Meet Nik Sweeney: National Board Certified Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nik Sweeney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nik, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Initially, it was all about the money. I walked into a Zumba class for the first time in 2011, almost against my will, but was instantly amazed at the number of women taking the class. After doing quick math in my head, I decided that day to make Zumba my side hustle.

The side hustle became more than a fitness class. We were a tribe of women transforming our health, but more was needed. The decision to level up with nutrition and behavior change coaching in 2016 would give me the tools to support our growing tribe beyond dance moves. But it wasn’t long after earning my credentials in coaching that my health took a turn for the worst.

Two major surgeries and a colon cancer diagnosis changed the once energetic ball of energy I use to be. I suddenly found myself becoming my ideal client; women who want better health, but life shows up and increases the challenge to attain better health. Interestingly, my health complications helped me create an uncomplicated approach to wellness for women. In late 2019, I opened my first holistic wellness spa with a creative way to empower self-care that leads to health care. We call it Beautifully Well.

What should our readers know about your business?
Fresh flowers, bamboo, tropical-jazz sounds, candles flickering and a soft wave of infrared heat from the sauna is the Amani Nicol Wellness experience. Does it give clinical vibes or can you imagine the relax? We make healthy fabulous for women who are challenged with time, energy, stress and the impact of chronic illness.

Amani Nicol is a holistic wellness spa with an innovative approach to how women care for their health. We call it self-care meets healthcare. We developed a membership-based program, which gives access to holistic therapies to increase energy, reduce stress and empower motivation to embrace other healthy habits. When our clients start to feel better, our coaches, trained in behavior change psychology, can engage in realistic goal setting for sustainable change.

We are gamechangers in the wellness space for women’s health. We speak their language and we are building more resources to support their overall wellbeing. The pandemic shed light on the impact of chronic illness. The underlying health conditions conversations has put us in a position of strength in the eyes of the healthcare system.

Our Pandemic Pivot to Prevention provided access to Diabetes prevention and our virtual wellness suite. In May 2020, we earned CDC recognition for our Beautifully Well Lifestyle Change Program, a diabetes prevention program designed for women. At a time when we could have felt defeated, the desire to continue to support our clients was a priority. The pursuit of CDC recognition led to Medicaid approval in the state of Maryland, contracts with Aetna and United Healthcare for insurance reimbursement. The accomplishments during the pandemic has been key to expanding our reach.

Amani Nicol Wellness will continue to be the change that brings healthy sustainable change for women seeking to feel better, live longer, get stronger and be Beautifully Well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you love water, food and luxury, the first stop has to be the National Harbor. It’s neatly surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay with access to wonderful hotel window views, a variety of restaurants, shopping and chillest vibe in Fall.

Everyone knows that Maryland is famous for delicious crab cakes. The best place to get a jumbo lump crab cake is Koko’s pub and second on the list is Papas Restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my “silent” partner who refuses to let me quit, my husband of eleven years Phil! Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster journey with highs and lows. It means so much to me to have a beautiful family, friends and colleagues who have been there for me every step of the way. But Phil has put his trust in my abilities to succeed. I only refer to my husband as a “silent” partner because he takes care of everything I need behind the scenes, which allows me to keep pushing without some of the financial pressures. Owning a business is a big decision in a marriage and it can put a strain on the relationship. I’m thankful and happy to have the complete support of my loving husband.

Website: www.amaninicol.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/amaninicolwellness

Linkedin: www.linkedin/in/niksweeney

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/amaninicolwellness

Youtube: amaninicol