Freedom Spotlight: When Pain Became a Catalyst for Freedom for Allison.

The coaching relationship between Allison and I started with a simple LinkedIn message.

Where Allison and I first met, years ago, at a conference when we were both still part of the 9-5 corporate grind. We bonded doing activities such as a beach clean up and yoga on the beach - the type of activities we love in our freedom first lifestyles.

“Hi Nicola, congrats on the new endeavor. Hoping we could have a chat as I’m in a career crossroads myself.”

I still remember reading those words and feeling the weight behind them — not just a request to connect, but a quiet act of courage. At the time, neither of us knew where that small spark of courage would lead.

But what unfolded was one of the most powerful transformations I’ve had the privilege to witness — a journey from uncertainty to clarity, from loss of identity to palpable purpose, and from hesitation to unstoppable momentum.

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From Career Clarity to Soul-Led Strategy

When Allison joined my Freedom Formula coaching program, she wasn’t just pivoting careers — she was reclaiming her own definition of freedom.

In our very first session, we peeled back the layers:

• What does success really look like to you?

• What are you ready to leave behind?

• Where does your energy feel most alive?

At first, she admitted she wasn’t sure.

"The vision board that I had created, I took it down and I put it away because I knew that everything had changed again. And I didn't even want to look at it. It wasn't relevant anymore. I'm starting from scratch."

Week by week — through deep values work, guided visioning, courageous reflection, and aligned action — Allison began to build a new version of success. One rooted in clarity, confidence, and creativity. A version of herself that had always been there, just waiting to be invited forward.

Allison feeling empowered and finding her confidence again.

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The Turning Point:

"I didn’t think I had it in me"

A wide smile spread across my face as I watched her light up on Zoom.

“I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur. I always expected to be working for someone else. Things have changed so much. I’m proud of myself. And I’m excited.”

It was a defining moment — not just in her business journey, but in her relationship with herself. She had found her purpose. And it wasn’t just about building a business — it was about building a life on her own terms. One filled with autonomy, impact, and space to celebrate every win along the way.  Success redefined in alignment with core values. 

My reaction as I listened to Allison's powerful reflection on what she's truly capable of through the Freedom Formula Program and beyond.

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Creating Her Freedom Roadmap

In just 12 weeks, Allison had built a crystal-clear entrepreneurial vision to tell the shocking story of Peaches, her late cat, and to create change..

She knew the steps. She had the tools. But more importantly — she had the belief.

“Looking at the roadmap I’ve prepared based on Nicola's program, I feel empowered and confident to forge ahead and make a legacy for Peaches.”

That’s the goal: not just to plan the next chapter, but to embody it — with joy, conviction, and trust in your own path. To release yourself from the self-judgment that it’s too late to try.

Allison's bulletproof mindset in action as she shares her intent to follow through on her roadmap to honor Peaches

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🐾 What IS next for Allison?

To share the trauma of caring for Peaches. Within a blink, Allison found herself in a living nightmare. 

Listen to Allison's first-ever podcast collaboration to hear Peaches' story - — a raw and vulnerable conversation about love, grief, and the need for change in the pet hospice space.

Allison has a fire within her that is palpable. From career change to personal mission, Allison’s journey has only just begun.

She’s reaching out to professionals she once thought untouchable. She’s being featured in media like CABI, read her story: One owner’s perspective after a pet hospice journey | Human-Animal Interactions. 

And she’s on a mission to inspire, educate, and advocate for change in the way we care for our animals — and ourselves — through loss.

Peaches through her end of life care with her angel Allison at her side.

If her story resonates with you, please connect with Allison on LinkedIn. She’s actively researching, writing, and building something bigger than herself — and your support, however big or small, could help shape a movement.

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Why This Matters (For You)

Allison’s story is proof that it’s never too late to redefine success.

You're not “starting over” — you’re starting fresh, with deeper self-awareness, more wisdom, and the right kind of support.

She didn’t wait for perfect timing (there is no such thing). She took a leap. She bet on herself.

Allison got curious. She got courageous. She got real.

And now? She’s building a business — and a life — that reflects who she truly is.

Want to be the next Freedom success story?

If you’re standing at a similar crossroads — feeling the pull for something more aligned, more fulfilling — just know:

There is another way forward. One that honors your energy, values, and vision for life.

And I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Start your journey — freedom begins with a Freedom Call - one bold and honest conversation about what is and isn't working in your life. 

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Your Coach,  

Nicola Lake

Lifestyle Coach

Freedom to live life on your terms.