NICOLE SPARGO - Owner of Five Star Day Spa

To step into Five Star Day Spa, tucked away in Erina on the Central Coast, you immediately feel a sense of calm. 

So what a pleasure it was to set up some microphones in the beautiful waiting room and sit down with spa owner Nicole Spargo, who has recently celebrated 10 years of owning the business. 

From moment I met Nicole, there was such a warmth about her, something you would expect from someone who has run such a successful space that has served as a haven for so many people; offering the finest holistic wellness, relaxation, skin and body treatments.

But something that you might not expect, is that the reason for taking over the business all those years ago, was to escape an emotionally abusive relationship, one of manipulation and cohesive control. 

After packing up her car, leaving Sydney, and taking her 4 kids to start a new life on the coast, it would only be the start of battling custody of 2 of her children with her ex partner and privately managing years of challenges that would follow. 

With the support of her now fiancé Michael, her family and finally someone within Domestic Violence unit in Gosford, that Nicoles years of reports and documentation would land on their desk and things would change literally overnight.

One thing I will say and something that is echoed in this conversation is that despite all Nicole had to endure, her resilience and determination to not give up for herself or her children, is just one of the many incredible qualities she has. It does not define her, and she has worked so hard to create a beautiful space in Five Star Day Spa, alongside her brilliant team and support network. 

A big part of the treatments offered in the spa, has been motivated by Nicole wanting to create a place for people to come and feel looked after from the moment the walk in the door, because as she knows all to well you just never know what someone might be going through.

The multi award winning business continues to go from strength to strength, always evolving and collaborating with other like minded networks on the coast. 

For anyone listening, we do chat through topics of emotional abuse in a relationship so if this brings up any feelings for you, do not hesitate to come back to this at a later time. 

Nicole - thank you again for being so brave to share such a tough part of your journey to get to where you are today.  I know you are so proud, but I hope listening to this is a reminder of all you have achieved for yourself, for your family, and for all the people who get the pleasure of stepping into Five Star Day Spas doors.