We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Rodeniser recently and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This has always been a struggle, and I think its normal for any small business owner. You come across so many things that are new to you – roadblocks, challenges – and you feel like “I don’t know what to do with this, I can’t do this, surely I’m not the person”. Trust me, it happens to all of us. When I start feeling imposter syndrome, when I feel I am not cut out for my work or that I am not “doing enough” I remind myself of all I have accomplished and why I am continuing to strive for success in my business. Additionally, when I surround myself with a great community, they help me to put things in perspective when I get caught up in my own thoughts. Being surrounded by community reminds me that I am not alone in my feelings and emotions and that if those who have gone before me have overcome their fears and struggles, then I can as well.
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 run Lux & Lye LLC, an artisan bath & body product company specializing in natural skincare. I am passionate about creating luxurious skincare that is healthy for the skin and the environment. I want to encourage people to find confidence in their skin in a world that is bombarding us with messages that we aren’t enough. I want my brand to be a place where all people can come and rest in the joy of who they are naturally. I truly believe every person is beautiful, talented, and worthy.
A major goal I have with my business is to grow to a place where I have several full-time staff. To be able to have created something from nothing that pays people a living wage, offers benefits, paid time off, and gives staff a safe and loving environment to work in would be an amazing accomplishment to me. I want to strive to continue to create something bigger than myself, a business that gives back to our community through donating profits and time, and building up the lives of people who work with me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
There are so many things I have learned along the way that have helped to refine myself and my business. Looking back I wish I had told myself these four pieces of advice:
1) Don’t be afraid of trying things out or failing as they help to refine you and your goals.
2) Figure out your big-picture goal, passion, and dream for your business, and keep that in the forefront of your mind. It will help to keep you motivated when self-doubt and burnout occur.
3) Seek knowledge and support from others in your community. Don’t feel bad if you don’t have a formal business education, there are so many amazing resources to help you navigate running your business including free resources through your local community college or university, mentoring programs, friends, and family.
4) Don’t be humble. Humility is good in lots of ways – but not when you think about the value of what your business provides! I have spent way too much time being shy about sharing my business with others. If you believe in what you are offering, and that it adds value to the lives of those in your community, then be proud of it and share it with others!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One of the best books I have read for my business is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. I am a maker, not a financial guru and therefore finances had been a stress in my business for a while. Yet when I read Profit First I started to feel so much more confident in managing finances in my business. It takes the stress and questions out of managing your money and gives you control back over your cash flow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luxandlye.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxandlye/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxandlye/
Image Credits
Riley at Scodioli Creative Rylee at RyleeRose Photography
