Meet our Wednesday Wonder Woman, Nicky Raby.

Actor, Coach, Writer, Speaker, Presenter, Blogger – a ‘mulit-passionate entrepreneur’ with a big Northern heart and contagious positive, creative energy.  Nicky is a wonderful coach and true inspiration, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck or you’re just not sure where to begin, in your business or life.

When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to use my imagination. The majority of my games indulged my acting side- running my own shoe shop from my bedroom, face painting, creating dens and mainly wearing a shell suit and a triple luminous scrunchie high pony tail.. welcome to the 80’s ladies!

What do you do now? For work? For fun?

For work I have blended my passions so my working week consists of acting, coaching, writing, speaking, presenting and blogging. I knew from an early age that I was never going to fall into one category- as Marie Forleo advocates, I am a multi passionate entrepreneur.  
For fun, much of my time is spent with friends and family, but I am equally comfortable in my own company- reading, taking a yoga class or pottering. Good food, wine and conversation feature highly but that can be in the form of a pub lunch/walk in the woods/a bar with space to dance or at home on the sofa with the telly, films and blankets.

How did you get into your area of expertise?

I went to drama school when I was 18 and moved down to London. I have almost spent half my life in London which is quite a feat for a Northern girl! I trained for 3 years and was lucky enough to land work and an agent straight away so hit the ground running. In the years following, I have been figuring it out and focusing on what I know rather than what I don’t. The acting industry can be notoriously unpredictable so in the meantime, I have always kept myself inspired and feeling creative- this has been key for me.

What obstacles have you faced in following your dreams and how have you overcome them?

Obstacles always like to pop up and I’m sure will continue to do so but as I have got older I deal with them so much better and embrace the challenge. Competition is rife in the acting world so I have learnt to stay in my lane and focus on what I am doing and try to ‘do my best’ every time. If I give my best, my best will be remembered. It can be exhausting trying to squeeze yourself into a mould that doesn’t fit, so I focus on being the best version of me. This lesson has been useful as I have combined my passions.

In terms of my work as a business owner, everyone has wobbles. Everyone can doubt their abilities at certain points or feel like they haven’t got it all figured out. I learnt to breathe in all those challenges, struggles and low points as they have now become part of who I am today and it is all a learning experience.

What’s the best part of what you do?

I love being self employed and being in charge of my own destiny. Creativity runs through everything I do and I love that I can be creative everyday. I love my community that I interact with daily and working collaboratively on projects. There is no greater feeling in business than having a scrap of an idea, working hard and being able to make it happen

What advice do you have for other women who might want to follow suit?

Just start as there is never going to be a perfect time. You are never going to feel fully prepared. Get clear on what you want to achieve and take steps every day that are going to take you closer.

What’s your morning routine?

I am an early riser and mornings for me are all about creativity and writing. I wrote my book, ‘Be Ready for your Lucky Break’ during the early hours of the morning as this was the time I ‘felt the flow’ as it were. I take a few minutes to wake and check in with myself. How am I feeling? What did I dream about? What have I got on that day? Then I say something positive in my head to start me in the right frame of mind. Food and drink call quickly- gallons of tea, orange and a healthy breakfast and a green juice if working from home. I really try to fuel myself up for the day with energy food- nothing worse than a ‘hangry’ Nicky.  I like to do some stretching or an early morning walk with a podcast or audio book- there are so many great green spaces in North London and we take full advantage of them.

3 things that are on your ‘to do’ list today?

Order a food processor. I am on a bit of a mission at the moment to cut down on my sugar intake as I am such a sugar fiend, so looking to make some healthy alternative snacks. I always write a tasks list for the work day- emails, clients, writing time, social media, blogging…the list goes on so need to crack on with that. Plus order an online shop. This has changed my life- so simple but so effective. Do it, you won’t regret it.

What are you working on at the moment? Next project?

I am working on an online course for entrepreneurs and continuing to build and grow my coaching business. I am writing a second book and a 6 part drama for women with my writing partner.

One woman you admire and why?

Drew Barrymore. She blends so many projects; acting, producing, directing, photography, a make up line, a business owner and being a Mum. All of which she seems to do with a ‘I’ll figure it out’ attitude. She isn’t afraid to enter new divisions and keeps pushing herself to learn and make it happen.

Three wishes?

Health for myself and family.  To always trust myself and have belief that I can do whatever I set my mind to.  For others to truly create their lives on their terms and to not ignore negative, unhelpful voices but to push through and really go for it.

Who do you turn to for advice?

My mum. She is so wise, practical and balanced in what she says. Plus she is very solution orientated, so a quick chat can guide you out of ‘fuzzy-headed confusion’ to finding a way to solve it. 

Who do you turn to for a shoulder to cry on?

My partner Matt. He is hilarious and knows me inside out. He can quickly snap me out of that mood, but he is a great listener. Plus man hugs and tea/wine/cocktail go a long way.

Favourite book?

I don’t have one particular favourite, I call upon many in different times and for different needs. My bookshelves are stacked though so there is always something to read – I share the reviews of my favourites on my Facebook page 

Favourite movie?

Too difficult to choose….

Favourite childhood game?

Imaginary play plus my dressing up box = hours of fun

Fantasy career? Why?

More of the same, please. I want to keep building on what I have created and learning so I can reach more people.

Words for motivation?

If you do nothing, nothing will change. If you do something, something might.

#FeelGoodFriday song?

Beyonce- Crazy in love

Favourite quote?

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” Audrey Hepburn

Thanks so much Nicky!

xo Louise

To find out more about Nicky and working with her, head over to her website