Meet Natalie Garza | Artist, Designer & Vintage Collector

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Garza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs and creatives is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results. So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large. Can you talk to us about how you are helping the community?
As an avid second-hand shopper, I’ve turned my love of bargain hunting into a creative business. My business takes the stigma out of secondhand shopping by showing women that they can have unique, eye-catching style that gives them confidence, AND recycles. I love giving these items a new life while keeping them out of landfills.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I’m a small business owner, it’s not my full time job. I’ve maintained my business while continuing to build my personal career and vice versa. To me they feed off of each other. I apply my experiences in each one, to the other. I’ve mostly held creative jobs. I started in the hair industry and became a makeup artist, then transitioned into photography, then home and commercial interior design, and now communications. It has been fun to get to where I am in my career because I’ve gotten to try a lot of things which happen to be related in the end. It’s been challenging because success is not a straight line and many times I’ve doubted myself and my direction. I overcame these challenges by having a way to express myself through my business. It’s something I look forward to and makes me feel like I’m not living to work at my job. I have something that I have complete creative control over. I also spend a lot of time with family and friends to keep me grounded, laughing, and inspired. I’ve learned that taking breaks is essential for me creatively and strategically. I’ve also learned that my story is unique to me. My story is one of following the things that spark joy then seeing where they lead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I live in Austin, I’d have to start by taking her to see the Congress street bats by boat-which is the best way in my opinion. We’d of course have to go kayaking on Lady Bird Lake and swim in Barton Springs. We’d eat at places like True Food kitchen, North Italia, Loro, Taquero Mucho, Ah Sing Den, and Z’Tejas. We’’d also head to Wimberly Market Days, Fredericksburg, and downtown Georgetown to shop and hang out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my mom, dad, and grandmas who sent me to art classes, introduced me to thrift shopping, and taught me about the benefits of being well dressed. I’ve been lucky to have many mentors and people who taught me luxury, quality, and how to bring ideas to life like designers Michelle Nussbaumer, and Jan Martín, and photographer Mali Azima. Working for Michelle and managing her antique store inspired me to start a venture of my own in the first place. I also have had so much love and support from from my longtime partner, Michael. He’s cheered me on, and lends his emotional and physical strength to all of my endeavors. Four and a half years ago, after the years I put my business on hold to raise our daughters, I read the book #Girlboss by Sophia Amouroso and was inspired to start again in a revamped way. Over the last year and a half I’ve been part of a collective called Frida Friday ATX who support WoC small businesses through markets, education, and community building. There are so many people who have helped me along the way and I love being able to publicly shout them out, so thank you!

Instagram: @nataliegarzastyle
Facebook: @nataliegarzastyle
Other: nataliegarzastyle.etsy.com