We recently connected with Natalia Barlow and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Natalia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I developed a proprietary framework in 2023 that deep dives into the identity of a person–their nature vs nurture, the experiences that shaped them and how those experiences may have shaped the way they present. This framework was birthed out my own discovery that the way I showed up in the world was from the intention of protecting what I found most dear, pure and fragile–my true self. When you go into business for yourself without any prior knowledge of how things work, it can make you more susceptible to molding yourself into someone that is more agreeable, recognizable and digestible in order to progress towards your goals. This is what happened to me until I became a hollowed out shell of a person. When the world closed due to Covid, I went inward and began excavating the grounds of my heart and mind to lay a foundation of truth that felt impenetrable, unwavering and withstanding. This framework now acts as a trusted pathway for clients to unfold, rediscover and nourish what’s true.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a woman who once used her aesthetic to hide, I understand the damage done when you don’t fully accept yourself.

My introduction to beauty was being the daughter of a hairstylist who spent her Saturdays watching her mom transform hair. Clients came in with their heads low and left as if they were floating on air. Transfixed, I carried on with life knowing that one day I would play a role in this kind of transformation.

Through our proprietary framework, I guide clients in the exploration and expression of who they truly are. My journey to radical self-acceptance revealed a truth I now help others live into: confidence isn’t created through performance—it’s cultivated through self-expression, care and a preservation of values. ‍

With each client’s permission, I become a mirror that reflects what’s present and what’s possible—emboldening them to walk away seeing themselves and the world in a brand new light. I currently offer support through professional makeup artistry, makeup lessons, wardrobe consulting and image curation.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2022, I grieved quite a bit. In one year, I lost my sense of self as a woman in a relationship, parted ways with two close friends who kept me sane in the highs and lows of life, became a version of myself I prejudged before I accepted and lost all gumption to continue the career I dedicated a decade of my life to. I recall the pain in my voice as I mourned the losses to my mother and gave voice to how hard it was to accept the woman I became as a result of making hard choices that honored preferences I didn’t know I had. My mother, as the spicy, warm and direct Aries that she is consoled me by saying, “That’s ok baby. You just became someone new that you don’t know yet. You just have to get to know her…”

I left that conversation aware of a dire need to feel safe while exploring the depths of myself and planted seeds of acceptance that would later become an embodiment of self I now help others attain. As my hands tended the garden of a reclaimed identity, tears of grief, joy and compassion for self watered the soil.

Each day since that conversation has been another step towards providing myself the room I need to grow, expand and nurture the woman I am continually becoming. Honoring this intention came with the end of a long-term relationship, the expansion of my community and the work required to reignite and sustain my ambitious fire.

Resilience is required for a path like this and although quite humbling, I wouldn’t change anything about the journey.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

That time is now and the pivot is to bring as much joy, peace, love and creativity as possible to those I cross paths with. I now live in a sunny, laid-back and cultured town where I am surrounded by people intentionally living life. As a result, taking root in St. Petersburg, FL nurtures the intended outcomes of my work.

In these uncertain times, it’s important to ground ourselves in what’s within our control as we extend support to our community at-large. The current pivot is rooted in this intention and is still unfolding.

Embracing more joy, peace, love and creativity in response to uncertainty feels like a heart-led rebellion. I’m into it! Change your hair color, take up a new hobby, make time for your community and circle back on the creative project that is you. The reclamation of self begins now. ✨

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nataliabarlow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglowpathway
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlowByNatalia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliabarlow/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/glow-by-natalia-barlow-tampa-3

Image Credits

All photos are self portraits by Natalia Barlow.