So who IS behind Cariad?

My name is Nicola Sparkes, and I am the face behind Cariad Holistic Health and Wellness. I am also your Holistic Therapist, Reiki Master & Meditation Teacher.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for visiting Cariad and for reading this far! Your interest, time and custom are always welcomed and appreciated here.

I always knew that when I would eventually build a therapy business of my own the name would be Cariad. Cariad is Welsh for love, a name my father would call me, and what I ultimately believe we all need, both from ourselves and each other.

I have always had a keen interest in natural health since a young age. My mother had a large book of alternative/complementary medicine that I would read and she would later study reflexology herself. As most of us do, I took my own path in life up until my mid 20’s away from this. Ultimately it was an illness that truly led me to my own holistic health and wellness journey, and it was one that impacted me in every way possible. 15 years ago, I had a flourishing career in a highly pressurised sales environment, a very active social life, I was always well preened and often in the gym; to others and on the surface, I was perceived to be 'succeeding'. In truth, I was pushing myself way too hard and I had done for many years. On reflection, this was often leaving me feeling run down and low. Eventually I would succumb to a persistent viral infection, I was underperforming in my role and was ultimately forced to take time off work. At its worst, I would be bed bound for up to 16 hours a day with very debilitating symptoms. As I was told there was no cure, I started to follow my natural curiosities and knowledge of complimentary therapies; it was here I started my journey to gently train as a Holistic Therapist. During these years, I utilised these therapies, my growing knowledge, natural remedies, and started truly listening to my needs as a whole for the sake of my own health. Slowly, I became better and healthier in every way. Eventually I went into a state of ‘remission’, leading a full life with only the occasional flare up.

As a result of these experiences, years of continued study, and my work in this field during the years that have followed, I have truly learned the importance of holistic health and wellness. I believe our lives are a journey of discovery in every way; our needs change as we travel through it and grow. Consequently, the tools in our ‘wellness toolbox’ will change with our lives too and some may even become a pivotal part of your life as whole, as some have for me and many I have worked alongside and with.

If you have any questions about myself, Cariad and the way we work please feel free to get in touch with us directly using our contact page here.