Ankia Nel’s life has been shattered into pieces more times than she can count. But instead of giving up, she’s learned to turn those fragments into something new and beautiful each time. Now, she’s on a mission to help other women pick up their broken pieces and create their own masterpieces.
Ankia Nel’s a-ha moment hit her after a breakup last year. When she saw the lack of support for women during personal crisis after three decades in the corporate grind. She realised she wanted to be that support for others.
So, she decided to start a new chapter and return to her first love … writing. Finally finishing the book she’d been working on for over four years. A self-help guide for women that blends personal experiences with biblical wisdom.
Unfinished – A Healing Guide for Women after Divorce hit the shelves earlier this year, and its release brought an unexpected flood of inquiries and requests for guidance. It became clear to Ankia that it was time to embrace her calling. Now, she’s dedicating herself fully to supporting and empowering women through their own journeys of healing. And boy, is she thriving.
“My journey as a writer began when I was 10 years old. Writing became my sanctuary … a place where I could express my thoughts and feelings. This early passion laid the foundation for a lifelong love of storytelling and poetry.
“Later in life, I turned to writing when I lost two children and endured 12 miscarriages, which filled me with immense grief. I wrote short stories that helped me process my emotions and, eventually, found solace in poetry. This period of personal growth and healing through writing influenced my work and prepared me to share my experiences with others.”
A firm believer in lifelong growth, she also got an advanced diploma in nutrition and food science not too long ago, followed with an NLP life coach certification. Building on this foundation, she delved deeper into the field of sport and fitness nutrition, expanding her expertise to help individuals optimise their physical performance and crush their fitness goals.
Today, as an international certified neuro coach, Ankia is passionate about sparking that inner glow in others … helping them embrace total wellness, from the inside out. With her personalised coaching and savvy nutrition tips, she’s your go-to guru for achieving harmony in all aspects of life.
And so, Heal Grow Prosper was born. Ankia, driven by a deep sense of purpose, decided to create an organisation that would be a guiding light for women navigating the twists and turns of marriage and those healing from past traumas.
“I’m committed to helping women not only heal emotionally and spiritually but also to grow into resilient individuals. This journey includes physical transformation through weight loss, fitness, and overall wellness, empowering women to become the confident and empowered individuals they aspire to be.”
Beyond helping women heal and grow, her organisation is all about giving them the tools to thrive in their careers and stand on their own financial feet. Because let’s face it, many women hesitate to leave marriages due to financial concerns. That’s why she educates women on all things finances, budgets and long-term financial planning.
Then there’s her podcast, RoUnfiltered. Think cozy chats on heartfelt stories, life lessons, and all the teachings she’s picked up along the way. Covid didn’t slow her down either, she recorded a whopping 48 episodes within lockdown. Each one a shot of positivity where she lovingly shares messages that uplift and inspire, helping listeners find strength and solace despite the turmoil in the world around them.
But that’s not all. Ankia’s taking all those messages to the stage as a motivational speaker, country wide and internationally.
When she’s not empowering others, you’ll find Ankia soaking in the great outdoors … always drawn to the warmth of sunlight, the serenity of water, and the crackling comfort of a fire.
“I also love my rituals. While I start my days with a workout routine, come nightfall, a luxurious bath with candles, music, and pampering essentials like rose petals, salts, and oils allow me to truly de-stress. I also cherish afternoons spent catching up with good company over wine at a favourite restaurant.
“But equally important is cosying up at home with my Pomeranian. Family time is irreplaceable, so I love visiting my children Michaun and Mireille. Weekends sometimes involve visits to my youngest sister’s game farm in Dinokeng.”
And, when the bubbly entrepreneur needs to let her creativity loose, she turns to dancing, writing, or getting lost in a good book.
Ankia admits that she is her own biggest cheerleader, too. Believing in herself and her capabilities has been crucial. She is also very intentional with surrounding herself with a network of strong, resilient women who inspire and support her.
“While I’m incredibly grateful for the life I’ve built, there’s always room for love. One day, I’d cherish the opportunity to meet a partner who shares my zest for life, someone to love, grow old with, and create lasting memories. Life is a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges, and I’m excited to see what the future holds, both for myself and for the women I empower. None of this would have been possible without God. He is my everything.”
Let’s just say she’s busy making magic happen … one event and one incredible woman at a time, turning every single moment into something extraordinary.
Unfinished is available for around R260 from malherbe-uitgewers.co.za.
Follow @Ankia Nel on Facebook and Insta or visit healgrowprosper.co.za
5 Habits of self-love
So many women spend their days, indeed their lives, taking care of others, often ignoring their own health and wellness needs. Ankia offers easy ways to help you stay healthy and active so you can achieve your personal best, now and for a lifetime.
• Fuel your body, nourish your soul. Prioritise healthy eating. It’s not about restriction but giving your body the building blocks it needs to thrive. You’ll have more energy to conquer your goals and feel fantastic from the inside out.
• Move your body, feel your power. Find physical activity you enjoy, be it dancing, swimming, or a brisk walk. Exercise isn’t just about weight loss; it’s a mood booster, stress reliever, and a celebration of your body’s strength.
• Embrace the power of relaxation. Schedule downtime! Whether it’s a warm bath, meditation, or simply reading a book, carve out moments to de-stress and recharge. A relaxed mind is a more productive and resilient mind.
• Connect with your tribe. Surround yourself with supportive, uplifting women who make you laugh and believe in you. Strong connections foster a sense of belonging and provide a safe space to share your journey.
• Unplug and recharge. Disconnect from technology regularly. Give yourself permission to be present in the moment, free from the constant buzz of notifications. This allows for deeper self-reflection and appreciation for the world around you.
