Sandy Phgura
Nominee Profile
Location: Hitchin
Hi, I’m Sandy, a Soulful Empowerment Coach. I help women clear their minds, heal their hearts and step into their true power.
Like many, my journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been shaped by challenges, heartbreak and moments that tested me to the core – but through it all, I found my inner warrior.
Back in 2000, my life turned upside down when my house was struck by lightning. I lost everything. Watching it all go up in flames was heartbreaking, but it taught me something huge, the most important things in life aren’t materialistic things , they’re love, people and the memories we create.
By 2006, it looked like I had it all together. I was 26, smashing sales targets within the recruitment industry and becoming the top Consultant across 26 UK offices. On the outside, I looked confident and successful, but inside I was constantly afraid of failing. Eventually with the long hours and pressure to stay at the top, I burned myself out and had a nervous breakdown. I realised that my worth wasn’t tied to my achievements, people loved me for who I was, not for what I could do.
In 2007, after losing my Grandma, I felt called to do some deeper healing. I flew to Australia for the “Date with Destiny” seminar with the infamous Tony Robbins. That experience made me face the pressure I’d been carrying, to be the perfect wife, the perfect daughter-in-law, and the perfect woman. It was exhausting and, I believe, part of why I struggled to have a baby for 7.5 years. When I finally let go of those expectations and just allowed my mind and body to relax, something shifted and not long after I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy.
Then came another test. In 2009, I had laser eye surgery and ended up with a rare infection. I lost 80% of my sight in just a few days and was rushed to Moorfield hospital. I was terrified, but I didn’t give up. I prayed, stayed strong and leaned into my warrior spirit. Miraculously, my vision came back within seven months. Today, I have 20/20 eyesight, proof that faith and determination can create miracles.
In 2014, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life, I walked away from a 16-year marriage filled with mental and emotional abuse. I did it for my son, to break the cycle as I didn’t want him to think that was a ‘normal’ loving relationship. I went through the divorce process on my own, without a lawyer, because I knew my story better than anyone. It took three painful years, but I came out stronger, free and ready to rebuild a life on my own terms.
Now, I run a thriving coaching business where I help women reconnect with their strength, self-worth, and confidence.
I’m also a proud single mum to my 16-year-old son, who’s now an amateur boxer representing England!
My most recent accolades:
In 2021 - I was honoured with the Woman of the Year award by the Your Saheli Foundation.
In 2022 - I was personally selected to be part of the ‘Home is where the Hert is’ documentary which was about the lives of 6 South Asians growing up in Hitchin. This was made into an exhibition that was showcased at Hitchin Museum throughout the summer.
In 2023 - I was selected to be part of the ‘40 over 40’s’ campaign that shows the strength of 40 women. We were featured in our own magazine as well as being selected to be part of a 3 day exhibition at the Louvre, Paris.
In 2024 - I was invited back for the second year to be part of the mentoring team for Mrs and Miss Asia Great Britain, the world’s first non-conventional asian pageant. Helping young women enhance their inner beauty and confidence.
In 2025 - On International Women's Day, I was 1 of 9 advocates that walked the Catwalk at The Fashion Brunch, founded by Anisha Vasani to raise awareness of domestic abuse. This was featured in the Luxurist Magazine and even made it on ITV news.
And last week, I won an award at the She Awards UK for the ‘Warrior’ category which I am so humbled by.
These accolades are not just personal achievements; they are a platform to amplify the voices of women and inspire positive change in our society.
My mission is to illuminate the path for those struggling with their demons, encouraging them to rise as warriors, ready to face any challenge.
I believe in the power of shared stories to foster connection, understanding and empowerment, particularly for women who often face societal pressures and systemic inequalities.
I aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment, where each woman I work with feels inspired to uplift and support other women in her life.
As a Nominee for this prestigious award, I hope to represent the countless women who have faced adversity and emerged stronger.
Together, we can uplift and empower women, creating a more supportive and inclusive community for all.
Like many, my journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been shaped by challenges, heartbreak and moments that tested me to the core – but through it all, I found my inner warrior.
Back in 2000, my life turned upside down when my house was struck by lightning. I lost everything. Watching it all go up in flames was heartbreaking, but it taught me something huge, the most important things in life aren’t materialistic things , they’re love, people and the memories we create.
By 2006, it looked like I had it all together. I was 26, smashing sales targets within the recruitment industry and becoming the top Consultant across 26 UK offices. On the outside, I looked confident and successful, but inside I was constantly afraid of failing. Eventually with the long hours and pressure to stay at the top, I burned myself out and had a nervous breakdown. I realised that my worth wasn’t tied to my achievements, people loved me for who I was, not for what I could do.
In 2007, after losing my Grandma, I felt called to do some deeper healing. I flew to Australia for the “Date with Destiny” seminar with the infamous Tony Robbins. That experience made me face the pressure I’d been carrying, to be the perfect wife, the perfect daughter-in-law, and the perfect woman. It was exhausting and, I believe, part of why I struggled to have a baby for 7.5 years. When I finally let go of those expectations and just allowed my mind and body to relax, something shifted and not long after I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy.
Then came another test. In 2009, I had laser eye surgery and ended up with a rare infection. I lost 80% of my sight in just a few days and was rushed to Moorfield hospital. I was terrified, but I didn’t give up. I prayed, stayed strong and leaned into my warrior spirit. Miraculously, my vision came back within seven months. Today, I have 20/20 eyesight, proof that faith and determination can create miracles.
In 2014, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life, I walked away from a 16-year marriage filled with mental and emotional abuse. I did it for my son, to break the cycle as I didn’t want him to think that was a ‘normal’ loving relationship. I went through the divorce process on my own, without a lawyer, because I knew my story better than anyone. It took three painful years, but I came out stronger, free and ready to rebuild a life on my own terms.
Now, I run a thriving coaching business where I help women reconnect with their strength, self-worth, and confidence.
I’m also a proud single mum to my 16-year-old son, who’s now an amateur boxer representing England!
My most recent accolades:
In 2021 - I was honoured with the Woman of the Year award by the Your Saheli Foundation.
In 2022 - I was personally selected to be part of the ‘Home is where the Hert is’ documentary which was about the lives of 6 South Asians growing up in Hitchin. This was made into an exhibition that was showcased at Hitchin Museum throughout the summer.
In 2023 - I was selected to be part of the ‘40 over 40’s’ campaign that shows the strength of 40 women. We were featured in our own magazine as well as being selected to be part of a 3 day exhibition at the Louvre, Paris.
In 2024 - I was invited back for the second year to be part of the mentoring team for Mrs and Miss Asia Great Britain, the world’s first non-conventional asian pageant. Helping young women enhance their inner beauty and confidence.
In 2025 - On International Women's Day, I was 1 of 9 advocates that walked the Catwalk at The Fashion Brunch, founded by Anisha Vasani to raise awareness of domestic abuse. This was featured in the Luxurist Magazine and even made it on ITV news.
And last week, I won an award at the She Awards UK for the ‘Warrior’ category which I am so humbled by.
These accolades are not just personal achievements; they are a platform to amplify the voices of women and inspire positive change in our society.
My mission is to illuminate the path for those struggling with their demons, encouraging them to rise as warriors, ready to face any challenge.
I believe in the power of shared stories to foster connection, understanding and empowerment, particularly for women who often face societal pressures and systemic inequalities.
I aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment, where each woman I work with feels inspired to uplift and support other women in her life.
As a Nominee for this prestigious award, I hope to represent the countless women who have faced adversity and emerged stronger.
Together, we can uplift and empower women, creating a more supportive and inclusive community for all.