We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Antoinette recently and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My wellspring of resilience is rooted in a profound connection to my life’s purpose. As the firstborn child of Jamaican immigrants, I embarked on a journey to pursue the American dream, marked by determination, courage, and the pursuit of higher education. I watched my family struggle to make ends met and I wanted to be able to be the first in my family to create stability and freedom. My path was not without its fair share of adversity, from the challenges faced during my primary and secondary education to the life-altering health battle I encountered in 2019.
This pivotal health crisis forced me to confront the necessity of aligning both my physical and mental well-being. My resilience grew from this experience, as I delved into the study of the human body, the power of herbs, and the importance of nutrition. What I uncovered was nothing short of remarkable – the body’s innate ability to heal itself when provided with the right support and nourishment.
The desire to heal myself gradually transformed into a greater purpose: helping others embark on their healing journeys. The testimonials of individuals who experienced their own transformations and expressed gratitude for the knowledge I shared underscored the need to make this wisdom accessible to a wider audience.
My “why” is deeply rooted in a genuine desire to empower others to heal themselves through the incredible medicinal power of herbs. I firmly believe that access to this knowledge and high-quality products can enable us to make healthier choices and prioritize self-care without it feeling like a burdensome chore. In essence, I am driven by the conviction that self-care is non-negotiable and should be within everyone’s reach.
This is where my resilience finds its source – in the unshakable belief that by empowering individuals with the tools and information to heal themselves, we can collectively lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to share my journey and the essence of what I do. My story is one of resilience and transformation, born from a well of personal experiences and an unrelenting pursuit of my dreams. When I was diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer and told that I might never have children, it shattered my vision for the future. However, the desire to overcome this adversity, coupled with the miscarriage I experienced, ignited a determination within me. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, studying herbalism to heal my own body. This marked my first significant shift, as I not only conquered cancer but also welcomed my first child with joy and health.
What excites me the most about my journey is the ability to inspire others by demonstrating that even in the face of formidable obstacles, one can emerge stronger and wiser. The turning points in my life, from battling early-stage cervical cancer to overcoming postpartum depression and even divorce, have shaped my path. It was in these crucibles that I discovered my passion for selfcare through herbalism and the incredible potential of self-healing through natural remedies. But as life continued to happen, I realised, wellness is not just about the physical health. The mental and emotional state are just as important.
Over the years, I have become a coach helping small and large business owners alike find that same resilience in their leadership through different wellness initiatives. This has helped companies increase their revenue, company culture, and productivity.
In short, my journey underscores the importance of self-care for both mothers and leaders, which led me to coin the term “selfcare ceo.” The idea revolves around the necessity of self-investment, even during life’s most challenging moments, to be able to serve others effectively. My personal experiences equipped me with insights that I now share to help others prioritize self-care and resilience.
One of my most recent endeavors is the creation of a Free Ebook entitled “The Art of (Un)Balanced Living: 6 Practical Tips for Finding Resilience in a Hectic World.” This book serves as a practical guide to empower other mothers and working professionals to redefine their perception of balance and live more fulfilling lives. It’s my way of giving back to those who are seeking balance in a hectic world.
I invite you to download a copy of the eBook at www.NatalieAntoinette.com/Unbalanced. It’s a reflection of the valuable lessons I’ve learned, and I hope it can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance to others on their journeys toward resilience and self-care.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have proven to be the most impactful:
1- Resilience: It’s inevitable. Life will bring you challenges and setbacks and resilience has been my constant companion. The ability to bounce back, adapt to adversity, and keep moving forward is paramount. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Embrace challenges as learning experiences, and remember that every obstacle is a stepping stone to success. You don’t fail, until you give up!
2- Self-Discovery and Self-Care: Understanding oneself and prioritizing self-care are foundational. The knowledge I have gained is transformative. Early on, invest in self-discovery to identify your passions, strengths, and purpose. Invest in getting intentional about how you spend your time. Invest in a business coach or mentor. Additionally, make self-care non-negotiable, as it fuels your ability to persevere and support others effectively. You don’t have to spend hours everyday, but create the space and show up.
3- Empathy and Empowerment: Empathy for the struggles of others and the desire to empower them with knowledge and high-quality products have been driving forces in my journey. My advice to newcomers is to develop empathy and the ability to actively listen. Seek to understand the needs and challenges of your audience, and then use your knowledge and resources to empower them. When you uplift others, you create a ripple effect of positive change.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I find it challenging to select a single book that has profoundly shaped my personal development, considering my love for reading and the many cherished volumes in my library. However, the first book to take a special place on the shelf, marking the beginning of my profound literary journey – “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
“The Alchemist” has been a lighthouse guiding my personal and professional development, and its timeless wisdom continues to illuminate my path. Here’s how the book’s wisdom has woven itself into my journey:
Santiago, the novel’s protagonist, embodies the essence of resilience and unwavering commitment to realizing dreams. His journey, riddled with obstacles and setbacks, parallels my own experiences of overcoming adversity. The book’s message of embracing challenges as integral parts of one’s journey and persevering despite obstacles has been a constant source of inspiration for me. It has taught me to view life’s trials as stepping stones toward my goals.
Santiago’s odyssey to uncover his personal legend mirrors my exploration into herbalism, self-care, and prioritizing well-being. “The Alchemist” underscores the profound importance of self-awareness and recognizing one’s purpose, aligning perfectly with my own journey of self-discovery and growth.
Santiago’s interactions with fellow travelers on his journey exemplify the significance of understanding and supporting others. This empathetic approach, coupled with the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, leads to a profound sense of fulfillment.
In short, “The Alchemist” stands as a cornerstone in my personal and professional development, reinforcing the values of resilience, self-discovery, empathy, and fulfillment. It encourages individuals to face life’s challenges, explore their inner selves, and follow their personal legends. As I reflect on my journey, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone embarking on their own path, as it imparts invaluable insights that beautifully align with the core messages and tone of my responses. It has taught me that you have the power to create your own life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natalieantoinette.com/unbalanced
- Instagram: @secretsbynatalie
- Linkedin: www.llinkedin/natalieantoinette
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NatalieAntoinette
- Other: www.newsecretstea.com
