News / Wellness
Businesswoman becomes ‘digital nomad’ after fire devastation
A businesswoman who lost everything in a devastating fire has turned her tragic experience into an “ultimate life-changing opportunity” by becoming a “digital nomad” and traveling the world.
Nicole “Nicky” Maidment, 65, an accredited Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer and founder of the counselling practice Purple Minds, has helped a diverse range of clients, from business leaders to students, since establishing the practice in 2010.
But the serendipity of her life was shattered with a tragic sequence of events.
Nicky was living in a “picture postcard” area of Clifton when disaster struck. A fire, caused by an electrical fault, destroyed nearly all of her possessions.
Nicky Maidment, an accredited Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer founded the counselling practice Purple Minds back in 2010
Fortunately, Nicky, along with her son and grandson, escaped unharmed – an event she now credits with changing her life.
“It was a horrific experience, but the most important thing was that we all got out safely,” said Nicky. “Instead of feeling devastated, I saw it as a wake-up call to get out and live life. I realised I didn’t need ‘stuff.’ It freed me to embark on an adventure.”
Nicky said she saw the experience as an opportunity to reevaluate her life’s priorities.
“I had lived in big houses in the past, but I was miserable due to my circumstances and mindset,” she explained. “Now, it’s more about having purpose and joy—and being with people I love.”
With the world in lockdown, Nicky found herself at home, but once restrictions eased, she made a bold decision: to move abroad. Choosing Malta, where she had spent part of her childhood, Nicky signed up for a co-living arrangement with a group of young people.
Nicky who lost everything in a devastating fire has turned her tragic experience into an “ultimate life-changing opportunity” by becoming a “digital nomad”
The experience proved to be a pivotal one, as she adapted to a new lifestyle and embraced her role as a digital nomad, working remotely as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner.
From Malta, Nicky’s journey took her to Australia, Bali, Thailand, Italy, and Austria, where she continues to live and work remotely, helping clients tackle everything from phobias to addictions.
After going through a rollercoaster of emotions, Nicky said she learned “the invaluable lesson that life isn’t about material things – it’s about living in the moment and pursuing what truly matters.”
“I’ve never looked back,” she said. “I lost stuff, but stuff can be replaced. What can’t be replaced is the freedom to live life on my terms.”
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“I’ve always been interested in personal development, and NLP has allowed me to combine that with my desire to make a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.
Remnant from the house fire which reduced everything to ashes
Nicky pointed out that sometimes, the most devastating moments in life can serve as catalysts for profound personal growth and transformation.
All photos: Nicky Maidment
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