Ch-Ch-Changes!

It is with so much joy that I share some exciting news with you!!

But first, let me fill you in on the backstory a tad…

As many of you know, I’ve been a teacher for what feels like eons. 15 years to be exact. I got my BA in Education, taught elementary school, got my Master’s in School Counseling, worked as counselor at a middle and high school, then began working at a Homeschool Charter School and have done it since. Working with children is what I love… and very much wrapped up in who I am. It’s an identity I’ve built: Natalie-the-teacher.

But some years ago- 9 I think – I started this food blog as a side hobby too. A friend suggested I do it as a way to share my love for cooking and recipe crafting. So I did! It became a passion… which led me to a community of like-minded wellness-oriented food-lovin folk. I began learning more about food as medicine and wellness as a whole… which led me to caring more about all aspects of wellness, particularly cleaning up the junk in my everyday products and household goods.

I was stunned as I began learning more about all of the toxins in the things I used daily- from shampoo to laundry detergent to my mattress, lipstick, deodorant, sunscreen and more. Quickly, I swapped them all out for cleaner versions… which led me to discover Beautycounter. At the time, the company was pretty new- a small grassroots mission with just a handful of products. I had no interest in becoming a consultant or adding more to my plate, but I signed up to get a discount on the products I loved. Since it’s an education-based company, I began learning even more about the lack of regulation in the beauty industry, and quite frankly became appalled at the number of toxins us consumers were (and still are) slathering all of our bodies- without even realizing it- every day of our lives. I was shocked that there weren’t more safety guidelines or laws in place to protect us- and I couldn’t help but share it.

From there, something happened that I never expected. Friends starting asking me to get involved. Family wanted products. Paychecks started coming in- it was weird. I didn’t understand it- and oddly kind of fought it. I mean, I didn’t envision myself as a “seller” or a person who would ever do “this type of thing” at all. But as my passion for helping others learn about ingredient awareness grew, this business just naturally formed.

Then I had my child- my sweet wonderful wild boy. And everything changed. I found myself having to let go of something. So I stopped tending to this blog space. With the ability to share cooking videos and other life happenings on Instagram stories, I turned to that more. It was fun and simple. Less editing- less writing… just realtime this-is-how-you-make-it recipe videos and silliness. It totally matches my “MacGyver Meal” wing-it style of cooking!

However, I’ve missed this space… this creative outlet here.

For the past 4 years, I’ve been momming, recipe-making, sharing my love for cleaner products and teaching through the homeschoool charter. And it’s all been wonderful. BUT, it’s felt like a lot.

As I’ve reflected this past year- on both myself and the life I’ve created- I have so much to be grateful for. But there are things I want to change. And in order for them to evolve, I must create the space for them.

I want to make more room for the things I love.

So… I am!

After much deliberation, I’ve decided it’s time to let go of Natalie-the-teacher. For now anyway… who knows what the future will hold. 😉 But this passion project of mine has turned into more, and I want to see what I can do with it when I have more to invest in it. My Beautycounter business has grown to support my family financially, and it allows me to be more present and available for my son. In just one year he’ll be ready to start kinder- time is flying and I don’t want to miss a thing! While it’s hard to let go of my role as a teacher, I’m excited for this change. It’s a risk- but sometimes in life we must take risks to find the rewards!

I don’t know exactly how this will all unfold, but I do know I’ll be able to create more here- I’ll be able to give it more love. More recipes, more clean living tips, more of whatever it grows into! I’m so excited to explore the world of working for myself- doing more of what I love!! Hello, Natalie-the-entrepreneur!

And I’m so friggen excited to take you on the journey with me!!

Thank you for all of your support over the years- I am so thankful for this community.

See you all soon!!!

XO,

Natalie