Natalie Manuel Lee, television producer and host of “Now With Natalie,” recently opened up about her journey as an entrepreneur and mother. In a candid interview with Mompreneurs host Nancy Redd, Lee discussed the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood and the power of vulnerability in storytelling.
The Birth of “Now With Natalie”: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Lee’s path to success wasn’t always clear. She revealed, “I went through this deep depression, this dark period in my life, where I felt like my identity was so wrapped in the job that I was doing.” This struggle led her to create “Now With Natalie,” an interview series featuring candid conversations with celebrities like Kelly Rowland and Letitia Wright.
“I felt this yearning to start having these meaningful conversations about what we go through as individuals and entrepreneurs within ourselves,” Lee explained. Her show, now entering its third season, has become a platform for deep, personal storytelling.
Motherhood: A New Lens for Storytelling
The arrival of Lee’s daughter, MaeJones, brought new perspectives to her work. “Motherhood opens up your lens to so many different things. Your perspective, your empathy, your compassion shifts,” she shared. This change has enhanced her skills as a journalist and conversationalist.
Lee emphasized the importance of balancing work and family. “I believe that for me, to be a successful entrepreneur, I have to first be a good wife and a good mother,” she stated. Taking time off after her daughter’s birth was crucial for her mental health and personal growth.
The Power of Vulnerability in Entrepreneurship
A key element of Lee’s success is her belief in the power of vulnerability. “We can serve through our vulnerability, through our transparency,” she explained. Her ability to connect deeply with guests on her show stems from this philosophy.
Lee encourages others to share their journeys, saying, “Someone’s road map can be someone else’s survival guide.” This approach has made her interviews particularly impactful and relatable.
Resilience and Patience: Keys to Entrepreneurial Success
Lee’s journey wasn’t without challenges. “Entrepreneurship is tricky and it’s sticky and it’s not for everybody,” she admitted. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “You have to have tough skin and know that whatever it is you’re called to do, you just have to keep walking.”
Patience is also crucial. Lee advises, “Allow yourself some grace and some time for whatever that seed is to evolve into your dream. Harvest takes time.” She emphasizes the importance of the process, not just the end goal.
