:

• Website: withlovecole.com
• Instagram: @withlovecole
• Facebook: @coleapothecary
• Twitter: @withlovecole
• Youtube: @withlovecole

Image Credits
Image of family and sea moss gel turmeric and purple moss courtesy of Brittany Loyd of @brittanyloydphoto. Graphic with picture by pool shot by Desiree Jamila @drivensoulfully All other photos property of Nicole Ballantine @withlovecole