About me

I’m Simone Clarkin, a professional life design coach based in the UK. 

I created Wild Alchemy because I wanted to share what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) about creating a life that feels right. I help women in midlife, to pause, take stock, and start shaping a future that feels inspiring, peaceful, and in tune with who they are. 

 

 

Simone Clarkin, smiling and laughing, enjoys a coffee by a sunny window.

If you’re ready to explore what ‘next‘ might look like for you, keep reading. I’d love for you to get to know me and see if we’re a good fit. 

Why midlife?

Because I’ve been there. Six years ago, everything looked fine on the outside. I had built an award-winning business and was enjoying my life; but inside I knew something wasn’t right. The onset of menopause, followed by a cancer diagnosis brought everything into sharp focus and made me ask: Is this really how I want to live the rest of my life? 

The truth was, it wasn’t. But I didn’t know what I wanted instead. I was scared to step outside of what felt safe, hoping someone else would show me the way. Eventually, life gave me the nudge I needed when my business began to decline, and I had to close it. Looking back, that was the start of finding my ‘new ordinary’. 

A dark blue background that fades into a brighter blue. A light blue, against the background there's a line drawing of a butterfly. Small golden stars are scattered around the scene.

My approach

I’ve been on a lifelong learning journey that began first with social anthropology, languages, and psychology,  and then led me to a Master’s in Coaching from Newcastle University at 58. This is the foundation that fuels my passion for exploring human behavior, figuring out what actually motivates us, and understanding why we do the things we do.

Throughout my working life, I’ve focused on creating award-winning customer experiences. I’m endlessly curious about what lights people up, and I’ve learned something crucial first-hand: confidence doesn’t wait for you to be ready. It comes from just taking those small steps, even when you’re a little scared. 

Simone Clarkin of A Life Less Ordinary Coaching sits at a bench desk looking at a laptop computer. A mobile phone and a coffee cup are beside her.

My new ordinary

On a day-to-day note, I’m passionate about sustainable food (not just cooking it, but eating it too!) and I’ve just started a fun new adventure: trying to grow my own fruit and vegetables. I love spending quality time with my family. That includes our cat, Weasley, who definitely runs the show around here! When I want to clear my head and find inspiration, you can usually find me enjoying yoga or taking long walks along the beach near my home. 

A beach scene with the tide out, revealing wet sand and shallow pools. Low cliffs line part of the shoreline, and a moody, overcast sky looms above. Two people are silhouetted in the distance, walking near the water’s edge.

I know from personal experience that midlife is not an ending, but a beginning. A time of possibility. And often, it’s the quietest whispers, the gentlest steps, that lead us toward the most meaningful change. 

I also believe that the key to a happy life is to imagine the daily life we want to live, our ideal everyday, and then work backward to create it. 

Look forward to meeting you soon,

Hand written signature: Simone
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