We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful NATASHIA BLACH . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with NATASHIA below.

NATASHIA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I think the current system focuses too much on telling kids what to do instead of how to think, how to trust their own God given intuition, natural talents and drives. We’ve made children themselves into a kind of trainable commodity. Where’s their voice in all this? What do they really want to do in the process of learning?

Just one example: There’s much pressure based on taking the tests, getting the right score, to then get into the right secondary education. If you miss a problem on the test that’s it. But why not let them take it until they actually ace it, instead of penalties that can lead to loss of self-confidence and aversion to school? I don’t think it’s necessarily flawed for everyone, but I do wish more emphasis be placed on self-sufficiency, and allowing one’s own unique passions to lead the way to overall education— to ‘whole education’ and not to simply fit into a preset box or career. category. This would set the foundation for true self-discovery; whatever that entails, and many times it’s actually not fitting into ‘the box.’ Times and the world are changing faster every day. It’s time this system get a much needed reset and overhaul.

In addition, many higher education institutions are not for everyone. They are costly and can put a person in student debt for life! This is not a sustainable idea when considering the already increased cost of living & continuing inevitable inflation. But some young people I believe would really thrive if given more tools for entrepreneurial endeavors. They would also contribute much more to society. For instance and just prior the 1980’s, there used to be more access to things like trade schools. One could become their own boss, work with their hands and virtually never worry about getting or losing a job. There was also real life education involved in the experience of working with the public while providing an invaluable service like plumbing, metal or electrical work.

It’s a much more complex answer with many angles to look at, but for now— I do believe in the Whitney Houston song, when she soulfully sings: “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside— give them a sense of pride….” — ‘The Greatest Love Of All’

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?

I started GypsyPosh By TOSH back in 2014 while making a single pair of earrings for a dear friend who could buy whatever she wanted. These had to be handmade just for her! And so the passion and I suppose the business building began from there…

Nearly 8 years later I continue to be the sole curator of my company’s offerings – although I do get more help and hands with the actual creation of this custom, artisan jewelry.

The online store and IG page displays much of the work I produce: A myriad of many different styles and inspirations that effortlessly go from sunshine to moonlight, and back again. I love working with Gold Filled, Argentium Silver metals— although many pieces can and have been made with solid Gold metals as well. I use authentic gemstones and other natural materials wherever possible. Although I will also occasionally flirt with some other focal points, like enamel/glass components..

Many of the pieces are also able to convert, to enjoy several ways in one piece. I personally have not seen a lot of this in artisan jewelry. But I was inspired to make pieces for myself and I truly can’t stand when faced with the dilemma: Long or Short Necklace with they boat neck, or long maxi dress??

Since the Pandemic of 2020, my strategy for meeting my customers literally where they were took place. I began to convert my vehicle into a mobile shop. This was the best innovation since much of my business model entails live shows, trunk events and Holiday Boutiques. This was not easy but ultimately I’m thrilled to say we continue to offer the mobile service to our many local & established customers, still to this day and especially around the Holidays!

GYPSYPOSH= Feeling Fabulously At Home, Wherever You Roam…

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was a film & television actor working consistently for about 12 years until I met and married my husband. We then started a family and had two incredible sons who I wouldn’t trade anything — including that successful career for. But there was a bit of a mourning period in between calls I would get from my agency about some opportunities and having to tell them I just don’t have the time to commit to the projects like I once did.

I remember telling the Universe if you will— that I’m officially letting go. I want to feel connected to my creativity again but in a way that fits into my life. I actually did say something like: “Please show me what I’m supposed to be doing…” And I do believe it was about two weeks later when I had that fateful and fun encounter with my next door neighbor, who would then become a mentor for making jewelry. That was around September 6th, 2014. Still going strong this day.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a social media presence shouldn’t be a super stressful event. There are many easy hacks and tricks on things like posting at a certain time— to get the algorithms to work for you. There’s advice on how many posts to commit to on a weekly/monthly basis and/or the kind of content of a page. These are all such subjective aspects of the overall equation. The ideas are only limited by your own imagination. But I would say in general, giveaways are great as well as partnering with other larger influencers to gain some traction and followers. It can sometimes be laborious or costly (as in hiring someone to do it for you).

But overall it’s about consistency, not giving up and making sure you silently celebrate each and every new follower- never taking that part for granted. This is not just another box to check off. Building the presence is like building a house that you’ll be spending much time in! Try not to waste time responding to every solicitation when they DM you asking if you need followers. I got mine organically and that’s been enough for me. It’s truly about quality of your following over quantity. Plus others can tell if you say ‘bought’ followers- there’s so many likes but not much engagement besides.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gypsyposh.com
• Instagram: @gypsyposhbytosh
• Facebook: GypsyPosh By TOSH

Image Credits
Brevin Blach (husband)