Episode 209: This week, Natalie has the pleasure of sitting down with a guest who is quite literally nailing it at life—none other than the founder and CEO of Glosslab, Rachel Apfel Glass. Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, from a cushy job in finance to taking the leap and starting Glosslab. She discusses her vision for an elevated, efficient, and Instagram-worthy nail salon experience and some of the challenges she’s faced as a solo founder. With a clear vision of creating the "Starbucks of nail salons", Rachel shares insights on building a solid brand, disrupting the nail industry, and the importance of community in Glosslab's success. Tune in for some valuable and inspiring advice from a trailblazing entrepreneur! 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Rachel @rachaglass and check out Glosslab @glosslab   

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

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Episode 208: Natalie is having a major pinch me moment this week as she has the opportunity to connect with CEO, author, and marketing guru, the incredible Tina Wells. Tina shares her inspiring journey from answering an ad in the back of 17 Magazine to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author of over 20 books (yes, you read that right!). Tina discusses her "elevation approach," which is a game-changer for anyone who feels stuck in their corporate job and is looking for a way to take their career to the next level. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and finding sources of inspiration in everyday moments, so you can always show up as your best self. Tina's infectious energy and practical tips will leave you feeling empowered to make positive changes in your life. So tune in, laugh along with Nat and Tina, and let her wisdom inspire you to find work-life harmony and achieve the dreams you've been putting off!  

Today’s episode dives into:   

• The 17 Magazine ad that sparked Tina’s entrepreneurial spirit  
• How the support of her parents laid the groundwork for her success  
• An in-depth breakdown of The Elevation Approach and what it means  
• Her journey as an author of over 20 books and counting
• Tips for minimizing burnout and integrating the elevation approach into your own life  
• Why she prefers to use the word "harmony" instead of "balance" 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Tina @tinawells and find her books at www.tinawells.com 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

Athletic Greens – Get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase when you go to athleticgreens.com/REALREEL 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Rothy’s - Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/TRR. 

Osea - Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL 

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Episode 207: This week, Natalie’s sitting down with a beloved guest who has already passed the vibe check. That’s right, Emily Duong is back on the podcast! She’s known as the host of the "What Fulfils You" podcast and founder of Elite Skate Wear, but let’s not forget her real talent: flirting. In this episode, Emily shares her secrets to taking risks in all areas of life (like approaching men at the bar) without getting bogged down by the "what ifs", practicing Stoicism, and putting your ego aside to achieve your goals. She also discusses how to deal with rejection and find the sweet spot between confidence and humility. Even after leaving the Amish capital of America, where her hometown only had 8,000 people, Emily's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you don't give up. So, if you're looking for some motivation, words of wisdom, and a healthy dose of wit and laughter between two gal-pals, tune in to hear Emily and Nat swap stories on growing up with immigrant parents, letting go of resentment, finding grounding practices, and living life without regrets. 

Today’s episode dives into:  

• Emily’s journey with skating and if she has any regrets from her experience 
• The breakup that altered her mindset and formed who she is today  
• What it’s like to grow up with immigrant parents and the impact if can have on your adult life 
• Her thoughts on the Kardashians and why she’s never put them on a pedestal  
• Growing up in the Amish capital of America and defying the odds of making it out 
• Tips and mindset practices for dealing with rejection  
• How to know when you’ve found your people in life  
• Navigating grudges and learning how to let go of resentment  
• The importance of finding your own individual grounding practice 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Emily at @emilyeduong and check out Elite Skate Wear 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

Athletic Greens – Get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase when you go to athleticgreens.com/REALREEL 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Rothy’s - Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/TRR. 

Osea - Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL 

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Episode 206: Prepare to have your confidence and social media game boosted this week. On her most recent trip to NYC, Nat had the opportunity to sit down in person with fellow content creator, confidence coach, and ex-reality TV star, Victoria Alario, and the two are serving up a heaping dose of social media realness. From starting a podcast to dishing out tough love on Instagram, Victoria shares how she’s formed an authentic personal brand and made a name for herself in the social media space. She also discusses how she continued the growth of her following and brand after the initial wave from being on reality TV. The two swap stories of their social media experiences and discuss the importance of being yourself, leading with confidence, ignoring the haters, and pivoting when necessary. With a healthy dose of humor and tough love, these ladies will have you feeling like a boss in no time. 

Today’s episode dives into:  

• How to find your edge as a content creator and staying true to your passion 
• Victoria’s relationship with confidence and where it’s led her   
• Pivoting and finding a realistic niche as a content creator   
• The beauty of growing up and adopting a more confident mindset  
• Why cyberbullies are actually super cringe-worthy   
• Victoria’s advice for anyone struggling with finding the confidence to chase their dreams 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Victoria @victoria.alario and check out @vicsenthelabel 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Rothy’s - Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/TRR. 

Osea - Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL 

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Episode 205: As someone who was always terrified of getting her lips done, Natalie knows the importance of finding someone you trust to get the job done so you can look and feel your absolute best. On this episode, Nat is sitting down with Marissa Barrionuevo, a friend and her own physician assistant who specializes in cosmetic procedures. Marissa shares her journey of how she discovered her passion for aesthetics and how she strives to help her patients feel confident and beautiful while maintaining a natural look. The two discuss the importance of being honest with clients, the dangers of chasing trends, and the toxic beauty standards perpetuated by social media filters. Marissa also shares some valuable life lessons she's learned in her 20s, including the importance of finding your inner confidence and not caring about what others think. Whether you're considering getting cosmetic work done or are just curious about the industry, this episode offers a candid, unique, and insightful look into the world of aesthetics.  

Today’s episode dives into: 

• How Natalie became one of Marissa’s clients  
• Marissa’s journey to becoming a PA and how she found herself in cosmetics  
• Why she has no problem saying no to her clients before they go overboard  
• Comparison and the influence social media has had on the world of aesthetics  
• The art of finding and balancing confidence  
• The role social media has played in her career  
• Navigating real life and online mean girls  

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Marissa and book with @marissathepa  

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Rothy’s - Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/TRR. 

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Episode 204: This week, Nat’s chatting with you live on video from Raleigh, NC! For her first ever video recording, she’s diving into a frequent question found in her DMs and a niche topic she knows she may receive some heat for—her opinion on living in major, sought-after cities in the U.S. As someone who has lived in hotspots like Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, Nat has personal insight on the great and not-so-great qualities of each destination, and she’s getting real (reel) about them all. Like why she’ll never call L.A. home, the shockingly hot food scene in Charlotte, her overall obsession with NYC, and the quality of life she’s found for herself in Miami. Tune in and join Nat on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, because, who knows, maybe you’ll even be inspired to make your next move. 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast.  

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Supergut - Head over to Supergut.com and use code REALREEL to save 20% off your order 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Rothy’s - Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/TRR. 

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Episode 203: New month, new podcast set-up! This week, Nat is over the moon to be recording from her new and improved podcast space in Miami, kicking this exciting chapter off with an episode you won’t want to miss. For the inaugural in-person recording, she’s joined by Tree3’s CEO, the incredible Katina Kenyon. With over 20 years of experience under her belt in corporate America, from leading high-power teams on a global scale at companies like Dell, founding her own company, and now taking over as CEO for Tree3, Katina is a wealth of knowledge and dynamic experience. Unlike the usual CEOs we encounter, she was hired on to take over the role at someone else’s company, offering a unique perspective and insight on the position that isn’t frequently discussed. The energy in the room is palpable as the two swap stories about their perspectives on the corporate world vs. the #startuplife, sharing their wisdom and sage advice for the aspiring entrepreneurs out there. 

Today’s episode dives into:  

• Katina’s early days as a leader and her perspective on what it means to be one  
• The fruitful benefits of working for a major corporation  
• Networking and the influence it’s had on her career trajectory  
• Leaving her role at Dell and founding her own company  
• A breakdown of Tree3’s business structure and the process of becoming their CEO  
• Utilizing user feedback and the importance of pivoting as a business 
• How to build a thriving team both in person and remotely 
• Katina’s true thoughts on the concept of "quiet quitting"  
• The main differences she’s seen working at both large corporations and start-ups 
• Her advice for aspiring leaders currently working in the corporate world  

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow tree3 and check out tree3.com  

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Supergut - Head over to Supergut.com and use code REALREEL to save 20% off your order 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Rothy’s - Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/TRR.  

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Episode 202: Today’s episode is Natalie’s favorite of 2023 so far, so you know you’re in for a treat! Daina Trout, current CEO & Co-Founder of premium kombucha brand Health-Ade, joins Nat to break down all things business from her views on the role of CEO (and why she’s transitioning out of that role) to the art of hiring to communicating through packaging and brand values. Unlike the entrepreneurs that we often hear from, Daina and her two co-founders didn’t originally go into business due to their passion or need to problem solve; they fell into the kombucha space only after making the decision to start a company (open to ALL ideas at first) and after deciding to take a step back from their original concept. Daina and Natalie come full circle in today’s convo as they start and end with the importance of following your gut, which is both Heath-Ade’s mission and a general rule of thumb that both women follow as entrepreneurs. 

Today’s episode dives into:   

• Why marketing is both an art and a science 
• How promising a lifestyle rather than simply a product can lead to more brand loyalty 
• The two-fold vision and mission behind Health-Ade kombucha 
• The importance of connecting with your consumers face to face 
• How Daina’s experience at the farmer’s market influenced the trajectory of Health-Ade 
• Why a CEO constantly needs to be problem-solving and compartmentalizing, no matter which stage of growth the company is in 
• Why there are actually an infinite number of ways to do things “right” 
• The reality of facing imposter syndrome and feeling fraudulent in business 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow along @heathade and find today’s guest @dainatrout. 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Supergut - Head over to Supergut.com and use code REALREEL to save 20% off your order 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

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Episode 201: After over 25 successful years in the beauty business, there’s no denying that Korres skincare has withstood the test of time. From a small pharmacy in Greece to the shelves of Sephora and beyond, the evolution of this established brand is worth talking about, and today, Natalie has the privilege of doing just that when she sits down with their founder, Lena Korres. The two dive into the controversial topic of "clean beauty," the personal nature of skincare, how Korres stands out from the competition, and everything Lena has learned from building an established brand since the 90s. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the ultimate success story and the power of consistency, both in life and business. 

Today’s episode dives into:  

• The oversaturation and confusion within the "clean beauty" space  
• Why skincare is beyond personal and there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all product  
• Lena’s background as a chemical engineer and the reality of being a female in the field   
• What prompted her to develop clean beauty products in the first place 
• The importance of connecting face-to-face with customers and building a trusting relationship with the community   
• What launching a "clean beauty" product was like back in the 90s and their first ever product  
• Understanding that adapting is necessary and the power of sticking to your mission   
• Lena’s current role within the brand and her true thoughts on having a specific "road map" as a founder   

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Shop and follow @korres  

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Supergut - Head over to Supergut.com and use code REALREEL to save 20% off your order 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

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Episode 200: It is no secret that being in your 20s is a wild ride, with so much unknown and no clear roadmap of what’s to come next. After a long-awaited trip back to Honduras to visit family, Nat’s feeling sentimental about this decade thus far and reflecting on all she’s learned in her 26 years. On this episode, it’s just Nat and the microphone, as she shares everything she wishes she would’ve known before entering this phase of her life including all the things nobody tells you but you inevitably come to learn with age. From friendships to careers to comparisons to mindset shifts and everything in between, there’s a lot of ground to cover, and Nat’s getting deep. Whether you’re just entering your 20s, in the midst of these amazing years, or have already experienced the ups and downs of this life stage, there’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone on the journey. 

Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast community! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast.  

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  

The Farmers Dog - Get 50% off and free shipping on your first box of fresh, healthy food at thefarmersdog.com/REALREEL 

Supergut - Head over to Supergut.com and use code REALREEL to save 20% off your order 

Apostrophe - Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/REALREEL when you use our code: REALREEL  

Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices