We recently connected with Natasha Charles and have shared our conversation below.
Natasha, 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 resilience is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for my sibling and me. Watching her navigate life as an entrepreneur—building her career as a hairdresser, overcoming challenges, and continually striving for more—instilled in me a relentless work ethic and an unshakable drive.
She never settled, always pushing forward to create a better life for herself and her children. Her ability to adapt, persevere, and turn setbacks into stepping stones showed me the true meaning of resilience. Because of her, I learned that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to grow. This mindset has fueled my own journey—whether in business, personal development, or setting up my family for long-term success.
Resilience, for me, is about showing up, staying committed, and always striving for better, just as my mother did.
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 the co-owner of Luxe Gala, a premier event venue business that started as just a thought and has now become a reality within the last three months. What makes this journey so exciting is our commitment to excellence—our focus on top-tier customer service and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests of honor. We take pride in bringing high-quality service to Casselberry, Florida, and making every event special.
Beyond the business, my husband, Jerome Charles, and I are passionate about building generational wealth for our family. As entrepreneurs, we are creating opportunities through both our real estate business and our event venue, all with the goal of leaving a lasting legacy for our two sons, Jayce and Braylon.
This venture is more than just a business; it’s a testament to vision, perseverance, and the power of turning dreams into reality. We are excited for what’s to come and look forward to continuing to serve our community with excellence.
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?
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
Looking back, three key areas have been instrumental in my journey as an entrepreneur:
1. Financial Acumen & Strategic Planning
As a financial analyst, I’ve gained the ability to see the big picture—not just in the short term, but from a macro perspective. This skill has allowed me to understand long-range business planning, profitability strategies, and financial sustainability. Whether it’s cash flow management, budgeting, or forecasting, having a strong financial foundation is crucial for running a successful business.
2. Aesthetic & Interior Design Sensibility
In the event industry, first impressions matter. Having a keen eye for aesthetics and design plays a major role in shaping an unforgettable experience for clients. Understanding what looks good and what doesn’t has been essential in curating an elegant and desirable venue space. The ability to visualize and execute a high-end, well-designed atmosphere sets Luxe Gala apart from the competition.
3. Customer Service Excellence
My background at Chick-fil-A, where I worked for over eight years through high school and college, gave me invaluable hands-on experience in customer service. Learning from a company that is known for its exceptional service standards helped shape my approach to client relations. In addition, working in a Fortune 500 corporate setting reinforced my ability to meet deadlines, maintain professionalism, and ensure top-tier client satisfaction. These skills are essential in running a customer-facing business where experience and service are everything.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
One of the biggest pieces of advice I’d offer is to lean into leadership seminars, consultants, and mentors who have the business expertise you need. Instead of starting from scratch, align yourself with people who have already walked the path and can provide guidance. Seek mentorships, invest in personal and professional development, and never stop learning. Aligning with the right people and resources will accelerate your growth and keep you on the right trajectory toward success.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Biggest Area of Growth or Improvement in the Past 12 Months
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been stepping fully into entrepreneurship and learning to navigate the challenges that come with building a business from the ground up. One of the key challenges has been overcoming roadblocks—whether it’s securing the right business permits, finding the best contractors and vendors, or making the right connections to ensure the success of Luxe Gala. Through persistence, strategic networking, and problem-solving, I’ve learned that no challenge is insurmountable when you take a proactive approach.
Entrepreneurship has completely transformed my mindset. It has pushed me to truly believe in myself and recognize that I already had the skills and qualities needed to be successful—I just had to step into it with confidence. This journey has taught me the importance of being vocal, putting myself in front of the camera for content creation, making timely and strategic decisions, and embracing calculated risks. Every challenge has reinforced my ability to lead, pivot when needed, and trust my instincts.
Balancing business growth with family life has been another major area of learning. My husband and I are intentional about scheduling our time wisely to ensure that we are present for both our family and our business. We’ve learned the importance of delegation, leaning on the support of others, and avoiding burnout by prioritizing what truly matters. At the end of the day, family comes first, and we structure our business in a way that allows us to serve our clients with excellence while ensuring that we don’t stretch ourselves too thin.
This past year has been a season of immense growth, and I look forward to continuing this journey—stepping into every opportunity with confidence, strategy, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxegalavenues.com
- Instagram: @luxegalavenue
- Facebook: Luxe Gala Venues
Image Credits
Photography : @idealshotsllc
Decor : @eventsbyxiomara
Floral : @premierpartyorlando
Draping : @lavishly_decor_and_design
Entertainment : @entermainment_city_pro
Business Chamber : @cassflchamber
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