Nicole Bottles ’10

Jean Bigelow, Alumni Liaison

I met with Nicole (and her beautiful puppy, Russett) one lovely sunny morning in May as she was opening her small knitting shop in Langford Station, a creative hub in that area. Nicole came to GNS in Grade 5, from the US. She remembers well many things about the school including knitting with Mrs. Tanner. She has fond memories of choir and band and her love of music continues to this day. Halfway through Grade 10, Nicole contracted Lyme disease, which became very debilitating for her. Despite a great deal of advocacy on her behalf, locally, Nicole eventually sought treatment in Eastern USA where Lyme disease appeared to be better understood and treated. Nicole ended up unable to walk much and used a wheelchair for mobility. The disease’s side effects made attendance at school a challenge but Nicole was able to complete Spanish and English at the IB level, for which she is justifiably proud.

After graduation from GNS, Nicole continued to be treated for Lyme disease for the following 8 years. She spent much of her time lobbying in Ottawa for Elizabeth May to bring forward a private members bill (C442) to create a federal framework for addressing the various issues around the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in Canada. It standardized education regarding Lyme disease across the country. Supported by the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, Nicole worked with passion and dedication. She testified before the Senate subcommittee on this issue as well as presented to anyone and everyone who would listen. She wrote endless letters and met with every politician who would give her an audience. Nicole is delighted to report that the bill passed unanimously both in the House of Commons and the Senate. Throughout this process, Nicole learned more than she ever thought about politics and how things happen in this country. The disease caused so much pain that walking was almost impossible and that, combined with spinal issues, meant Nicole spent 12 years in a wheelchair. Due to continuous work on her recovery, she has now reached a point where she is no longer dependent on her wheelchair. She still is developing her stamina and energy, but things continue to improve, albeit very slowly. Nicole was taught to knit by her grandmother when she was seven years old on her week-long visits to Ontario. She had to puzzle things out in the times between visits as in those days there was no way to look things up on Youtube. At age nine, Nicole taught her first knitting class, a testament to the knitter she had become in two short years! When she was fifteen the local public library started a free knitting programme as a community service. The items that were produced were donated to Our Place for the unhoused. She reports that these hand-knit hats and scarves were knit with love that could certainly be felt by those receiving them.

In 2013, Nicole started dyeing her own yarns a few skeins at a time. She loved the creative aspect of this and before long was selling her uniquely dyed wool at various markets in the area. She then started creating patterns, learning new skills at every point along the way. Finally, she opened her small shop which is where you can find her most days. A true problem solver, Nicole also does web design for other creators in the arts. She remembers Mr. Britten, the IT teacher suggesting that she might find a career in the tech field as he saw early on that she was a problem solver at heart.

I asked Nicole about her best memories of GNS and there were many, mostly centred around band and choir. The trips to Seattle and beyond were highlights, as well as the lifelong friendships she made at school. She fondly remembers Star Wyatt, her art teacher who brought out the very best creative instincts of every student.

As for advice to graduates, Nicole says that if you follow what truly makes you happy, you will build the life you are meant to have so always keep exploring what makes you happy. I’d say that’s great advice!

Nicole’s future plans include offering classes out of her shop and eventually hosting a yarn festival at the Langford Creation Station—very worthy goals indeed!