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

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to be a veterinarian! I love animals and it just made sense that after high school I would move to Saskatoon and go to the University of Saskatchewan to pursue my education of becoming a vet.

But after my first year of undergrad, I learned that another 6-8 years of school was not for me. So, I made a bold decision not to return and instead took a job as a professional horse show jumping groom in Florida. It was an incredible experience—I got to travel, work with horses every day, and be immersed in a world I loved. But just before the circuit ended in Florida, I broke my thumb and had to return home for surgery. That injury, though frustrating at the time, turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life.

When I got home, I learned that my dad’s cancer had returned. He had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a couple of years prior, went through treatments, and reached remission. But this time, things were different. I knew immediately that I couldn’t go back to the show circuit—I needed to be home with my family. My dad had been the owner/operator of a Purolator route to Vegreville, AB, for nearly 30 years, and with his health declining, he could no longer work. Without hesitation, I stepped in and took over his job, making deliveries and keeping his business running. My 17-year-old brother helped when he could, but I carried the responsibility for nearly a year. It was tough—physically demanding and exhausting—but I was grateful for it!

Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out the way we were hoping and my dad lost his battle to cancer in June 2017. As soon as he passed, the job with Purolator was no longer mine. Probably for the best as I couldn’t continue it with the grief of losing my dad. After that, I picked up odd jobs in retail stores and as a stable hand while I navigated what to do with my life next.

That’s when my mom encouraged me to explore Natural Nutrition. Watching my dad go through his cancer journey—and seeing firsthand how little focus there was on nutrition in his treatment—really shifted my perspective on health. Even before I studied holistic nutrition, I knew that the sugar-filled jellos and artificially sweetened puddings he was given in the hospital weren’t supporting his healing. And beyond that, I saw how many factors in his lifestyle and diet had never been addressed.

In 2018, I enrolled in the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and became a Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant. It was truly the best decision I’ve ever made. Not only has it allowed me to take control of my own health, but it has given me the opportunity to help others do the same. Looking back, that difficult chapter in my life—losing my dad and ultimately finding my purpose—was the defining moment that led me to where I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Nicole, and I am a Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant based in Alberta, Canada! I am equally passionate about natural health & food as I am about helping others feel their best. As mentioned above, I got into natural nutrition after losing my dad to cancer and my desire to learn how to improve my health and life holistically!

I provide nutritional coaching and holistic lifestyle support to my clients seeking greater health. I primarily work with women who are overwhelmed by how to properly nourish their bodies and who struggle with weight loss, fatigue, and stress. I provide personalized support and my goal is always to help them achieve sustainable results – the kind that stick around long after our time together. Plus, make the process as enjoyable and fun as possible!

My services are offered both online through my Holistic Nutritional Consultations or 90-day Health Reformation coaching program and in-person through my Nourish & Thrive holistic nutrition education workshops for groups and businesses.

I am also the founder of The Healthy Babes Club, an online community for women to learn how to take a holistic approach to becoming happier and healthier versions of themselves. I am incredibly proud of this Club and am excited for more women to take advantage of the benefits of being a member! I share weekly recipes, monthly meal plans, and tips on holistic living and invite experts on featured topics to help members on their health journey!

Last but not least, I am the co-host of the podcast Healthy & Wealthy where we discuss all things health, wealth and building an abundant life. Our episodes are published on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Readers can follow me on Instagram where I am most active: @wellnesswithnicole_ and inquire about my services via my website https://www.wellnesswithnicole.ca/

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think despite training and knowledge, it’s common for many of us to experience imposter syndrome when pursuing a career especially if you’re a small business owner. I know from my experience, that although I had the education and I knew a lot about what I wanted to help people with, I still found myself struggling to show up because I didn’t feel like I knew enough yet or had the abilities that others in my field obtained.

When pursuing a career in holistic health coaching and truly anything, I think it’s incredibly important to harness self-belief and learn how to be your own cheerleader! When you believe in yourself, it’s much easier to stay motivated and do the maybe boring, mundane, or hard things required to build up your business. Not only will you attract clients with your self-belief but you will feel good about yourself (a win-win!!).

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Tapping into my “why” and as cliche as it sounds, being my authentic self has helped me create a positive reputation that I feel really good about!

I also believe that staying as consistent as possible and always striving to provide my clients, followers, and people in my circle with top-notch support and service has helped! I care a lot about others and I feel that comes through with my practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellnesswithnicole.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithnicole_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolekbird/