We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natashia Lunt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natashia, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing my confidence and self-esteem was a journey of relentless skill development and introspection over many years. I honed my craft by immersing myself in the creative process, practicing tirelessly, and learning from every trial and error. It wasn’t just about mastering technical skills; it was also about finding my authentic voice in design.
Looking inward, I delved into my values, understanding what truly mattered to me. Authentic motivations became the driving force behind my creative expression. I drew inspiration from my life, travels, and passions, infusing my work with a genuine reflection of my experiences and journey.
As I crafted my aesthetic, I embraced the iterative nature of trial and error. Each project became a canvas for storytelling, weaving narratives that resonated with my values and personal history. The turning point came when I stopped seeking external validation. It was a pivotal moment of self-discovery where my true creativity and confidence in my vision solidified.
By detaching from the need for approval and trusting in the authenticity of my work, I not only developed a unique creative voice but also cultivated a profound sense of self-assurance. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but the resilience built through continuous practice, self-reflection, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity ultimately transformed my confidence and self-esteem.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello, I’m Natashia Lunt, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you. Born and raised in London, my passion for design was deeply rooted in a creative environment shaped by my parents—a successful female animation director and a father who owned a screen printing factory. Their emphasis on environmental impact and sustainability influenced my design philosophy, setting the stage for a career dedicated to positive change in the fashion industry.
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve been a vocal advocate for sustainability, shedding light on issues like excessive consumption and ethical labor practices. Drawing from my experiences in fast fashion, I’ve embraced responsible practices, such as upcycling vintage materials and utilizing deadstock fabric from local markets. My focus on non-toxic dyes and biodegradable natural fibers reflects an ongoing commitment to challenging and improving the traditional fashion model.
The launch of my non-binary brand, NATASHIA. , is a significant milestone. It’s a culmination of my dedication to sustainability and inclusion. I aspire to inspire change, urging the industry to adopt more responsible, ethical, and inclusive practices.
What sets my brand apart is not just the aesthetic or design, but the profound commitment to making a positive impact. Sustainability isn’t a trend for me; it’s a fundamental principle woven into every aspect of my work.
As for what’s new, stay tuned for exciting events, launches, and initiatives that further amplify our message of sustainability and inclusivity. I am about to launch my SS24 collection in Feb 2024, working on developing my FW24 collection and planning some press events in the new year.
I have also just opened a PR showroom in DTLA with another LA designer Marina Leight. So we will be hosting brand events for stylists and press in the new year.
I want to build a community and support other independent designers. It takes a lot of work running a fashion business, I want to share my experiences and find support with other like-minded creatives. We all rise together!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop 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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stood out as the most impactful: mastering my craft through relentless practice, maintaining consistency, and putting in the hard work.
Firstly, practicing my skills and mastering the technique was fundamental. It’s not just about talent but about refining your abilities through consistent practice. The more you immerse yourself in your craft, the more proficient and confident you become.
Consistency played a pivotal role. Whether in honing my design aesthetic or building a brand, staying consistent fosters trust and reliability. It’s about showing up regularly, delivering quality, and letting your audience know what to expect from you.
Lastly, hard work cannot be understated. Success often comes from putting in the hours, facing challenges head-on, and persisting through setbacks. It’s the determination to keep going when things get tough that sets you apart.
For those starting their journey, my advice is simple yet powerful. Practice your skills rigorously, maintain unwavering consistency, and be prepared to put in the hard work. Success is a journey, and these qualities will be your companions on the road to achieving your goals.
Oh and most importantly learning to pivot! Fashion is constantly changing and challenging you. Be open to adjusting as you go. The most amazing things happen when having to come up with solutions and be spontaneous.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been the shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. I’ve learned to truly own my choices and recognize the abundance of opportunities around me. This change in perspective has not only fueled my confidence in my abilities but has also opened doors to new possibilities that I might have overlooked before. Embracing abundance has been transformative, guiding me toward a more positive and expansive approach to both my personal and professional endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natashia.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashia.studio?utm_source=qr
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natashia.studio
Image Credits
Photographer: Joshua Lunt Portrait: Natashia Lunt Models: Raven Schexnayder Justin Tsunoda