project 30 – natalie

What would your 30 something self tell your 20 something self if you could?

Know your worth. Stop worrying about everyone else, and just enjoy! You are more special than you might ever realize, but trust yourself and your gifts. You came here to share them with the world.

What do you wish you took more seriously in your 20’s?

The ability to change people’s lives and bring smiles to their faces by doing something that made me happy and filled my soul. Simple as that.

What do you wish you took less seriously in your 20’s?

Everything! With so few responsibilities those were the days to dance all night, explore every end of the city, travel on a whim or sleep a couple extra hours instead of waking in the dark to hit an intense 6 AM workout.

Favorite memory from your 20’s?

Hanging with my girls. Whether it was a late night out, lazy Sunday around the apartment or a trip to Mexico, girlfriend time was the best. I have so many memories that I can’t narrow it down to just one, but they all involved those special women in my life.

In your early 20’s where did you think you would be (work, live etc) by 30?

I thought I’d be married with a child, living in Oakland and working in the non-profit world.

And where were you by 30? What did your life look like?

Not long after turning 30, I did get married and have a baby. Instead of the Bay Area I’m living in LA. I also made a major shift in my professional life, and I’m about to launch a kids clothing line. My husband was always supportive of me pursuing my art practice and love of creating – I finally decided to run with that.

Were you ever worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place?

Of course. I still find myself unsure of what’s to come, but I know now that it’s all good. I have the ability (just as we all do) to put aside the noise and continue to create the life I dream of.

What is the greatest gift about being a woman in your 30’s?

The greatest gift came from becoming a mom. After “growing” a human being, giving birth and then nursing him with my body and spirit, I’ve come to appreciate my body in ways I could have never imagined. It feels good to love the skin I’m in.

When you look out onto the horizon what do you hope your life looks like at 40?

My hope is that I will be the mother of at least one more child, in a strong happy marriage, creating things for all the world to see, with a life FULL of family, friendship and love.

What’s a quote/ saying you try to live your life by?

I have to share 2!

“Stop waiting to be who you already are.”

– Melody Ehsani

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.”

– Marianne Williamson