We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Hodges a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

2020 was a year of uncertainty, a whirlwind of challenges for so many of us—and for me, it was the year that changed my life forever.

I was set to start chiropractic school in July 2020, a dream that already felt like the biggest leap of faith I’d ever take. I come from Logan, Ohio, a small rural town where pursuing a trade is often the more practical path, and earning a college degree can feel like a far-fetched dream. My childhood wasn’t easy; love was scarce, and survival became second nature. By the age of 9, I had learned that no one was coming to save me. I became my own motivator, my own guide, and my own caretaker.

In my house, “every man for themselves” wasn’t just a phrase—it was a reality. Despite the challenges, school became my sanctuary. I found solace in being the class clown, always ready to make others laugh and smile. But behind the humor was a quiet determination. I didn’t think of myself as particularly smart, even though I maintained a GPA above 3.5 my entire life. As an adult, I’ve come to understand why—I never received the positive reinforcement or encouragement that could have cemented my belief in my own intelligence. Becoming a doctor wasn’t something I dared to dream of; it felt so far out of reach.

Still, everything seemed to be falling into place. I was ready to take the leap. Then, in April 2020, just three months before my life was supposed to change for the better, my world fell apart. My spouse of six years ended our relationship abruptly and without warning or explanation. I was blindsided, with no money, no plan, and no choice but to move back in with friends. It was the most broken, confused, and lost I had ever felt.

At the time, I was still serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. My unit presented me with the opportunity to deploy overseas for a year—a choice that promised financial security, something I desperately needed. But it also meant walking away from my dream of chiropractic school. I was torn. I felt unworthy, unprepared, and defeated. At this point, the idea of pursuing my dream felt almost impossible.

Thankfully, my friends—the people I consider my family—refused to let me give up. They rallied around me, encouraging me to pack up my life and move to Florida for school. Their belief in me became the push I needed.

In July 2020, I made the move. With nothing but my clothes, a mattress, my TV, and my dog, I left Ohio behind and began my new chapter in Florida. It was terrifying, but deep down, I knew I had made the right choice. Three years later, I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida campus, proving to myself that the risk was worth it.

Along the way, life surprised me in the most beautiful way. While attending chiropractic school, I met my husband and best friend, Jesse. He is my greatest gift. Jesse loves me unconditionally and sees the best in me, even when I struggle to see it myself. He inspires me to live up to the person he knows I can be, and his belief in me fills my life with purpose.

This chapter of my story is a testament to what’s possible when you face your fears head-on and take a leap of faith. There were so many moments when it would have been easier to give up—to take the safer route, to let the fear and uncertainty consume me—but I’ve learned that staying in your comfort zone only guarantees one thing: staying stuck. Life begins at the edge of comfort, in the moments where you choose courage over convenience and persistence over doubt.

It’s not just about taking risks for the sake of it—it’s about risking it all for what sets your soul on fire. There’s something profoundly powerful about believing in yourself so fully that failure isn’t even an option. When you commit to your dreams without a backup plan, you awaken a resilience and resourcefulness within you that you may not have even known existed. It’s this relentless belief that propels you forward, even when the road is steep, and the odds feel insurmountable.

Looking back now, I know that the greatest rewards are born from the greatest risks. The life I’m living today—a life of purpose, fulfillment, and unconditional love—is more than I ever thought possible. For anyone standing at the crossroads of fear and possibility, my advice is simple: take the leap. Step into the unknown. It won’t be easy, but the life waiting for you on the other side will make every struggle worth it. Life is too short and unpredictable to not chase what sets your soul on fire.

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?

Our mission at At the Core Lifestyle (ATC) is to decrease pain, increase movement, and empower our patients through education & good vibes! We believe that educating our patients about their condition and treatment is the most effective way to reach optimal performance and live the best life possible. We aim to create a safe space for everyone to explore health and wellness without the fear of rejection or judgment.

ATC has two doctors on staff; myself and my husband Jesse, who is also a chiropractor and an Associate Professor at Palmer College in Port Orange, FL. We’re just a couple of misfits who love the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and helping people move and feel better!

We’re focused on patient outcomes using chiropractic adjustments, stretches & exercises, nutritional coaching, and manual myofascial therapy. We specialize in headaches/migraines, shoulder, knee, and low back concerns.

We welcome and embrace new patients into our ATC family!! We are by appointment only- Please head to our website or call to book your appointment. For payment, we accept card or cash, but we do not currently accept insurance.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond the technical training and knowledge required in chiropractic care, I believe that the most essential ingredient for success is the ability to genuinely connect with people. It’s not enough to simply understand the mechanics of the body—you have to understand the person in front of you. Each patient comes with their own story, their own struggles, and their own pain. Taking the time to truly listen, to empathize, and to meet them where they are can make all the difference in their healing journey.

This ability to connect doesn’t come from books or classrooms—it’s something life teaches you, often through your own challenges. For me, facing adversity from an early age has been one of my greatest assets. Growing up in an environment where survival was the priority taught me resilience, but it also taught me compassion. I know what it feels like to carry burdens that others can’t see, to feel invisible or misunderstood. Those experiences shaped me into someone who doesn’t just treat pain but understands it on a deeper level.

When you’ve walked through hardship, it gives you a unique ability to recognize and relate to the struggles of others. It builds a bridge of trust with your patients because they can sense when you truly “get it.” That trust is the foundation for everything we do as chiropractors. It’s what allows us to help patients not only feel better physically but also to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Adversity, while painful, has a way of sharpening your perspective and softening your heart. It teaches you to approach every interaction with humility and kindness, knowing that everyone you meet is fighting battles you may never know about. This understanding is a gift that allows me to connect with my patients on a human level, not just a clinical one.

At the end of the day, success in this field isn’t just about delivering adjustments or creating treatment plans—it’s about building relationships. It’s about walking alongside your patients, celebrating their victories, and supporting them through their setbacks. When you can show up for people with authenticity and empathy, you’re not just a Doctor—you’re a partner in their healing journey. And to me, that’s the true measure of success.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been unapologetically and authentically being 100% ourselves. From the very beginning, we knew we didn’t fit the traditional “white coat” doctor mold, and we embraced that. We’re not here to put on a facade or be something we’re not—we’re here to connect with people as human beings first. And while that means we might not be everyone’s “cup of tea,” it also means we’re the perfect fit for those who resonate with our approach.

We’ve created a space that feels more like a second home than a sterile office. Our practice is a judgment-free zone, a place where people can walk in and immediately feel safe to let their guard down. We’re a home for the misfits—the ones who may not feel comfortable in a traditional healthcare setting. Here, there’s no pressure to conform, no expectation to be anyone but yourself.

This authenticity extends to every aspect of how we operate. We don’t just treat patients; we build relationships. We share stories, laughter, and even some of life’s tougher moments. We show up as real people—flaws, quirks, and all—and invite our patients to do the same. That honesty and transparency create trust, and trust is what turns first-time patients into lifelong clients.

We’ve found that people crave connection, especially in a world that can often feel impersonal. By being true to ourselves and creating an environment where others feel comfortable doing the same, we’ve built a community, not just a client base. It’s a community rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a deep understanding that perfection isn’t required to heal or grow.

At the end of the day, being authentic is not just our strategy—it’s our philosophy. It’s what allows us to attract the people who align with our vision and values, and it’s what keeps us inspired to show up every day. Because when you’re building something real, the right people will always find their way to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atthecorelifestyle.com/
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