We recently connected with Natasha Paradeshi and have shared our conversation below.

Natasha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Nonprofits do incredible, challenging work to make the world a better place. They solve problems and have stories that the world needs to hear so that people can support their missions. However, one factor that can hold them back from attracting larger donations is having a messy, outdated website that doesn’t clearly convey the nonprofit’s story or the reasons to get involved or donate. Since first impressions of websites are made in less than 55 milliseconds, this makes it all the more critical for nonprofits to have a strong, impactful website.

This is why my husband, Sunny Paradeshi, and I started Solace Media almost 11 years ago: to help nonprofits and mission-driven organizations be able to bring in more support through credible, professional websites and videos. I deeply care about this mission because I started a nonprofit 8 years ago and I know how hard it is to get funding. But, I’ve seen the power that professional marketing can do to help nonprofits gain visibility, donors, and volunteers. In less than 5 years, that anti-trafficking organization, The Landing (https://thelanding.org/), grew its annual budget to over $1 million and continues to grow to this day. I want to share with other nonprofits how to do the same. I love teaching and sharing what I’ve learned through my mistakes and successes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Like most people, we enjoy stories. We are passionate about helping organizations tell their stories in a way that really resonates, which is why I became a StoryBrand Certified Guide. My journey into this field started with a love for creativity and a desire to make a difference. This led me to create Solace Media along with my husband, Sunny, where we focus on branding (both visual and messaging), custom websites, and professional videos.

At Solace Media, we believe every organization has a story that needs to be told. We help our clients clarify their stories and communicate their missions effectively. We work with a diverse range of clients, including nonprofits supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those who have experienced homelessness, children with neurological disorders, and survivors of human trafficking, among many others. We adopt their mission as our own and go above and beyond to ensure their voices are heard.

What sets us apart is our team and our unique and ethical approach to creating marketing collateral for our clients. Our team is dedicated to making the world a better place and we take our work seriously because we know it has a real impact. With a range of experience in the nonprofit sector—including my personal journey of starting and growing a nonprofit—we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector. Our commitment to excellence is a top priority because that’s what our clients deserve. We understand marketing doesn’t live in a vacuum so we ask questions to align our clients’ organizational strategy with their marketing goals. We focus on who they want to be and their future identity rather than dwelling on the past.

We also understand the direct correlation between marketing and fundraising firsthand. That’s why we partner with Broad Oaks Consulting (https://broadoaksconsulting.com) to bring the program “Laying a Foundation for Growth” (https://layingafoundation.com/) to nonprofits who want to grow.

At Solace Media, we pray for our clients and their needs. Our love for our clients is a reflection of Jesus’ love for us and the world. This spiritual foundation gives us a deeper sense of purpose and drives us to deliver our best in every project.

I’m most proud of the relationships we build with our clients. Seeing their missions come to life and knowing we played a small part in their success is incredibly rewarding. We strive to be more than just another vendor; we aim to be a long-term partner in their journey, supporting them every step of the way.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My advice is to treat your team with the respect and dignity they deserve, recognizing that their job is not their entire identity. I admit that I haven’t always been perfect at respecting people’s boundaries. Driven by a sense of urgency to solve the world’s mountain of problems, I’ve sometimes pushed myself and others too hard. However, I’ve learned that this approach leads to burnout, a lesson I’ve learned the hard way. If we want to celebrate long-term success together, it’s crucial to maintain a sustainable pace. I also believe leaders should give their teams the feedback, training and tools they need to grow and succeed at their jobs.

I asked a team member for input on what helps maintain high morale on our team and she mentioned being able to use their skill sets creatively. We welcome and encourage new ideas from everyone on the team, making no one feel less important or valued. We believe in our team and surround ourselves with excellent people. We encourage curiosity and welcome feedback. This is the kind of culture I would advise others to incorporate. It also makes for interesting team meetings!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my co-founder, Sunny, when I was just 16 years old. He was visiting his sister, and my parents invited them over for dinner to welcome them to Houston. I soon learned he played guitar and asked him to show me a tune. Well – after that dinner nothing happened and we didn’t stay in touch. However, about six years later, I moved back to Houston after finishing my undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. We reconnected and became friends.

I then moved to LA to study at the University of Southern California, where I received my Master’s in Public Policy. During this time, Sunny admitted he wanted more than just friendship, and a couple of years later, we got married! I remember sitting down with him, dreaming up Solace Media in typical startup fashion—on the back of a napkin at a bar. At the time, Sunny was a Media Director at a church, but I knew he could do so much more with his talents, so I asked him to take a risk and start this business with me. We had no money, just a dream and the support of our family. Now, almost 11 years later, we continue to live out our dream! It’s still a struggle and we have to be creative with our resources – but we love growing together, being parents of our two amazing kiddos, working with inspiring clients and team members, and bringing great missions to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://solace.media/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solace_media/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solacemediallc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-paradeshi/

Image Credits

Liz Ross Cruse
Yellowbox