In this episode, Nichola Hand shares vulnerably about her journey with grief. Through journaling and sharing her story, Nichola has found a way to process the unthinkable, hoping to offer a glimmer of light to others walking a similar path.

Originally from South Wales, Nichola is a proud mother of three beautiful children—Ava, Ruby, and Alfie—who serve as her anchors, bringing light and inspiration to her life every single day.

At the age of 13, her life shifted when she moved to Stoke-on-Trent under difficult family circumstances. It was not an easy transition for her, but it shaped her resilience and determination to create a better future.

For the last 13 years, Nichola has been at the helm of Publik Salon, a space she created with her husband, Jon, to reflect their shared passion for artistry, community, and sustainability.

As a salon owner and hairdresser, Nichola has always believed in the power of connection—whether it’s through transformative hair services or simply offering a listening ear to her clients.

In addition to her work with Publik Salon, Nichola is the Australian distributor for Organic Colour Systems, a brand that embodies her values: sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and holistic beauty. She is passionate about sharing this revolutionary system with salons across the country, helping them create healthier, more conscious experiences for their clients.

Her life changed forever in 2022 when her soulmate, Jon, passed away from brain cancer. Jon wasn’t just her husband; he was her co-creator in life and business, her rock, and the heart of their family. His loss shattered their world in ways she will never fully be able to explain.

Since then, Nichola has been navigating the vast and messy landscape of grief, learning to live consciously in the pain, anguish, love, and rawness that it brings. Grief has become a part of her, and rather than running from it, she has made space to sit with it—to try and make friends with the pain. It is not easy, and the journey is not linear. There are moments of beauty, glimmers of light, even amidst the grittiness and challenges of loss.

Grief is a storm, a relentless force, but within it, there is love—endless, boundless love. If her journey can help even one person feel less alone in their own storm, then sharing it is worth it.

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