Access The Episode Webpage here.
Welcome to Interview Day on the podcast!
My special guest, Natalie Amlani, is a multi-talented entrepreneur, best selling author, host of the Focal Tangent: Perspectives That Shift podcast, and holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management.
Her expertise includes brand strategy, photography and project management which she regularly flexes as the visionary founder of Pictonat Photography. Nathalie shares her transformative journey from a structured corporate career to the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship.
We discuss:
Follow Nathalie:
Website: www.pictonat.com
LinkedIn: @nathalie-amlani
Instagram:@pictonatbrandingcreative
Connect with Sheila:
PS: Thanks so much for listening. I would love your review! If you enjoy what I share in this episode, rate, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/connect-with-sheila-botelho/id1527363160 I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Access The Episode Webpage here.
Welcome to Interview Day on the podcast!
My special guest, Natalie Amlani, is a multi-talented entrepreneur, best selling author, host of the Focal Tangent: Perspectives That Shift podcast, and holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management.
Her expertise includes brand strategy, photography and project management which she regularly flexes as the visionary founder of Pictonat Photography. Nathalie shares her transformative journey from a structured corporate career to the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship.
We discuss:
Follow Nathalie:
Website: www.pictonat.com
LinkedIn: @nathalie-amlani
Instagram:@pictonatbrandingcreative
Connect with Sheila:
PS: Thanks so much for listening. I would love your review! If you enjoy what I share in this episode, rate, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/connect-with-sheila-botelho/id1527363160 I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
I was of the thought that my value was attached to the number of hours I was working, how much I was making and that's why I was working around the clock. Even when I own my own business, I was still working the same 40 hour work week and it wasn't sustainable. I had to go through all those things to finally make the shift to where I am now, which is amazing balance. I don't work weekends, I travel like it just fills in really nicely.
Sheila Botelho:Hi, welcome to the Connect with Sheila Botelho podcast. I'm an entrepreneur, self-care strategist and creator of the season's self-care app. I'm committed to helping you reconnect to your purpose, elevate your well-being and build your version of a happy, successful life. It's interview day on the podcast and I am so excited for you to meet our guest. Natalie Amlani is a multi-talented entrepreneur, best-selling author, host of the focal tangent perspectives that shift podcast, and she holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management. Her expertise includes brand strategy, photography and project management, which she regularly flexes as the visionary founder of Pictonat Photography. As a photographer, natalie intuitively connects and reflects with the energy of her clients, emphasizing their unique passions to help them foster a profound connection with their audience through honest and relatable visual storytelling. Her mission is to empower women in business to celebrate their authentic selves, showcase their passions and elevate their personal brands online. Natalie, I am so happy you're here. Welcome, yeah, I'm so excited.
Sheila Botelho:Thanks for having me, sheila, I would love for listeners to get to know a little bit about your storyline, because that's really what this podcast is about. You know it's about where were you, what were your dreams as a kid, and then where did you kind of end up and how have things shifted, Because it's never a straight line. So what's your story?
Natalie Amlani:Yes, I'm so okay. So I'm excited to dive into this because, exactly as you said, it was not a straight line. I never expected to be where I am today. As a kid, I dreamed first of being a vet because I loved animals, so I had animal posters plastered all over my room. And then, as I grew up, I went to school for information technology management. So I learned how to code and it was a split degree with business skills as well. So I ended up doing a career at the banks for about 17 years in project management, primarily in technology. So I was managing those like web development projects operations. I learned so much. It was amazing.
Natalie Amlani:And my career path at that point I had it all mapped out that I would be switching roles every two to three years to climb the corporate ladder and become a female executive. That's exactly what I wanted. So, and I also knew I wanted to have kids by a certain age and get married by certain points. So I mean, all of that did get mapped out. And then I feel that the turning point in my career path was when I had kids. So after my first was born, I felt a bit of a rebirth, like a lot of things happened that were then out of the predictable realm, things that I was like, oh, no one ever told me I would feel this way, or, you know, like just every day was so different taking care of a, of like of another human, and then learning to take care of my new self. So then I did return back to work after my first, and it was when my second was born that I started to really feel those nudges that I was meant to be on a different path.
Natalie Amlani:So there was a lot of like little signs being kind of poking at me during those years, and it was definitely after my second that I made the leap to start my own business. And I was doing both. I was working at the bank and running my own business for a little bit because I wasn't sure how it would pan out, how it would look like, and then from there I hired a business coach and she helped me with the transition. So it took a lot of planning, because I am someone who's quite like emotional and you know so I feel all the feels. So there is like, okay, let's do this in a way that isn't so, you know, would take care of my mental health. You know, it's not like I'm giving up my career and I have no plan. I'm just going to jump into it Like I had to do a little bit of overlapping and that's what felt safe to me. And then it's been like seven and a half years since that day. So I've been running my business strong.
Sheila Botelho:During that time. Oh, and I love that you in that time were really considering your mental health, considering how you felt, because so often when people make a jump from something traditional into entrepreneurialism and they're like listening to the things and reading the books and the podcast, all those things, and it's like just jump. If it's meant for you, like build the airplane on the way down, it's like wait a second, that is so not for everyone, and so I love that you knew that about yourself and you said, ah, I'm going to make my own way to do this. That's so fantastic and I love that. I mean, you've definitely passed that critical mark in terms of time of new business and you got to see your kiddos be going through all the stages. It's so beautiful.
Sheila Botelho:So why photography? How did that become the focus for you? Was it something that you always had a hand in? A little bit for fun?
Natalie Amlani:Yes, ok. So when I was at the bank I would work long hours and, partly because part of how I made it really enjoyable for myself at work, I would volunteer for all the creative projects. So I was part of the social committee. I would help to plan different internal events or like fundraising, so it was always like creative pieces.
Natalie Amlani:And then after work, because I lived downtown, so I lived a very like urban, hip lifestyle Me and my husband both lived downtown, so I would go to yoga classes and take photography classes like just learn new skills all the time. And there is a local college that was near where we were living downtown at the time. So I took a few photography classes and I loved it so much that I kept going and I would just sign up, for course after course, to the point that I finished the digital photography certificate Amazing, yeah. And then I started doing some photo shoots on the side for friends who were going through their own life events, like baby showers, wedding showers and like whatever right. And then I was like this is so much fun and it just always felt like I had an eye. And growing up I always had a digital camera, so I was actually decluttering this summer and I found like boxes and boxes of all these photo albums that I took of my friends and I when we were out. So it's just something that I've always enjoyed in terms of capturing the moment.
Natalie Amlani:So then I, like, being a new parent, we hired our wedding photographer to capture everything for us. Like, can you capture this? Our wedding shower, the birthdays? None, and I would just. I just loved it. So then I was like I would love to be able to do this for somebody else Because, also, after having taken the whole certificate, I gained that perspective on how I can do this for others. And then so that was kind of how it started. I'm like I want to start a photography business. I want to try and see how that'll work, and I actually started talking to my wedding photographer, who referred me to other people who specialize in family photography. Because that's what I started at first to really ask questions how do you manage this with your life as a mom? How do I get started? The only way that I could have done this is by asking questions, so that's what I did.
Sheila Botelho:This is like a masterclass in how to really live the life you want, and I agree those questions are so powerful and for some reason we can you think, maybe back to childhood for some people who are listening who may have been the ones who didn't want to raise their hand in class. It's almost like socially. Sometimes asking questions and appearing like you don't know the answers to certain things is not good, but it really is. Questions are the releasing and the launching point for everything. So I'm so glad that you just did what you needed to do and here you are, and I'm sure you've asked many more questions since. I mean the very fact that you connected with a business coach to guide you through this whole journey and then all of the different things you've done like that's very telling. So I guess that the takeaway for people is to really just make a plan, ask questions and don't be afraid to step out into something new.
Sheila Botelho:How did you handle the whole like that unknown, going from like a very what people consider secure, but I mean really what is actually secure when it comes to career, but really like being in banking hello, especially Canada banks, they're pretty strong. How did you handle the unknown?
Natalie Amlani:So the philosophy I always followed, even when I was in the corporate space, is in order to be really effective at your job, because I was switching roles every two to three years because I was really working as hard as I could in that role to excel and exceed so I can get that next promotion. So then when I landed in the next role, I didn't know what was going on, I didn't know anyone. So then I was always coach and taught like you have to ask questions, you have to ask the job shadows. So then I almost called it the shameless period where I'm just going to ask questions because reality is I don't know. So I have to learn. So just be vulnerable, honestly, is the best thing that I could have done for myself. So I just carried that philosophy moving forward.
Natalie Amlani:So when I became an entrepreneur, I actually joined a community group where it was for female entrepreneurs and I observed at first I'm like, ok, how are they interacting? This is really different. And then I started asking the questions and it was a bit intimidating at first to ask it in a public forum, so sometimes I would, but then I would see other people asking the questions that I wanted to ask. I'm like so, then I'm like you know what, I'm just going to ask it. And then it was like maybe booking meetings with other people just to ask questions and learn, yeah, so I really encourage it.
Sheila Botelho:Oh, yeah, same thing, and I think, as a parent too, this is a really invaluable skill to be sharing with our kids. But it's something that, frankly, before having kids, I remember even asking other parents well, how did you handle this and how did you handle that? And I mean, you can take some of it with a grain of salt. Certainly, when it comes to raising kids, there's so many different perspectives, but knowing that you can take what works for you and then move forward, you can make it your own and craft it and then, hopefully, be able to share what you've learned with other people as well. And so, speaking of kiddos, this whole transition that you made, how did you I guess, coming from a corporate background, you had this type of structure segmented into your world already how did you adapt that when it came to creating work-life harmony with marriage and kids, and then even being able to travel, all that kind of stuff?
Natalie Amlani:Yeah. So it's definitely not all sunshine and roses Like I'm making it sound like it was so easy and, honestly, that transition moving into entrepreneurship felt really easy. I was like I'm doing it. So when I started doing it, I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm doing it and I didn't look back. But part of that is that I didn't take the time to mourn that kind of part of me that I just shut the door on. So then, a few years into the business, I started to feel like all the things, like a bit of sadness. A piece of me was missing.
Natalie Amlani:I was doing family photography and that matched perfectly with the stage of life I was in, and I'm really good working with kids, connecting with people, kids of all ages, to get them to do things on camera, and I was working with newborns. So it was just amazing. But I left to my entire corporate persona out the door. It was gone. But I was like I actually like that side of me as well. So, organically, that's how it led to me being in brand photography and doing brand strategy right now.
Natalie Amlani:However, during that time of trying to figure out what to do, I realized that in starting my business, I was so eager for it to be successful, that I was taking clients around the clock. I was no longer checking off the box on like work-life balance, and this is why I left the corporate world to be an entrepreneur so I could be around my kids Like I was working around the clock on weekends. And then I was like, oh my gosh, like what am I doing? But it led to me being burnt out, going through periods of depression in order for me to like really realize, like okay, okay, I have what I want, but I'm not actually you know what I mean Like it just began to shape itself differently. So I had to step back.
Natalie Amlani:During those months of figuring myself out, it was actually like the most successful years in my business, ironically, because I was you know what I mean Like using a lot of energy to like make sure I was successful. I was used to that adrenaline of doing that. And then in the background, I was like, oh my gosh, like this isn't, this is not starting to not feel aligned. So then I actually that was when I really started indulging in self-care. So self-care for everyone looks different. But I found myself like I was seeing a therapist.
Natalie Amlani:I started seeking groups that were a little bit more like soul-focused, like mindset shift work. So that was where we had actually connected in the origin membership. So I started like attracting it, like all of a sudden I would see it like, oh, join this group to help with your mindset, or you know. And then I started attending soul circles that were offered locally where women would connect and just kind of just share on a soul level and really exploring those modalities. Like I even went and did my like Reiki training as well, and that was to help support my own mental health, because my client, like she, went through the whole Reiki training to help support her cancer journey and I saw like how it helped her survive every stage of her journey and I was like, oh my gosh, I can't believe these sort of modalities exists. Like can it help support me? So then I met with her Reiki master and I decided to embark on that journey for myself.
Natalie Amlani:And that was when my entire business and life shifted, because I was of the thought that my value was attached to the number of hours I was working, how much I was making, and that's why I was working around the clock, even when I own my own business. Like I adapted that same mentality and because I had the kids and I didn't really have like a boss or a mandi, I could make my own hours. I was like, okay, well, I'm busy moming, so that I'm just gonna work on the weekends, like I was still working the same, like 40 hour work week, and it wasn't sustainable. So, yeah, I had to go through all those things to finally make the shift to where I am now, which is like amazing balance. I don't work weekends, I travel, like it just fills in really nicely. So I could talk more about the energetics of that after.
Sheila Botelho:Yeah, oh, that'd be so great, and it's interesting that you mentioned that, because it is something so many women that I work with experience.
Sheila Botelho:It's like you've got your life, perhaps you have your babies, maybe either babies of any age, and then you've got your business baby and you wanna pour everything you have into because it's just come from your heart, your soul, and it's hard to know where to draw those lines. What keeps coming back and this came back for me many times as well, and still I think I still cycle around this, depending when I'm launching something new, I get so excited is that the times away from the elements of the business actually serve the business. They don't just serve me, but they serve the business, and I think the reason why is because you and I, we are the sources of our business and so if we are being taken care of all that creative energy like I really do want you to share about the energetics, it flows back around and you don't need to expend as much energy to get really good results, so why don't you share a bit more about that? I love it.
Natalie Amlani:Yes, okay. So when I started to restructure my business and I was like, okay, this is how I wanna work, so during the week when the kids are in school, really protecting the time and space I have with my kids, and part of that push like, why do I have to do that? Because I had support, like I have our parents helping to babysit the kids. But my daughter made a comment one day when she was passing by, like she was going outside to play with her dolls and I was on the computer and my mom was there to help. But my daughter was like, talking to her dolls, oh well, we're gonna go aside for a picnic, but mommy can't come cause she's always busy working. And then I was like, oh my gosh, and I was like, damn, that's like ripped my heart out so and I just was watching her walking out the door. I'm like like, but you know, but anyway. So it just kind of sat with me, right, and it's understandable, like people say, like you know, you don't always have to be 100% available for your kids, na, na, na, like they have to see you working. But it didn't sit well for me. So then I just kind of shifted, like I just was observing that I wasn't as present. I was always on my phone during dinner na na, na right. So I shifted and created boundaries on time so that I would make sure it'd be present with them.
Natalie Amlani:And then I knew for myself that I have always wanted to like travel more with the kids and that felt hard because, like my husband's in a corporate job, so like vacation time and like you know how would we line it up pulling the kids out of school. So one of my bucket list trips was to go to the East Coast, canada, and that requires, like you know, you can drive there, fly there, whatever. But we took the time off and I decided to. So we took two weeks off and I remember I put the out of office on and my energy like felt so aligned during that time because I was going, I was doing the trip that I've always dreamed of doing, like it was happening. I'm like I can't believe this is happening, because planning the East Coast trip is actually really complicated. It's not as commercialized. Like you have to know where you're going, you have to ask people for referrals and recommendations. Like there's no chain hotels out there either.
Natalie Amlani:So we did the thing and during the time when I was away, I got like bookings. I got booking requests in my email. It was crazy and I was reflecting. I'm like my energy is so aligned right now, I'm so happy and it was so magnetic and it's attracting all the things.
Natalie Amlani:So that was like one kind of example and like I learned all of this through, like you know, being in origin, being around people who would talk about it, reading books, but I've never really like saw it in action for myself. So when these little signs started happening, I was like, oh my gosh. So same thing, like I went on a solo retreat for myself and that was a really hard one, because when you go on those retreats, they're great, but it's like a lot of like opening of the heart. It's very vulnerable, like a lot of things come up, but it was like that experience was the best thing that could have happened to me as well, because it helped me realize like so many things about my business, how I needed to shift and change, and again I just went through like another iteration of changing that, so that just kept happening.
Sheila Botelho:I love that and I love that it's like when you slow down, when you get present, when you really focus on taking care of you and when you know, ultimately, what your goals are and you have, you know you have the structure of your business set up. The right people are gonna come your way. I've, I'm telling you, the last five years have been very, very interesting in that regard, for me as well. The right people and conversations and connections, and it's just like literally the best things in my life, falling from the sky, oh my gosh. And it's like having such a strong intention, and I think what we focus on becomes so, so important, because what ends up happening is very often for many of us is we focus so heavily on two things either the thing that we're afraid of happening yeah, and then, interestingly enough, we see things to prove all. See, that thing happened. So I was right, yeah, but it can work opposite, right, right? Ooh, that thing I really want. It's possible. It's possible to visualize it and take the steps necessary to create the space for it have the container, have the structures, have the schedule, be asking, be out there, you know, be in the groups, be, just be in the places you need to be.
Sheila Botelho:But then there's the other element and that's what are you expecting, mm-hmm? Which is something that I find very interesting because I think about my own like, even my journey. I home educated my kids and actually they're still they're doing online school now, being taught by other you know, ontario school teachers online. But I just had this idea that I really, in my heart, really would have loved to have them go through the whole journey at home like and be able to experience that with them. And I did, yeah, and internally it felt non-negotiable, even though I always said to them you know, if you ever want to go into the traditional school system, great, wonderful. But it's like, and it all happened and it worked really, really well.
Natalie Amlani:And.
Sheila Botelho:I've had other instances, like my marriage, my like, just so many things and obviously businesses and connections. So that is a point I really invite listeners and really everybody to think about is like, what are you expecting? Because there's those things like, ooh, you know I have this goal, but you know, even if I only get this much of it, then I'll be happy. I don't need to, you know, get the whole thing. And it's like, well, why not? Why can't you expect and want the whole thing and see what happens right, instead of like cutting it off at the knees as soon as you set the goal right?
Sheila Botelho:And I think it's kind of our own we're trying to deflect some of the negative things that could happen. So, anyway, that's kind of an interesting perspective. But I love that you're sharing your thoughts and how it's working for you and I can see through the work that you're doing and the shift that you made. I'd love for you to talk more about the pivot that you made in your business and how that's been going as well, because how much of that was you getting quiet at those retreats and really, you know, connecting in with people to go deeper on your desires?
Natalie Amlani:Yes, so I think one of my biggest lessons learned during the dark times was that I was trying everything that I could to get rid of that darkness, to heal it, almost like you go to the doctor, you get a prescription and it goes away and you're back to normal. And what I learned is that there's so much beauty in those dark moments and that we go through seasons in life, just like how we have seasons of like winter, when we hibernate, spring, summer, whatnot, like I really never understood that sort of thing. It's not something that is like taught in business school, like oh, you know you're gonna have to do it.
Natalie Amlani:You're gonna go through seasons. So things were bad, it's okay. I was like no, like there's something wrong with me. So then, when I actually started learning to accept and trust those challenging moments in my life, that was when the huge transformation really really happened. Like I allowed space in my business to slow down, heal myself, figure things out. But it wasn't healing to get rid of it. It was like okay, trust that this experience, I'm gonna learn something from it. Like this is meant to happen for me to allow me to be able to, like hold space for people I don't even know, like I don't know what it was for. But the resulting impact of that is that now I feel like called to, you know, bring people together.
Natalie Amlani:So part of the work that I do as a photographer, like when I'm in a session with someone, it's almost like I'm channeling that energy in that moment. Like I just get in the zone and I just focus on that person. I'm channeling their energy, bringing out, like them in that moment. But also I like start to kind of get in their head of, like their business, who they are, and then, naturally, I start to connect people. So even when people, like when I meet people like, hey, how's it going? They're like, oh, it's good, but I'm, you know, experiencing challenges with this. I'm like, oh, I know someone who's really great, but it's more of this like intuitive connection.
Natalie Amlani:So then, in part of how I room my business and stuff is I go to a lot of events and I'm in a lot of communities. And why am I in all those communities? Like, at one point I'm like, oh my God, I'm like signed up to a lot of different memberships and people were like that's crazy, it's too many, but I actually enjoy it, because I kind of see there's this like complexity of like networks and whatnot, but they're all different and there's something that I liked about all of them. But I started to like I'm like, oh, this is kind of neat to kind of like, you know, this person would actually benefit from this community, whatever. So then I started hosting my own like networking events, but it was to encourage people to connect on a deeper level. So that feels really good. That's one way that the business has shifted.
Natalie Amlani:And then I also love to share my experiences. I've always been like that, ever since I was a kid, like if I experienced something I'm like, oh my God, I wanna tell everyone about it. That was so much fun, right? People need to like know and experience that. So that kind of naturally led to why I like doing like podcast stuff, so hosting the podcast, being on podcast interviews, cause there's so many different like stories and perspective shifts for people and then, yeah, so I primarily focus on branding photography now and that's there's so many different reasons.
Natalie Amlani:Like I have a business background I did my MBA and it kind of incorporates my corporate life, like I apply project management and everything I do, especially when I'm on a photo shoot. I'm like super organized, but also it allows me to be creative. It allows me to apply that intuitive nature that I have to like tune into that person and the energy that they want to share on camera. And now that I think about that, I just I've never really said that out loud in terms of me channeling that energy when I'm in a photo shoot, but the day after I actually need time to like you know, kind of like clear that energy because I'm so tapped into that person and that you know in their brand. So now I know why I kind of feel exhausted the following day and I need to like just you know, reset.
Natalie Amlani:But yeah, like I'm in this point in time right now where I feel really confident about anything that comes at me, like I used to be afraid of the of the negative things happening, like what if this happens? What if that happens? I have to do everything perfectly, I have to work around the clock to like it like in order to attract the money and the opportunities. But I learned that it's really like, not like that, it's different how the attraction energy works. So I find that really really unique. Last year I did take time off. I didn't like announce it, but I stepped back to kind of focus on some of like the things at home that needed attention. But then my business still made the same numbers that I did the previous year and I was really scared. I was like, oh my gosh, my business is going to tank, it's going to fall apart. But I like trusted it was really.
Sheila Botelho:It was a weird thing, but I love it so much, and you're not the first person who's shared this with me. So many people experienced this and I feel like it's almost like a gift from the universe to be like you are wanting to hone in on what's important. You're wanting to come from a place of health in all areas of your life and so, knowing that and trusting that you've always been supported, you will always be supported.
Sheila Botelho:It is possible and yeah, I mean certainly anything can happen. There's always unknowns. Absolutely Every single moment of our life is unknown. However, how much actually does kind of go according to plan and how much actually does work out, and how supported actually have you been? I find going back in time to see through tricky times like what actually ended up happening, those are great reminders. And now you have like amazing stories about this happening for you, which is a beautiful invitation to everyone who may be in this place of like what if I slow down, what will happen? Maybe things will be fine. Maybe you'll be stronger.
Natalie Amlani:Right.
Sheila Botelho:Like things couldn't be better. That's always an option. It's not one that society really wants us to think about, because we're much more easier to control when we're in fear, but when we're in strength and when we're in health, we really can make strides forward and do incredible work. So I love that you're trusting yourself and that you've seen the rewards of that.
Natalie Amlani:Yes, yes, absolutely Like. I've suffered burnout many times, but this time I feel very aware, in control, but also very accepting of what is coming and seeing it in a whole different way.
Sheila Botelho:Oh, I love that. Well, speaking of that, what's coming? I would love to hear you know what is really lighting you up right now, whether it's work, family, whatever the case, personal stuff that you're doing on the side. For fun, talk to me about it.
Natalie Amlani:Yes, okay, so many different things. So, on a personal level, I am like literally obsessed with traveling.
Sheila Botelho:Yeah, I see that. Check out her Instagram. It is at pictonat. Pictonat branding creative. You got to see it. And one thing I want to say, to point out to everyone also you're going to see, you know how you're saying. You're a channel. I'm not surprised at all. I'm surprised you didn't know this because I see it just in the videos and the things. When you're connecting with your clients in images, I'm like, ooh, there's a vibe, so that's cool.
Natalie Amlani:Yeah, this I honestly just discovered it while being on this interview with you right now. Wow, talking about it out loud, it's hilarious, so cool. But yeah, like I've always loved traveling, I just feel like when I'm traveling, there's so much to see in the world that gives like different perspectives, and I didn't travel that much as a child, so I just love, I don't know. I feel like I connect with my family really well when we're out exploring. So calling in that and I mean with that that means time away and then money, right. So in the business, calling in like a really abundant business, that is really aligned to how I'm feeling. So I do photography, but I've been really enjoying hosting like events, and these sort of events are just to bring people together to experience something. So it's whether they're connecting, but it's not just connecting externally, like, hi, my name is Natalie, this is what I do. I want, like my desires, for them to connect on a deeper level with each other, but also with themselves, right, because part of it is like, when you're able to connect effectively with someone like you have this love and appreciation for yourself, you're feeling comfortable to be vulnerable and share. Like you know, this is who I am and this is why, like, I'm amazing, right, but also in my photography work, to kind of focus a little bit more in building up that body confidence, so talking a little bit more about those topics of vulnerability, of, like, how we're changing in our body shapes and don't want to get on camera and we feel embarrassed, like I really want to debunk a lot of that because I go through that as well. But really, like, people need to see each other, like that's the most effective way for like branding and marketing. Like doesn't always have to be so formal on camera, but I really want to debunk that and then also create, like more luxury experiences for women to really step into who they are, because sometimes we need a little bit of like nurturing and hand holding to go through that process.
Natalie Amlani:So I really enjoy like I've been learning so much about wardrobe styling and fashion and there's amazing experts out there who can really just like create that experience of like. Oh my gosh, right, one thing is the inner work but the outer like sometimes it's like it's. It takes a lot of time and effort to figure out what to wear, how you want to look and stuff like that. So creating like an experience where that's all like part of that. That's kind of what I've been focusing on building in the business and, yeah, continuing the sole work.
Natalie Amlani:I feel like that is like an ongoing evolution and growth. It's not like, okay, I've learned about this and that. Like I want to start incorporating a lot of that into my work and talking about it more to help people become aware that, like you know, for example, there is a self care, self love coach you could work with. You can do energy healing. This is how it'll help, just to kind of bring knowledge and awareness. Actually, I would love to create even like a workshop or a conference about that and, just like you know, bring in all the people.
Sheila Botelho:Oh yeah, there's so much need for it and we thought maybe we had an idea of how people were becoming enlightened to this with everything shutting down a few years ago. But I feel like people have just dove right back in, perhaps shove the emotions right back down because they're making up for lost time, and so self care in business and in life becomes even more important, because we need to kind of get a gauge on where our compass is headed and where's our North Star, and it really is like looking inside right. So to start there, and I love this and it's been so fun watching some of these events and like, oh, the timing hasn't worked out for me to get there, but I love that we're so close so I can like actually make it out. So we'd love to talk more with you about that. And, in that train of thought also, what is the best place for people to connect with you? Where can people find you and follow you, share all the good things?
Natalie Amlani:Yeah, yeah, for sure. So I'm really active on Instagram and then also on LinkedIn. So that's for social media. You can connect with me, like send me a direct message or whatever. Otherwise, you could check out my website. I'm actually trying to keep it as active as possible and up to date. So that's pictonettecom.
Sheila Botelho:Love it. And so, to end our conversation although I feel like there's just so much like especially our time in that group where we really got to go deep on some of these things I feel like I could talk to you for a really long time, so we'll need to plan a time to do that. What is self-care looking like for you these days? What is your favorite go-to in these at this time winter months where we're recording this?
Natalie Amlani:Yeah, so what I have identified for myself that when I'm the most calm is when I'm in water. So self-care for me. If it's at home, it would be taking like a bath. I probably take one weekly. I take one after every full day photo shoot for sure I just instantly just calms me. And then I also have a like water therapies card to like different spas. So there's this body blitz spa, for example, and they're all about different water therapies so I have a membership there. So then I'll make sure that I treat myself to something like that at least every other month. Monthly would be better. Yeah, so it's just taking that time out to like pause. And then every single morning, before my family wakes up, I do stuff for myself. So I do like either yoga or some sort of movement. I feel that I personally really need that for my body to like wake it up.
Sheila Botelho:Yeah, absolutely. I love it. I love that you're taking care of yourself. I love that you recognize also those little signals of when you need to get grounded again and take time away, and I'm just cheering you on with all of the incredible growth in your business and the connection that I'm seeing, because we need more of it and I so appreciate the work that you're doing. So thank you for being here and sharing all of this good stuff with us.
Sheila Botelho:Thank you for having me Everyone. I am so grateful for you listening. Please reach out to Natalie at the links in the show notes, connect with her and share what your biggest takeaway was from this conversation in either on LinkedIn or in Instagram and stories. Whatever the case, we would love to hear. It's the biggest compliment that you can give to our guest and as you go through your week, just remember it can be better. Thank you so much for listening and have a beautiful rest of your week. Great blessings.