Natasha M. Nurse, Esq., is a neurodivergent pathfinder who thrives on storytelling to spark change and foster understanding. Driven by empathy, she creates inclusive spaces where every voice is valued. Through dynamic workshops, impactful content, and insightful conversations, she works to embed diversity at the core of every organization she engages with. Guided by a simple yet profound life motto—learning something new and meeting someone new each day—her endless curiosity fuels her creative and professional pursuits.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
At Dressing Room 8, if I were to choose a mascot, it would absolutely be a dazzling peacock. Why a peacock? Well, it’s not just for their striking beauty or the unmistakable confidence they radiate. Each feather in a peacock’s vibrant tail symbolizes the uniqueness and diversity that I cherish and support. Like the peacock, I believe in standing out and embracing our true colors. This magnificent bird perfectly captures my mission to empower neurodivergent and culturally diverse individuals, helping them to shine brightly in their careers. It’s all about showing your true colors and spreading your feathers wide with confidence!
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
When asked about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I emphasize the importance of boundaries, delegation, self-care, organization, and adaptability. Here’s how I break it down:
- Setting Clear Boundaries: I’m strict about defining my work hours. It’s crucial for me to have these clear lines so that I can switch off from work mode and truly be present in my personal life.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Self-care is a staple in my routine. I carve out time for activities that recharge my batteries—whether that’s a quiet hour with a book or a workout session.
- Staying Organized: Keeping my space and schedule tidy is a game changer. It minimizes stress and boosts my productivity, allowing me to be more efficient during work hours.
- Reflecting and Adjusting: I regularly take a step back to evaluate my routines. Being open to change and flexible in my approach ensures that I can adapt to new challenges without losing balance.
I believe in the mantra, “Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.” By actively shaping my work-life balance, I ensure that both my business and personal life flourish.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When unexpected detours arise in life, I tackle them with a combination of grace and resilience, setting an example for fellow women entrepreneurs on how to navigate such challenges. Embracing the unexpected is my first step; I view each detour not as a setback but as a chance for growth and to explore new solutions that might not have been considered before. Staying flexible is key—I continuously reassess and adjust my strategies, showing that adaptability is essential for smooth navigation through uncertain times. A robust support network is invaluable, whether it’s seeking advice from mentors or collaborating with my team, as it provides both emotional support and fresh perspectives. Transparent communication is also crucial; I ensure everyone involved—my team, partners, and customers—are well-informed, fostering an environment of trust and collective responsibility. Despite the obstacles, I remain focused on our long-term goals, which guide our decisions and keep the team motivated. By managing these detours with a positive outlook and a focus on resilience, I aim to demonstrate that the true test of leadership is not just avoiding obstacles but growing and adapting through them.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
In business, financial health is essential, but I gauge my success by the impact I have on people’s lives. Customer satisfaction is central to everything I do. I actively seek out deep, meaningful feedback that goes beyond how I’m performing to how I’m genuinely changing lives. I always ask myself, “Are my clients feeling more empowered? Are they achieving their goals because of my support?”
Community engagement is another vital measure for me. I define success by the vibrant community I’m building, where open dialogues, shared growth experiences, and mutual support flourish.
Ultimately, the true barometer of my success lies in the personal stories from individuals who tell us I’ve made a significant difference in their lives. When a client tells me they’ve accomplished something they once thought was out of reach, that’s when I know I’ve truly succeeded. It’s all about the lives I touch and the positive changes I help foster within the broader community. This approach ensures that my business does more than just succeed financially; it transforms and enriches lives.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
In my work, it’s hard to pinpoint just one memorable moment because each client’s “aha” moment brings its own unique joy and significance. These moments happen when clients realize the potential within themselves to launch or grow their businesses, each one marking a significant step in their entrepreneurial journey.
For instance, during a workshop or coaching session, I witness these breakthroughs firsthand. It might be the moment a client finally understands how to articulate their business value or when another sketches out a clear, actionable plan after weeks of confusion. Each of these instances is a celebration of growth and clarity.
These moments cumulatively reflect the impact of our services. Every client who moves from doubt to confidence, from idea to action, reinforces the transformative power of the support and guidance we provide. It’s not just about the businesses they build but about the personal victories they achieve along the way. These collective “aha” moments fuel my passion and commitment to my work, reminding me of the profound impact I have on individual lives and the broader community.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
I firmly believe that mentorship is vital to the success of small businesses. In my own entrepreneurial journey, mentors have played diverse and crucial roles. They’ve acted as sounding boards, offering advice and encouragement when I faced difficult decisions or hit roadblocks. Their insights have often led me to rethink strategies or see solutions I hadn’t considered. More than just advisors, my mentors have been crucial in expanding my network, introducing me to potential collaborators, clients, and other mentors who have enriched my professional and personal growth. I believe every small business owner should have access to a mentor who not only challenges and guides them but also celebrates their victories, no matter how small. This belief in the transformative power of mentorship shapes how I interact with every client, aiming to provide them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. This cyclical nurturing of talent and ambition not only strengthens individual businesses but enriches the entire entrepreneurial community.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
I’m a neurodivergent innovator committed to empowering neurodivergent and diverse workers to thrive in their careers and helping organizations build healthier, more inclusive workplaces. My services span from leadership development to creative problem-solving, effective communication, and impactful culture and workplace training. Each session delivers interactive activities, real-world applications, and actionable insights, ensuring participants leave equipped with the tools they need for success and a renewed outlook on workplace inclusion. I am dedicated to creating spaces where every voice is valued, and every worker can succeed.
Please share your Social Links:
Website: www.DressingRoom8.com
Glamour, Giggles, and Goals Podcast: dressingroom8.substack.com/podcast
Email: Natasha@dressingroom8.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/dr8fashion
Instagram: Instagram.com/dressing_room_8
Twitter: Twitter.com/dressingroom8
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/dr8fashion
YouTube: Youtube.com/c/Dressingroom8
TikTok: Tiktok.com/@dressingroom8
My World: https://linktr.ee/natashamnurse
