Hey Friend,
I’ve been sitting with something big. I needed time to actually feel it, to process it. And even now, writing this… I still don’t fully know how to put it into words.
Last week, I was named Fuel Woman of the Year 2025. Even typing that feels surreal.
When the award was being announced, they said three words: Sass, Glow, and Meerkat… and suddenly, I knew. And just like that, the tears came. My whole body started shaking. (On a table full of strangers.)
This wasn’t just a shiny title. It wasn’t a trophy on a shelf (and to be honest, I’ve never won one before). It wasn’t about hitting goals or performing tasks. This award is heart. It’s soul. It’s about doing what you do because it lights you up - because you love it - and because you give a damn about the people in front of you.
And this was something my friend reminded me of when he called to congratulate me. I laughed and said, “It must’ve been rigged.” He said: “Nikki, people love you. You have no idea how you make people feel. They don’t come back because of your cues or how you tell them to move - they come back because of how you make them feel in their own skin. You wake up, you kick ass, and you do it again. You deserve this.”
And maybe, just maybe… I’m starting to believe him.
I’ve been lucky enough to coach across four fitness businesses, and through every chapter, there’s been one constant: my crew. My people.
Amongst all the change, I’ve still got my OG dynamic duo. Or as my Dad calls them - my Balmain crew. Kev and Sarah. We met back in December 2016. I was brand new. I was awkward. The session went WAY over time. My hands were shaking. I felt so watched, so judged, so out of place - the triple whammy of my social anxiety. But something clicked. Something stuck. Through newbie PT days, a pandemic, and now early Saturday morning drives from Balmain to Matraville - we’re still training. Still laughing. Still figuring it out together.
Alongside you are Joel, Polly & James, and Anne C - the longest standing Ninjas on this wild ride since 2017. You’ve been beside me through all the curveballs, the pivots, the new spaces and stages.
And here’s the beautiful thing: every single person I work with has come to me through referral. A family member. A coach. A friend who thought we’d be a good fit. Without you - your trust, your loyalty, your faith in me - I genuinely might’ve ended up back in that TV editing chair.
So while I’m the one holding the award… it’s you I get excited to show up for. It’s you that’s made this life what it is.
So many mentors over the years have said to me: “You have something I can’t coach. The systems and processes will come - that’s backend. But you, Nikki - you’re the heart. And that’s what stays with people.”
That message landed loud and clear when, at the Fuel Summit, a young girl approached me nervously and said: “You’re Nikki, right? My mum said to come find you today and say hi.” I smiled and asked, “Oh hey! Sorry - who’s your mum?” Turned out it was someone I’d coached just a few months back, before she relocated to QLD. That moment? It was everything. It reminded me just how much showing up as your weird, quirky, authentic and vulnerable self matters. You never know whose life you’ve touched - or who’s quietly cheering you on.
So to everyone who’s been part of this wild ride: thank you. You’ve given me more than a career. You’ve given me belonging, purpose, and proof that heart-led coaching matters.
With all my neon love, Stay Sassy, Nikki
Level 41. Still no tissues in my pockets. But finally proud to take up space.