Eating Disorder Recovery Coin

After leaving her abusive marriage in 2000, with her infant son in tow, Nicole found a few unexpected bumps in the road that she traveled upon.

With her young son in her custody, Nicole was faced with deciding what was more important; getting divorced from her abusive husband through the help of legal-aid and having to quit her job, file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, get on welfare and government assistance or to stay the course and face years of living a life with what she foresaw was an uncertain future, with undue hardship and strain. Little did she know then, the magnitude or impact of her decision that fateful day.

She made one of the most difficult decisions of her life and chose to “play the game” so that she could rebuild her and her young son’s life. Looking back, Nicole says, “It was the best decision I ever made, next to leaving her son’s father and their unhealthy relationship.”

In the years to come, Nicole discovered a niche-industry within real estate, that turned her life around and helped create multi-million dollar producing software products that were able to give her the much-needed answer to her prayers for a better life for her and her son.

Against all odds, she was able to beat the system and climb her way out of what seemed like a bottomless pit of an existence of being a “Welfare Mom,” to a life that was filled with stability, financial security and unlimited opportunities.

In April of 2022, Nicole sold her real estate automation software and coaching business as well as sold her vacation rental condo in Florida. She was able to not work for a few years and live off of the proceeds. 

One of her current passion projects is her: ‘Eating Disorder Recovery Coin,‘ which she created into a real coin in February of 2024. Today, she is focused on using her coin for good, to help others in recovery and has created a branded merch, decor and accessory collections that incorporate AI, her art and images of her ‘Eating Disorder Recovery Coin.’

Another project that is close to Nicole’s heart is her “Eating Disorder Recovery Path.” This is a supportive, trauma-informed, peer-led, membership site for those navigating eating disorder recovery. Access self-paced course, tools, resources and community to build a path that fits your life. Your recovery, your way! Learn more below.

After spending 2 years in treatment programs in the Seattle area, she has come a LONG way and is committed to continue working hard on her own recovery. She also has fought and graciously won her battle with breast cancer a few years ago. Nicole is a fighter and survivor. These experiences have shaped her into who she is today and have helped her prioritize what really matters in her life. Life is short and Y.O.L.O.

Today, Nicole lives in Washington state, close to the family and hometown that shaped her. Recovery remains a daily commitment: one she embraces as she works to restore her health, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Her greatest pride, however, is her son, Nick Surfer Ocean. Now 25, he’s living his dream by living most of the year in Thailand, traveling the world, riding his bicycle and carving out his own path. Watching him thrive is a reminder of how far they’ve both come.

Looking back, Nicole sees not just the struggles but the victories: the moments of courage, resilience, and reinvention. Life has tested her in ways she never imagined, but she’s still here, still fighting, and still finding new ways to create, heal, and inspire. And for that, she is endlessly proud, not just of her son, but of herself.