Meet Me
Let me introduce myself
Nikki Vallance
Today I write novels, I podcast, I speak about creativity and its importance in all our lives. I’m having creative adventures, exploring and expressing my creativity in multiple ways. But this wasn’t always how I spent my time.
Switching is a change of direction. Many times in life we can feel like we’re standing at a crossroads, unsure of which route to take. There’s a mix of excitement and fear of what lies ahead, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and discovery. Switching is part of who I am. I’ve changed direction five times and now as a conscious switcher, I believe that it’s completely okay and not something to be scared of. It’s about recognising when something isn’t working for you, when something feels like it’s missing, pushing past your fears, and taking the steps towards something else, even if you don’t know what that ‘something’ is yet.
As an allrounder at school, I had so many options available to me. I had lots creative interests but not a specific career or calling in mind. Switches one and two from a chemistry degree to chartered accountancy, and then on to a long career in recruitment stemmed from the belief that these were sensible professional career paths. I had grown up at a time when getting a ‘proper job’ meant shutting down your creativity.
Nurturing Careers & Dreams
The trouble with unexpressed creativity is that just because you don’t follow a calling or a career, the creative switch is going to get you whatever happens. If you want to thrive, you can’t ignore the impulse to switch. Too many people do. That’s not living, that’s just surviving.
So switch three came when I first recognised creativity was missing and set a creative goal which rapidly turned into ‘publish a novel’. I left recruitment to coach creative writers whilst continuing to write myself until I got my publishing deal and became an author.
Over the last few years I have spent time on courses, at creative festivals and with amazing coaches and mentors. There have been many moments of realisation and a sense of arriving in my own skin. I no longer introduce myself as what I do but who I am. I see my ability to switch as a gift. I live outside the edges of expectation and allow creativity in its broadest sense to be my calling. It is undefined. It is boxless and it allows me the freedom to be a creative adventurer. I podcast and speak on creativity because I believe it is a fundamental part of being human. If we can’t sustain ourselves how can we hope to look after the planet?
Embracing your creativity is essential. Whatever form it takes, if you are sitting on unexpressed creativity I want to encourage you to embrace yours too. If you’re wondering exactly just how I made my switches and deviated down the path less travelled read more here.
Hosted Online Author Showcases
Podcast Episodes So Far
Hosted ‘Business of Books’ interviews
be True to yourself
Living Boldly, Creating Freely
For me “Living boldly” means following my instincts and trying new things, always being true to myself and my unique way of doing things. It involves being decisive, embracing the discomfort of not mastering something immediately, and stepping into visibility despite the fear of judgment. It’s about being ready to change direction when it feels right, embracing uncertainty, and allowing myself to feel vulnerable. “Creating freely” is about exploring all forms of creative expression without being confined by labels or expectations.
It means working openly and resisting the pressure to conform to societal norms or boxes. This strapline represents who I am and how I live rather than what I do—always striving to be authentic and true to my inner voice.
The Journey So Far
My Latest Creative Adventure
My latest creative adventure stems from a long-held dream to dance the Argentine Tango in Buenos Aires. I still can’t quite believe we took that trip and experienced an intensive week of lessons there. My husband and I have since made tango lessons a cherished part of our weekends. Who knows where our dancing feet will lead us next?
“I firmly believe that you don’t have to wait to pursue your creative dreams. I am living proof that it’s possible to achieve your ambitions, one recipe, painting, book, TV script, or aria at a time. As George Eliot famously said, ‘It’s never too late to be who you might have been.”
