In Conversation with Natalie Mertz of Music In She

Describe your business in a few words?

Music In She is a lifestyle brand that is music, pop-culture and design inspired.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I was burnt out from designing for clients all the time.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Graphic designer / art director.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not really, I thought I would just climb the ladder at various creative agencies, waiting for other people to decide on my positions and work.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Posted on social regularly, reached out to a wide swath of media/publications, paid-ads on social. Got a good return on the ads, got a few write ups in music and pop-culture publications.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

My first oracle card deck, I got scared and let it collect dust. I let the momentum fall off. With this next deck I am committed to following through, keep moving through the fear and keep saying yes.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Creating two oracle decks from scratch, doing it all from writing the guidebook, illustrating the cards, creating the branding and packaging and getting them produced and sold! Pushing an idea all the way to the end.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Expand the products I offer, collaborations with other artists, a podcast, brick and mortar experiential space.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

Consistency is key to change and improvement! Daily commitment to my goals, even when the mood or energy isn't there 100%.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Don't wait for approval or praise. You have to do it for yourself.

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

Meditation, daily walks, daily phone calls to loved ones, productive routines.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Yes I believe in work/life balance, but I think it comes in seasons versus daily sometimes. There are "seasons" when I need to work hard, long hours, focus and I need to simplify my down time to crucial care and cut out anything else. Then there's times where I have more space and time to relax, reflect.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

Both my parents are deaf!

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

Being crystal clear on priorities, writing out tasks, good sleep, food and exercise!

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Taking what biz advice I need and leaving the rest. There is space for me to be a business owner and a creative following my instinct and I can make a living.