building my business
For the last 10 years I have worked alongside my dad in our family business, with health and fitness being something I throw myself into in my spare time. I’ve worked hard, trained hard and enjoyed my life by the seaside.
I’m a life-long foodie and a giving person at heart, and have always baked out of the love of seeing people enjoy what I’ve made for them.
Over the past year or so I’ve become so passionate about clean eating I decided to make my ‘side hustle’ a business.
With the support of my family I’ve been working hard to develop my passions for health and wellbeing and create something for myself. I have a background in dance, exercise daily and have run half-marathons. Thinking about what I put into my body has become natural to me; but I know this isn’t easy for everyone and comes with challenges.
Being passionate about wellness, my aim was to create a product packed with flavour and quality ingredients, although I quickly realised that food just isn’t just a business, it’s a science. I have acquired qualifications in both food hygiene and nutrition, and now have a nutritionist on the books who guides me with expertise & knowledge.
about natalie
Natalie King was born in Essex, now lives in Leigh on Sea. Her best friend is Hugo, her beloved dog. She has a wonderful family and circle of friends: not to mention her hugely supportive partner & roomie. She’s a gym-bunny, a home-girl, a maker, a baker & an ambitious lady.
Want to know more?
What advice would you give to other working women?
Firstly, I’d say you need to know your worth and assert it. You have to become your own biggest cheerleader! And then find people who will listen and tell them how great you are: I’ve found that people are very eager to give time to someone who is passionate about something!
Be true to yourself and follow your intuition. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else and focus on your strengths. If you have a gap in your knowledge just outsource to someone who can help: never be afraid to ask for help.
Prioritise your time: create categories on your task list, e.g. Urgent, Important but not urgent, As & when etc. You need to ensure you have time to do something you love alongside your business. With a background in dancing I try to get to Pineapple Dance Studies once a month. It means I can truly let go and have fun, meaning I’m happier and more efficient when I get back to work!
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Where possible I try to have set working hours and stick to them.
Being passionate about my health I work out three or four times a week. Exercise helps me stay strong mentally and physically and I really do enjoy it.
Being around those I love is important: I take my beloved Hugo for a walk each day and make sure I speak to a friend on the phone or over a coffee.
When all else fails I take a holiday or long weekend. Give your customers plenty of notice to keep things sweet; but remember, this is what it’s all for! Work smarter, not harder!
Who is your role model?
I come from an entrepreneurial family, my father is my biggest inspiration. Growing up and being part of a family business taught me that to get anywhere in life hard work, dedication and commitment are at the forefront and that building strong relationships with people you can trust is paramount.
I’m very proud to have worked with my father and to see what we have built together. I’ve never met anyone who is concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than his own.
My father is always there for me through good times and bad, supporting, listening, and making me laugh.
What day to day essentials do you rely on?
A good cup of tea, and breakfast.
A good nights sleep!
A tidy desk.
A hardcopy diary and notebook because I love writing things down, making lists and crossing them off.
A tasty, on the go natchstick to snack on in the afternoon before heading to the gym!