Nicole Manning

My mum came home one day with a Nutrimetics kit. It had a moisturiser, a toner and a cleanser and I treasured it! It was in a beautiful peach and white packaging… it was the most luxurious thing I’d ever had.

Not long after that, she sent me off for a facial with a lady named Jane at Ella Bache in the Blue Mountains. I loved it and remember thinking this was fun!

At various stages in my life, my answer to this question could have been ‘playing sport’, ‘travelling’, ‘swimming in the ocean’ and even ‘giving facials’. Now, two years into motherhood, I feel most like myself when caring for my little girl.

I think women these days tend to have a number of ‘selves’ to meet the demands of work, family and friends. I am happy to say that I’m enjoying all of mine.

My investment in relationships, definitely.

Time spent chatting, laughing and crying with clients has led to truly meaningful relationships and a rewarding career. Time spent dreaming and learning with Clare led to the creation of Fenn. Time spent cycling, dining and dancing with Tim led to marriage and our family. Now, time invested with Grace has such a direct ‘return’ in quality of our relationship and her abilities.

Spend time.

Oh, so many!

I admire the wonderful lady at childcare who takes such a genuine interest in the kids, day in day out. I admire the client who comes in and, through her achievements shows me that ‘the juggle’ of children and career is possible. I admire the beautiful older couple sitting at the restaurant sharing a romantic meal after 50 years of marriage… I admire all of these personalities and rely on them all to inspire me.

In a little over 5 years, I’ve grown from a single person with a single-person business to a family of three (with a fourth in a few weeks!) and a much larger business. The increase in complexity has required a conscious effort to be organised.

A little boring, I know, but the ability to plan out our days & weeks in advance is a new skill for me which has saved me from chaos.

“You should aim to look very young, forever.”

I am cautiously optimistic that the sophisticated woman understands that true beauty is to age gracefully – embrace yourself.