Some of you may recognise this beautiful, joyful face. Nikki first came to Byron Yoga Centre many years ago with a simple intention: to deepen her yoga practice and become a teacher. What unfolded was something far greater—a transformation that shaped her life and purpose in the most beautiful way.
From the moment she enrolled in our Level 1 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, something clicked. Nikki found herself not just learning about yoga, but truly living it. She fell in love with the experience and energy of the centre, and her connection to the community deepened so quickly and authentically that she decided to stay. She began helping out in the gardens—hands in the soil, heart wide open—and then, when the opportunity arose, she stepped into teaching on our retreats.
From there, her yoga journey blossomed. She went on to complete our Yin, Restorative, and Remedial Yoga Teacher Trainings, expanding her skills and capacity to hold space for others in healing, nurturing ways. Her dedication didn’t stop there—Nikki also became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Integrative Health Coach, blending the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern, evidence-based wellness practices.
Looking back, Nikki shares:
“Yoga was the catalyst that changed everything.”
“Before yoga, I felt disconnected—from my body, my needs, and my deeper self. Growing up in Canada with little awareness of health or wellbeing, I was often caught in the noise of a busy mind and unhealthy habits. But something shifted the day I stepped into my first yoga class at university. For the first time, I felt like I was coming home to myself.”
“Training and working as a Retreat Host at Byron Yoga Centre was truly life-changing. It gave me a strong foundation in teaching and a deep reverence for the heart of yoga—awareness, compassion, and conscious living.”
Fast forward a few years, and Nikki now lives on the stunning Lord Howe Island, where she continues to create absolute magic. Through Lord Howe Yoga, she offers classes, workshops, and 1-day wellness retreats that give people the opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect—with nature, with presence, and with Self.
Her offerings are infused with intentional movement, nourishment, and the space to replenish. For those who can’t visit the island, Nikki also offers online coaching and wellness consults, continuing to guide others toward a life of conscious wellbeing no matter where they are.
“Tending to our inner world is one of the most powerful things we can do for our wellbeing,” Nikki says. “Yoga continues to be one of the greatest tools I know to return to that place within, and I’m wholeheartedly grateful to have it in my life.”
Nikki’s story is a shining example of how yoga can be a spark for profound transformation. From student to teacher, from retreat host to island wellness guide, her journey is an inspiring reminder that when we follow what lights us up, we not only change our own lives—we create space for others to do the same.
We are so proud to have been a part of Nikki’s story, and we know that wherever her journey leads, she will continue to bring light, warmth, and healing to everyone she meets.
Story written by Elise Ottaway.
Follow Nikki’s journey: @nourishing_nikki
