Nataly Quintero is the owner and operator of Meraki By Nat, LLC, where Nataly creates images that are meaningful, soulful, and storytelling for her clients and their audiences. Nataly Quintero is a graduate of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP). We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training program.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I decided to become an entrepreneur out of my passion for problem-solving and finding ways to help the world and our community. I knew that this was for me when working a 9-5 became a chore rather than a luxury. I knew that I was being called to do more when I discovered entrepreneurship and the challenges that came with it became exciting. That’s when I knew this was the path for me.
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
I realized I have two passions, visual storytelling and bringing awareness to the wellness space and its importance in our communities. I asked myself the following question, “how can I incorporate these two loves into one business?” That is when I discovered that I can truly help brands and creative in the wellness space by telling their stories and help them grow their own communities through strong photography.
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
I cannot tell you enough how much attending EDTP has helped me to grow as an entrepreneur. Not only has it clarified the direction of my business, but it allowed me to step out of my comfort and really own the role of a business owner. One of the things I am so grateful for is the amount of time they took to teach us the financial side of owning a business. As a first gen Latina the subject of money and let alone business money was not a topic of conversation in my household. I’ve had to unlearn and learn and with this program, I’ve been able to step into a comfort level where I can now say that money is working FOR me not AGAINST me.
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
I want to be transparent and say that this journey has been really hard for me. There is nothing about entrepreneurship that is easy because you always seem to stumble upon a new challenge that you have to figure out, but it’s part of the growing process as a business start-up. I am honestly still trying to figure it out all the time and I seem to fall into a lot of failures but let’s take the word failure away and rather, replace it with learning. I don’t ever fail I always learn. Successes? The number of clients I received in my first year in business. I’m not going to boast and say it was massive because some months were still a struggle but for my first year in business I sure am proud.
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
Meraki By Nat is about to be 1 year old in February of 2023 and it feels surreal. I am still in my start-up phase but working toward building a more consistent clientele that can help Meraki By Nat grow into something more. I am hoping 2023 will bring the next level of my business and I don’t plan to stop until it does.
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
One thing I’ve had to learn the hard way: BE CONSISTENT If there is one thing that stands true is that with consistency and small steps come rewards. Remember your WHY and stick to that. Open yourself up to opportunities and clear your mind about what it’s supposed to look like. Just be consistent and allow things to come but please STAY CONSISTENT.
Some more information about Meraki By Nat, LLC:
A soul-led photography business that helps wellness brands, music artists, and ARTrepreneurs tell their visual stories through portrait, branding, and event photography.
About Nataly Quintero:
Nataly first picked up a camera at the age of 24 where she fell in love with visual storytelling. Her passion for bringing awareness into the wellness space led her to start her soul-led photography business. Her goal is to help wellness brands, music artists, and ARTrepreneurs share their dreams with the world while also helping build their communities.
Nataly Quintero can be reached at:
Email: hello@merakibynat.com
Instagram: @itsnatalyq
Website: www.merakibynat.com
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.