Meet Nicole Zimmermann | Trauma informed breathwork coach & ceremonialist

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

Hi Nicole, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe that there are many different elements that play into the success of my brand. I also feel like I have to note that my definition of success has changed immensely over the last couple of years. I think for a lot of us, when we hear the word “success,” our minds are automatically driven to think in terms of money & status. To me, success is about being able to be the most authentic version of myself possible. It means not having to hide behind a mask or run away from my feelings. It means being loved in both my darkness and my light. It means being surrounded by loved ones who support and inspire me. It means doing meaningful work that I love. It means having multiple channels in which I can express my creativity. It means being abundant in all areas of my life. So what has been the most important factor behind attaining this definition of success?
I would say that it has been all of the work that I’ve put into my journey of self-love. When I am in a loving relationship with myself, that love outpours into every other area of my life and I always have clarity on how to take the next step. Loving myself has led me to the work that I love, the people that I love & the creation of my own unique life that I love.
Especially in my line of work, it is extremely important to be filling up my own cup so that I can hold space for others. If I don’t love myself, then how can I help others to love themselves?
I would say that love and reverence for oneself is the foundation for success in all areas of life. If we don’t love ourselves, then even if we have all the money in the world, none of it really matters.

What should our readers know about your business?
So I have a wellness business that incorporates a bunch of different things that I am super passionate about. I am a breathwork & meditation coach, so I work with clients 1:1, I host events, plant-medicine ceremonies & retreats, & teach at various studios. I would say that my business is in the budding phase & just within the last year or so have I become clear on my purpose and what I really want to offer to the world, & it continues to evolve. My business is really just sharing the modalities that have helped me the most along my healing journey – breathwork, meditation, movement, psychedelics, community, music, etc. I feel so incredibly grateful every single day that this is what I get to call “work.” To be completely honest, it does feel a bit overwhelming at times being in this budding phase and doing everything on my own, but I just have to keep remembering that this is all part of the journey and it’s such a gift to be learning all of this stuff, even when it does feel challenging.
Getting here has been hard and beautiful and everything in between. The adversity and challenges and rejection I’ve faced on my journey have been my greatest teachers. I truly believe that the challenges are what shape us and show us what we don’t want and as cliché as it sounds, when one door closes, another bigger and better one opens. Running an aligned business is ALL about trial and error.
I think that my authenticity and my passion are the main drivers of my success up to this point – I am a fighter, and when I have my heart set on something, you best believe I will do whatever it takes to achieve that. Also learning when to say no and when to say yes. I feel like a lot of us are programmed to always say yes to things and people please, and that can be so incredibly draining. You will get a lot further when you can learn to say no and honor your body’s needs.
I think the main thing I would want people to know about my brand and my story is that the reason I do this work is because I have lived and breathed, and continue to live and breathe it. I spent the vast majority of my life heavily reliant on drugs and alcohol and struggling with an eating disorder and this work has absolutely saved my life. In a culture that conditions us to run away from ourselves and numb out, it is a radical act of self-love to do the work so that we can come back home to ourselves and stop hiding.
I am currently most excited about the beautiful community I am building, my retreat in early 2023, and the podcast I am launching in the next couple of months 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not super into going out to eat or drinking or partying. I would have to say that my idea of a good time is getting into nature, taking my shoes off, and connecting with the earth. My favorite place to go hiking and exploring is Topanga 🙂 And I do love to dance, so anywhere with great music and a fun crowd of people. On the weekends, you can either catch me on the beach, in the canyons or at some sort of wellness event (which Los Angeles has an abundance of!) I also always find Erewhon to be a really good time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my Mom!!!! hahah, jk. Momma really does deserve a lot of the credit though 🙂

But in all seriousness, there have been so many different people that have helped me on my journey. My relationships have been, and continue to be, my greatest teachers. In addition to that, I’ve worked with so many amazing mentors and coaches that have guided me to where I am now.

I do have to give a special shoutout to my ex, Steve. He’s the person who is sticking out the most to me now. I met Steve when I was in the lowest point of my life and through his love and support, I was able to make it out alive and really begin to step into my power. And although things didn’t work out at the end of the day, his presence in my life was pivotal for my growth and expansion.

Also just a huge shoutout to all of my loved ones. The power of love and community never fails to amaze me. I am so incredibly lucky that I am surrounded and held by so many compassionate, powerful & inspiring people who are always there to pick me up in my dark moments.

Oh, and shoutout to my dog Jasmine back at home. She’s the realest.

Instagram: @Nicole_zimmermann