We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Bryan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Natalie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
To be honest, it was primarily my mother who raised me as a single parent for over 35 years. Both of my parents hail from Kingston, Jamaica, and as I’ve mentioned before, it was my mother’s unwavering commitment to helping others in our country that deeply influenced my values. Growing up in Jamaica, a Third World country, was marked by its challenges. I vividly recall moments from my childhood where basic necessities like shoes were a luxury, and seeing women gracefully balancing baskets of produce on their heads was a common sight. Access to entertainment from America, like movies and music, was often delayed by months, if not longer. Despite the hardships, there was an undeniable beauty in the simplicity of life – everything felt genuine and unfiltered. My upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for community, where neighbors supported each other even in times of scarcity. Little did I know, these experiences would shape my career path as a social worker.
Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Natalie Bryan, and I’m not just a licensed clinical social worker, but also a multi-passionate entrepreneur. For me, being multi-passionate means investing my time and energy into businesses that bring me joy and align with my interests. While I thrive in my role as a mental health therapist, I’ve also found solace and fulfillment in the realm of real estate. On tough days, you might catch me exploring open houses or new developments to unwind and reset. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mental wellness with overall well-being and self-care, I actively promote and sell products that support holistic wellness. As the proprietor of The Urban Tea Room, a loose-leaf tea brand known for its soothing properties, I strive to aid those navigating both physical and mental health challenges. Additionally, I’m the founder of Pearl Inc., an acronym representing “Providing Education and Advocacy to Rebuild Lives.” Through this nonprofit, I engage with communities to destigmatize mental illness, offer resources, and provide support, particularly to marginalized groups. With over 25 years in the field, my experience spans from working with children to serving veterans in clinical settings. My approach is rooted in meeting individuals where they are and empowering them as the experts of their own lives, advocating for their right to equitable treatment and care.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that I must be everything to everybody, which has been challenging for me. While I have a genuine desire to help others, I’ve come to realize the importance of knowing when to step back and prioritize self-care. Often, we enter into situations trying to fulfill others’ needs, but it’s not always our place; sometimes, it’s best to leave it to God. Moreover, when we overextend ourselves, we end up pouring from an empty cup, neglecting our own well-being. I often liken this to drinking tea from a cup with a saucer—the saucer is meant to catch the overflow or excess. Similarly, I’m learning to give from the abundance in my saucer, rather than depleting what’s in my cup. It’s an ongoing challenge, but one that I’m committed to reminding myself of regularly.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I weren’t in my current profession, I would likely pursue my passion for construction and building. While I deeply enjoy being a social worker and mental health therapist, my love for seeing something develop from nothing draws me towards a career in construction. I envision myself working in a trade that involves building homes and being creative in that realm.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.restoringharmonycounseling.com
- Instagram: @restoringharmonycounseling
- Linkedin: @nataliebryanlcsw
- Other: Www.urbantearoom.com Www.wearepearl.org
Image Credits
Natalie Bryan