Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Cook
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before I opened my practice, I was working an office job and raising two small kids. I didn’t like how I was showing up in life. Every morning I would wake up determined to show up differently, but it never seemed to work for long. I finally put a small Buddha statue on my desk as a reminder to keep trying. I had set an intention that started an entire journey I wasn’t expecting. Eventually, unusual things started happening that broke me out of my routine, and actually had me feeling a bit out of control.
I reached out to the only alternative/energy practitioner I knew for help. She gave me some advice and mental exercises to try to regain sovereignty over my living space and my energy. I tried them, and all of the “strangeness” and uneasy feelings simply vanished. Being able to make such a significant change with so little effort had me paying attention.
I began to study energy, healing, the law of attraction, and countless other topics. I finally decided that taking a Reiki course would help me determine if this stuff was actually real. I was shocked to find that I could actually feel energy moving in the instructor’s body by the end of the class.
I then learned how Reiki can help with anxiety and pain management. There are even clinical studies showing statistically significant results from Reiki treatments. I saw that helping people with such a powerful yet gentle process could be a fulfilling way to fill my work days, so I got certified.
Then, the office condo my husband and I had been eyeing for years went up for sale. Somehow, the stars aligned and we were able to secure it. Finally, the Hoot Spot officially became a brick and mortar Reiki practice!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles along the way? Of course. I think those happen with any business. But one challenge that has been particularly interesting to tackle is helping folks understand what Reiki is. It’s certainly become much more mainstream in recent years, but it’s also still a complete unknown for many. I think if more people could try Reiki, the world might be a little happier. But for that to happen, they first need to know it exists and that it’s safe and effective.
We’ve been impressed with The Hoot Spot, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think the most important thing I want people to know about my practice is how important inclusivity is here. I wanted to create a space where anyone would feel welcome and at ease. For Reiki to have its fullest impact, clients need to feel safe. I’m really proud to say I’ve made a lot of progress in that regard. Everyone who visits the studio remarks about how peaceful and welcoming it feels. That’s always exciting.
The second thing that I’ve really enjoyed about having the studio is the ability to connect with the community. We have monthly healing circles and other community events. The coolest people show up! And we always leave with new great nuggets of wisdom that attendees have shared.
I love being able to connect with clients one on one to help them destress, reconnect, and jumpstart their healing in a peaceful environment. I think many of us are longing to reconnect with other people in person. I’m so grateful to have a space that facilitates that, and my clients are too.
All of our events can be found by linking out to “Events” from the website, or by following The Hoot Spot on Eventbrite.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The thing I’ve had to master is trusting in my own inner guidance and trusting what I’m feeling when working with clients. Working with the body’s energy field is a practice as old as time, but our current culture doesn’t teach that very well. And if I can help other people learn to tap into the natural healing power their bodies already have – that’s what success looks like to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehootspot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehootspot.reiki
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehootspot
Image Credits
Head shots (denim shirt): MNJ Photo
