Why you should know Natasha:
What are your big dreams in life?
Gosh, it’s a cliche, but my dream is to make my living doing what I love, then I’ll never feel like I’m working a day! I also love to travel and the absolute dream would be to combine the two. I’m from NZ, am currently located in London and travel every chance I get. I dream of one day being able to travel, armed with my lap top, freelancing from whatever European city/South East Asian beach I happen to be that week … in reality I would probably get distracted by the beach/cocktails …
When will you feel like you’ve succeeded?
I am so very happy where I am in my journey because 6 months ago I would never have imagined that I could ever take the steps I have to begin. This early on I measure success by the small achievements every week … a deadline met, a happy client, a new client found. But as soon as one task has been completed, it will be replaced by another, bigger goal. I have a long way to go and as long as my goals and amibitions grow and continue to challenge me, I will know that I continue to succeed.
Define wellness:
It may come as a surprise to some that know me, but for many years I have struggled with depression and low self esteem. So wellness to me is now about focusing on my relationship with myself. That may sound a little selfish but I believe that when I take time to listen to my own needs and keep myself well, I am in turn a better friend, sister, daughter, granddaughter and girlfriend.
How do you take care of you?
Starting my freelance design business has been a very important step in taking care of me, as well as maintaining my blog and making jewellery, because being creative makes up so much of who I am. Day to day though - cooking, exercise (I’ve recently taken up cycling to work and am hooked!), and most important of all, laughing, is essential in keeping myself well.
How do you structure your day?
Since I still hold down a full time job (for now!) I work 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and try to squeeze in a gym session at lunch time. If I have a freelance job to do I get home around 6.30pm, cook dinner and then work until midnight! I don’t mind the long hours, in fact I work better the busier I am but I always try to work hard during the week to ensure that the weekends are free to spend time with friends and get away from the computer.
Give us a sense of your environment.
My office is my bedroom! Propped up against my pillows, laptop on my knees infact, but lucky for me I love my room and I’m a reasonably neat person! It’s a small space but flooded with light and I can’t get distracted by the TV or conversation with one of my 9 other flatmates! When I have enough work to freelance fulltime I hope to rent a space in a studio or rent a flat with a spare room which will be my office.
Tell us about your perfect day – start to finish.
My perfect day would begin waking in a home by the ocean, taking a morning swim, having brunch (chorizo scrambled eggs to be exact) in the sun, visiting a food and vintage market, reading a book on the beach, working in the afternoon, then having all my friends and family around in the evening for a potluck bbq under the stars, cold beers and then a music festival to dance the night away!
Who would leave you star-struck?
I should give you a list of illustrators and photographers I aspire to work like but I’m not going to lie … Ryan Gosling or Dave Grohl. Ideally both. Lord I would NOT be able to maintain composure.
(see the full “Wish We Were Here” postcard series)
A quote that best describes your outlook on life:
“You are confined only by the walls you build yourself” - I don’t know who originally said this quote but it its simple truth really resonates with me. 6 months ago I felt trapped, it took a very special, patient person to help me realise that the only person holding me back from my dream was myself.
Share a secret with us!
I cringe to admit it but I secretly love fantasy fiction … my favourite author is Raymond E. Feist and I’m currently obsessed with Game of Thrones!
I am so honored to be featured Erin, thank you! Especially amongst so many inspirational women featured already. I hope we can work together again in future! x Natasha
Tash – You are one inspired & inspiring lady, keep ticking away, all the hard work will pay off in the end. xH
very proud
Great stuff Tash – I was just sharing what you have been up to with a friend last night who is on the brink of taking the first step towards using their sweet skills in their dream job! I will pass this along…
wow Im so glad I read this as you are incredibly inspiring. I too have some similiar barriers and I think you have given me the chisel to start breaking them done. Kia Kaha Natasha.
Arohanui,
Di Cowan