The hard truth about my career story?

There were so many days I wanted to give up.

People see the finished results — the photos, the business, the awards, the glamour — but they don’t see the years of sacrifice, setbacks, and hard work that happened behind the scenes.

My journey started at 16 years old. While others saw a young apprentice, I was carrying challenges that many people didn’t understand.

At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability. School was never easy for me. I struggled academically, was often misunderstood, and experienced bullying throughout my younger years. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete Year 12 because the traditional education system didn’t match the way I learned.

When I started my hairdressing apprenticeship, I faced another set of challenges. Remembering information instantly wasn’t easy for me, so I developed my own ways of learning. I wrote everything down, took extra time to understand techniques, and worked twice as hard to keep up. Unlike school, there were no teacher aides or additional support systems. It was just me, trying to prove to myself that I was capable.

Despite those struggles, I discovered something important — my creativity was my strength. Working with people, creating beautiful transformations, and building relationships with clients came naturally to me. My confidence slowly grew, and so did my skills.

At the time, I was working for what I believed was my dream salon — one of the most respected salons in Victoria. I had dreamed of being part of that team for years. Sadly, it became one of the most difficult experiences of my career.

Because of my ADHD, I was treated differently. I experienced bullying, anxiety, and constant self-doubt. Eventually, I was told that I could no longer work there because some people felt it was unfair that I needed additional support. I was only 16 years old.

I remember feeling completely heartbroken. I questioned my abilities, my future, and whether I was ever going to be good enough.

But that wasn’t the end of my story.

I found another salon that believed in me, supported me, and helped me grow into the hairstylist and business owner I am today.

Success didn’t happen overnight. It took years of consistency, tears, setbacks, long hours, pressure, determination, and believing in myself when nobody else could see the vision yet.

The truth is, building your dream career isn’t always glamorous. It’s lonely at times. It’s exhausting. It’s challenging. But every obstacle I faced helped shape the woman I am today.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the little 16-year-old Natalie who refused to give up, even when life told her she should.

To anyone struggling right now: your challenges do not define your future. Your setbacks do not determine your success. Keep going, keep believing in yourself, and never stop chasing your dreams.

One day, you’ll look back and realise that the moments that almost broke you were the moments that built you.

And for that, I am forever proud of my journey. 🤍