We were lucky to catch up with Natasha Sudsbury recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Natasha, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience has been a constant thread in my life, shaped by a combination of experiences that have tested me and taught me how to persevere. Growing up in foster care, I learned early on how to adapt to change and find strength in uncertainty. It wasn’t an easy path, but it gave me a unique perspective on life and a deep determination to create something better for myself and my family.
Becoming a mom has been one of my greatest lessons in resilience. Parenthood is unpredictable and challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. My son gives me purpose and drives me to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.
As an Army medic, I’ve had to face situations that required courage, quick thinking, and an ability to stay grounded. The military taught me discipline and gave me the confidence to overcome challenges, both on and off duty.
Starting my own business, Wellness by GS, added yet another layer to my resilience. Building something from the ground up is never easy, but my past has shown me that obstacles are opportunities in disguise.
When I reflect on where my resilience comes from, it’s a combination of my childhood, my service, and the lessons I’ve learned as a mother and entrepreneur. Each chapter of my life has taught me how to rise above circumstances, find strength in adversity, and keep moving forward with purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Natasha Sudsbury, the founder of Wellness by GS, where I create clean, non-toxic candles and wellness products designed to inspire meaningful moments and memories. Beyond my business, I’m deeply passionate about building community and empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Wellness by GS was inspired by my background in chemistry and a growing awareness of how everyday products can impact our health. I focus on crafting candles that are clean, customizable, and meaningful—whether it’s for a special gift, corporate branding, or a relaxing moment at home.
In addition to my products, I host candle-making classes like Scents & Sips, where participants create their own candles while learning about the importance of clean ingredients and aromatherapy. These events are a perfect mix of creativity and connection, and I’m thrilled to see them growing in popularity. They also get to enjoy Georgian wine while they create from Vino Ghvino in Tampa.
I’ve also recently launched Corks & Connections, a monthly networking group for women entrepreneurs. This group is designed to be a welcoming space where women can connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed and supportive environment. There’s no pressure to pitch or perform—it’s simply a chance to meet like-minded women, exchange ideas, and create meaningful connections while enjoying great conversations. Our first meeting is in December, and I’m excited to see it become a space where memories are made and relationships flourish.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding Wellness by GS into a holistic wellness brand that goes beyond candles, hosting more themed candle-making events, and growing Corks & Connections into a vibrant resource for women in business. My vision is to create spaces where people can embrace wellness, creativity, and meaningful connections, inspiring others to find balance and build community in everything they do.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are:
1. Resilience – Life and business are full of challenges, but being able to push through obstacles, adapt, and keep moving forward is essential. My background as an Army medic and my experience as a mom have taught me the importance of resilience, especially when things don’t go as planned. My advice for anyone early in their journey: embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and keep a forward-focused mindset. Strength often grows from adversity.
2. Networking & Relationship Building – No business can thrive in isolation. Building meaningful relationships and a supportive community has been key to both my personal and professional growth. Relationships are currency in business! Starting Corks & Connections was inspired by this belief. My advice: don’t wait for the perfect moment to connect—seek out opportunities to collaborate, learn from others, and nurture your network. The people you meet early on can become invaluable allies in your journey.
3. Continuous Learning – Staying curious and constantly seeking knowledge has allowed me to adapt, grow, and innovate. Whether it’s learning about new candle-making techniques, understanding the importance of clean ingredients, or gaining insights into entrepreneurship, I’ve always believed in the power of learning. My advice for newcomers: don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out resources that can help you grow. The more you learn, the more confident you’ll become in your path.
For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to trust the process. Progress is rarely linear, but perseverance, a growth mindset, and meaningful connections will help you navigate the journey with confidence.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on taking a step back to reset and refocus. Here are a few strategies I use:
1.Prioritize and Break Things Down – I take a deep breath and start by breaking down my to-do list into manageable tasks. I prioritize what needs to be done immediately and what can wait. This helps me avoid feeling like I’m drowning in tasks and allows me to focus on one thing at a time.
2. Delegate and Ask for Help – It’s easy to want to do everything on your own, but as a business owner, wife, mom, and military medic, I’ve learned the value of delegation. Asking for help from my husband or my network when needed lightens the load and keeps things moving forward.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care – I take a moment to breathe and clear my mind. Whether it’s a short walk, meditation, or simply taking a break to enjoy my favorite scent, I find that stepping away for even a few minutes helps me gain perspective and return with more clarity and energy.
4. Set Boundaries – Being mindful of my boundaries has been crucial. I try not to overcommit and make sure I carve out time for myself, my family, and my business. It’s easy to say yes to everything, but I’ve learned that saying no or taking a break is just as important.
5. Celebrate Small Wins – When I’m overwhelmed, I remind myself of the progress I’ve made, no matter how small. Celebrating these wins helps keep me motivated and reminds me that I’m moving forward, even if it feels slow at times.
My advice for others who may feel overwhelmed is to remember that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Give yourself grace, take it one step at a time, and know that asking for help and taking care of yourself is just as important as the work you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellnessbygs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbygs/profilecard/?igsh=MWZ3aWV2c2xjMmNy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E26Trftbw/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: Threads:
https://www.threads.net/@wellnessbygs?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@wellnessbyg.s?_t=8s6KdYB3W2Q&_r=1
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