Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie Barbu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Natalie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
As a female founder in my mid-20s, imposier syndrome is something that I have felt a lot. It can be easy to compare yourself to other founders whether they have raised more money than you, have more clients, generating more revenue, been around longer, etc. You can easily feel like you are not doing well enough or you will never catch up to your peers. Social media can make people seem like they know more than you or have everything figured out.
But, what I realized through speaking with other founders and successful entrepreneurs is that they all feel the same way as I do – like an imposter sometimes. Once you begin having conversations with people who you look up to and realize they feel lost at times, too, it makes you realize this common feeling that we all experience and how normal it is.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have a background in content creation, and this journey began back in 2011 on YouTube. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a dedicated following of over 380,000 followers across various social media platforms. My content has primarily revolved around lifestyle, personal growth, and my experiences in the world of technology and industrial engineering.
What I find most exciting and special about my journey is the opportunity it has given me to inspire and empower women, particularly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Obtaining my degree in Industrial Engineering was a significant achievement, and it opened doors for me to encourage thousands of women to pursue their own careers in STEM. Diversity in these fields is crucial, and I’m proud to play a part in encouraging more women to enter them.
Currently, my primary focus is on my role as the CEO and co-founder of Rella, a platform we founded in 2021. What makes Rella special is our commitment to helping creators succeed in the world of social media and content creation. We realized that many creators were struggling with inefficient and scattered tools, leading to missed opportunities and burnout. With Rella, our mission is to empower creators to change their lives through social media, just as I did.
Since its launch in 2022, Rella has been making significant strides. We now have over 17,000 creators using our platform to organize their content and run their businesses more efficiently. Additionally, we’ve secured $1.1 million in funding from prestigious VC firms like Charge VC, Precursor Ventures, Liquid 2 Ventures, Goodwater Capital, and HustleFund. This achievement is particularly special to me as it makes me one of the few Latina founders to have raised over $1 million in funding.
In addition to my work with Rella, I also host The Real Reel Podcast. This podcast has garnered over 1.5 million downloads and serves as a platform where I engage in authentic conversations with a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, business leaders, and creators. We delve into their real stories, beyond the polished facade often presented on social media. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to continue sharing these real and inspiring stories with my audience.
As for what’s new, we are constantly evolving and improving Rella to better serve the needs of creators. We have some exciting product updates in the pipeline, and we’re also exploring partnerships and collaborations to further enhance the creator experience.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Resilience and Adaptability: In the world of content creation and entrepreneurship, setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Being resilient and adaptable has been crucial to my success. I’ve learned to bounce back from failures, pivot when necessary, and keep pushing forward. I advise early-stage individuals to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, stay open to change, and cultivate a mindset that sees challenges as stepping stones to growth.
2. Networking and Relationship Building: Building and nurturing relationships within your industry and beyond can be a game-changer. Networking has helped me connect with mentors, collaborators, investors, and like-minded individuals who have provided guidance and support throughout my journey. You have to be open to actively seek out networking opportunities, attending events, engaging with your community, and approaching networking as a two-way street where you can offer value to others as well.
3. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The digital landscape, especially in fields like social media and technology, is ever-evolving. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and industry insights has been crucial. I’ve made a commitment to continuous learning, whether it’s by attending workshops, reading industry publications, or taking online courses.
Remember that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your growth and success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
If you’re a content creator looking for a more efficient and organized way to manage your content and business operations, I’m excited to introduce you to Rella. Our platform is specifically designed to meet the needs of content creators like you, and we’re eager to have you on board.
Rella offers a suite of tools and features that can help you streamline your content creation process, track your performance, and effectively manage your business. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, Rella can be a game-changer for your productivity and success.
If you’re tired of managing your content and business with scattered tools and are ready for a more efficient and organized solution, Rella is here to support you. Join our growing community of creators who have already experienced the benefits of our platform.
Visit our website today to take the first step towards a more streamlined and successful content creation journey with Rella. We can’t wait to have you on board!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getrella.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nataliebarbu
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nataliebarbu
- Youtube: youtube.com/nataliebarbu
