We recently connected with Natalie Ladines and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Natalie, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
Thanks to the generosity of many people, I have reached where I am in my life today. Their support has not only helped me build my businesses but has also taught me the true value of generosity. Through years of learning and struggling, I realized that having a supportive community makes it significantly easier to succeed. The encouragement and support I’ve received are the greatest gifts one can offer.
I find great joy in teaching and inspiring others about my work. There is something profoundly fulfilling in sharing my knowledge and witnessing others grow and evolve because of it.
I am writing these words to encourage those reading this: you don’t need a lot of money to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Sometimes, the most valuable gifts we can give are leadership, knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration. I once believed that substantial financial donations were necessary to make an impact, but I have come to understand that my generosity in other forms has also made a difference.
hope to continue sharing and never stop.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a full-time entrepreneur who dedicates herself to her passions and skills. I run two distinct businesses that, despite being polar opposites, have both profoundly impacted my life. My ventures include photography, social media consulting, and financial planning, specifically focusing on estate planning, life insurance, and retirement accounts.
Initially, I hesitated to share my diverse pursuits, as I’ve often been told to focus on just one business. My financial planning career started as a means to support my passion for photography. However, as I delved into financial planning, I discovered the vital importance of securing, growing, and planning for my income. I developed a genuine interest in numbers, insurance, and the economy.
At the same time, my love for photography never waned. I constantly found excuses to take pictures, and soon, people noticed my talent and began to pay me for my work. My side hustle evolved into a full-time job, photographing entrepreneurs and artists, and offering marketing consultations. My clients recognized my marketing acumen in both photography and the financial realm.
While it’s uncommon for someone to operate such contrasting businesses, I believe it’s increasingly normal to juggle multiple careers. It took me time to master both, but I now intertwine them seamlessly. Surprisingly, my entrepreneur clients, who have become friends, realized they needed financial planning for income protection and retirement.
Balancing these two businesses can be challenging, but with commitment and structure, it’s possible. People aren’t meant to have just one purpose or excel in only one area. You can do it all and do it well. Yes, it takes time and effort to master something, but if you have the passion and the opportunity, why not pursue it? Earning from what you love is a privilege worth embracing.
For more information, please visit my Instagram pages: @NatalieLadines for financial planning, and @Ladinesmediaco for photography and consulting services.
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?
Three key areas that have profoundly impacted my journey are building meaningful relationships, mastering communication, and honing sales skills. Genuine connections with individuals are vital for a fulfilling career and a joyful life with clients, friends, and family. Effective communication is essential for being understood and understanding others. It allows you to convey your ideas and learn from others’ perspectives.
Initially, putting yourself out there and engaging with people can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. However, you can overcome these challenges and achieve success through persistent effort and learning from failures. Being genuinely interested in others and understanding their stories enables you to share your own meaningfully.
I highly recommend reading “The Neuroscience of Selling” by John Asher. This book offers valuable insights into the science of selling, applicable to any business, whether you’re selling art or insurance. The principles of building genuine relationships and effective sales strategies are universally relevant.
If you ever need advice or suggestions, feel free to contact me. I’m happy to provide feedback and support.
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?
I’m always excited to find new collaborators! If you’re passionate about learning photography and starting a business but can’t afford guidance, I’m here to help you. If you’re genuinely committed to making a change and willing to challenge yourself, let’s work together.
For established entrepreneurs, if you believe our connection could spark something extraordinary, please reach out. I’d love to hear your ideas and explore potential synergies.
My ideal collaborators are creatives like myself. Let’s come together and create magic!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ladinesmediaco.com
- Instagram: @Ladinesmediaco and @NatalieLadines
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieELadines
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-ladines-8a518487/
Image Credits
Woman in the rainforest @ReverieLove, Woman on the road @takeyabreathaway, Man in the water @Iseedifferenttherapeutics
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.