We were lucky to catch up with Natty Baca recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natty, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking my friends/Family for support was something I didn’t really have to do. Everyone was so willing to support me from the start. The consistency through the years was tough, but I have some of the same people to this day still purchasing my merch. I’ve been very blessed with my support system

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I never expected to start my own brand. I just wanted a shirt that nobody else, but I turned nothing into something. Friends at the gym liked my shirt and would often ask me where I got it and how they could get one. I made 100 shirts and sold out in 2 weeks. I was so shocked! From there I would get asked for different colors and styles. Since 2020 I have not been able to stop changing colors and styles. Something I would’ve changed from the start is I wish I would have educated myself about being an entrepreneur. I came into this not knowing anything about an LLC, tax documents, the time and commitment it would take. I’ve failed through some seasons, I’ve over ordered merchandise and just let it sit there for months before I can get it out. I’ve had to learn a lot about trial and error and come to the understanding that every business small or big has its ups and downs. To this day I’m very thankful for the friends that have supported me from the very beginning and continue purchasing merch without requiring a discount. I look back at the years I’ve spent on my small Business and beyond glad I didn’t give up.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I started with my very own savings. Very very minimal savings. Since I never anticipated to start my own business I didn’t put too much time and money into it at first. Fast Fwd to 2 years ago, I met my boyfriend and he educated me on the power of business credit and not using my own personal money. Therefore, I established a relationship with a bank after creating my LLC and applied for a business credit card. I got approved and purchased my product and anything that I needed for pop up events. As I sold merchandise I’d make payments on that credit card. Since that day I’ve yet to touch my personal money. The power of credit is amazing! I’m very grateful for my boyfriend teaching me the ins and outs of it.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Social Media for sure! Constantly posting to promote it, making advertisements, sharing friends pictures wearing my merch, my friends tagging me and constantly wearing the merchandise myself. Exposure is so real

Contact Info:

• Website: Oneslicenatty.com
• Instagram: Its_natty23
• Facebook: One slice At A Time

Image Credits
John Rios!