Episode 4
Nichelle Laus
Episode Summery:
Nichelle Laus is a former police officer turned women’s self-defense coach and co-founder of 416 Tactical Supplies. She suffered incredible trauma centered around sexual abuse as a child, which sent her on a journey to reclaim her power through kickboxing and heal through helping others. The people who were there for her at the height of her pain and suffering as a child, the people who rescued her from her situation, were the police, and so she was inspired to become a police officer so she could pay this feeling forward and have others girls who are suffering, feel safe with her. During her time on Peel Reginal police force her duties included general patrol, community services, helping break barriers between officers and the youth.
As a fitness instructor she has helped thousands of women over the last 20 years along get fit, eat better, have a better outlook on life.
She holds private self-defense workshops, shares safety tips on social media and does motivational speaking engagements.
This busy entrepreneur and mom of 4 boys joins us on the podcast to share her inspiring story.
Episode Takeaways:
1. Navigating Childhood & Healing from Trauma
Nichelle shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and transforming it into a mission to empower women. The spark for this mission ignited from her own experiences of abuse, which remained unspoken for years. At 14, Nichelle decided to reclaim her freedom. It wasn’t until her thirties that she began sharing her story, finding that it resonated with others and facilitated mutual healing.
Nichelle found solace and strength in sports, particularly kickboxing, which she pursued passionately, channeling her emotions into physical activity. This became a pivotal part of her healing process. Her desire to help others was further reinforced by the support she received from the police during her legal battles, inspiring her to become an officer themselves. She served on the Peel Regional Police Force before finishing her career in York Region, dedicating 15 years to making others feel safe and empowered, just as she had once felt. Through her story, Nichelle hope to inspire, motivate, and empower other women to overcome their traumas and find strength within themselves.
2. Becoming a Police Officer
Nichelle’s journey began with a powerful drive for healing and personal growth. She harnessed all the intense feelings and emotions that were generated and transformed them into motivation to improve her physical and mental well-being. Learning how to get fit and healthy became a crucial part of her healing process. Eventually, she pursued a career as a police officer, where she could make a difference in people’s lives and contribute to the safety of her community.
3. Guided by Mentors
Mentors play an essential role in shaping our paths. Nichelle’s original kickboxing coach, Conrad Ploth, had significant influence of her life. Despite his unawareness of the impact he had on her, he provided guidance, safety, and technical expertise during your kickboxing and boxing journey. His mentorship extended beyond the physical aspects of martial arts, emphasizing the multifaceted role of a coach. Additionally, Nichelle’s brother-in-law, an officer in Ontario, offered valuable insights and practical advice, helping her navigate her career choices.
3. Domestic Violence and the Role of Police
It’s heartbreaking how many individuals suffer silently within abusive relationships. As a police officer, Nichelle witnessed the complexities of these situations firsthand. The shift from discretionary handling to mandatory intervention has been crucial. By taking decisive action, officers like Nichelle help break the cycle of abuse and provide victims with a chance to escape dangerous situations. The tipping point occurs when there’s no turning back, and safety becomes the priority.
4. Fitness Training & Competitions
Training almost every day, being at the gym, sparring with others—were the cornerstones of Nichelle’s life. Feeling strong, empowered, and physically fit fueled her passion. But when circumstances changed, she sought an alternative that allowed her to remain competitive. Enter fitness competitions.
Witnessing someone transform their body through nutrition and dedication intrigued Nichelle. The flexibility of training on your own time, especially with young children, became crucial for her. She found her first fitness competition exhilarating—a blend of physical transformation, strategy, and newfound confidence. Friends, especially fellow police officers, marveled at your journey and sought your guidance.
This organic shift led her to become an online fitness coach, helping thousands of women over two decades.
In 2015, Nichelle decided to open a gym, OTC Toronto (Optimum Training Centre). It was a place to impact her community, run classes, and empower others. But then the pandemic struck, devastating her business. Despite her unwavering efforts, circumstances forced the gym to closure.
5. Entrepreneurial Journey: 416 Tactical Supply
416 Tactical Supply emerged unexpectedly for Nichelle and her husband Dave as Covid lockdowns forced the couple to shut down their thriving gym operations. Stuck in a 10,000 square foot commercial space lease pace Nichelle and her husband pivoted to turning the space into a store that sells tactical and essential safety equipment to emergency personnel. They pivoted and overcame an obstacle. The couple’s entrepreneurial journey, offers hope and resilience.
Conclusion
Nichelle leads a spontaneous, active life and lists her fitness coach as her accountability partner, stressing the importance of husband’s love and support in her life. She also reveals the importance of a solid support system.
Nichelle shares safety tips on her Instagram page, so make sure to follow to stay aware of the latest scams she learns about from her friends who are still in law enforcement. Nichelle is passionate about keeping her community safe and ensuring women have the training they need to protect themselves and their loved ones. You can book Nichelle for public speaking engagement on the topic of safety and to run women self-defense workshop.
Nichelle’s tips on staying in your power:
You can overcome any obstacle as long as you are in control of it
In the face of challenge stay present, be ready to pivot and overcome
Make sure to have a strong support system in place
Take a class or a workshop on self defense
Be mindful of the self-imposed barriers that you put up, your fears and break through them
Be mindful of reality.
Stay aware.
Co-Owner, 416 Tactical Supply
Verified Canadian TikTok Content Creator (1.1 Million+ Followers)