I’m Simone Clarkin, life design coach and founder of Wild Alchemy.
At 58, after closing my business, I went back to university to study for a Master’s in Coaching and Mentoring. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’d loved building my business, but over time I found myself longing for a different way of life. I was craving more time to enjoy life and, in my heart of hearts, knew I had more to offer. Staying where I was felt easier than changing, until the universe stepped in and my business failed.
With a new chapter ahead of me, I became a small business coach. But although I loved coaching, I realised I was still playing it safe. What really drew me was meeting other ‘women of a certain age‘ who were questioning what they wanted from the next chapter of their lives.
And so Wild Alchemy was born, bringing together my coaching skills, life experience and fascination with human nature.
I’m happiest being creative, walking on the beach, and following the rhythms of the seasons.
If you want to know more about me, please read on.
Some facts about me
I’ve always been fascinated by people and what makes us tick. Over the past 18 years, I’ve had conversations with thousands of people, giving me a unique insight into the wonderful paradox that, while we’re all completely unique, we’re also remarkably similar.
Being creative lights up my soul. In my thirties, my big passion was designing and crafting bespoke clothing. I could lose myself in it for hours. Wild Alchemy has given me the chance to re-engage my creativity.
I spent a year in Italy after I left school, before coming back to the UK to go to university. I always thought I’d go back and live there one day, but somehow never quite got around to it.
I loved to travel when I was younger, and I’ve been lucky enough to travel around Europe, North America, and India among other places. These days, though, I’ve become much more of a homebody.
I love the slow life. Quiet mornings reading over a cup of tea or watching old episodes of Frasier over a slow breakfast or dozing quietly in the company of my sleeping pussycat.
I love walking. Walking heals everything. Walking gets the imagination and creativity flowing. Walking helps keep us alive.
I’m a third-culture kid. I was born in New Zealand and spent my early formative years there before we moved to the UK. I’ve always felt a little bit like an outsider; not quite British, not quite New Zealand.
I’ve had breast cancer twice. And both experiences have been a catalyst for giving my head a wobble, appreciating life and remembering not to keep waiting for the perfect moment.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty – and the life-giving power – of community, family and close friends.
Ever since living in Italy, I’ve been obsessed with home cooking and sustainable, handcrafted food and drink. That love of good food eventually became the soul of my wonderful retail business.
