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

Hi Natalie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Authenticity! If you stay true to who you are and build your business around that, then your brand reflects that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has always been my passion. Even as a child it was my biggest love. While I studied art in many different forms over the years (paint, pencil, pottery, screen printing, photography, art history etc.), I never landed on one thing that felt like quite the right fit for me. I experimented alot and it wasn’t until we purchased our home in Oak Park that design became my new canvas. It was an extremely organic process starting with exploring design concepts and experimenting in my own home that lead to slowly building a design business. The business took off before I had the structure in place. It’s been a lot of learning as I grow.

Instagram has placed a huge role in helping me expand my reach, connect with other creatives and brands. It’s not easy to manage the social components with the business and design end of things but it is a great way to learn from others and find your own niche in this saturated market. Bring art back into the fold as an art forward design concept has helped me not only stay true to my roots but it allowed me a bigger space in the design world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh, so much fun to be had! I love taking out of town guests to the Whitewater Center for an immersion in nature and fun outdoor activities. Camp Northend is one of my favorite Charlotte places to eat, drink, surround your self in art and get inspired. Speaking of eating, I always take friends to Optimist Hall. This HUGE food stall in an old warehouse building has got something for everyone. It’s always fun to walk around NoDa for some great breweries, restaurants, boutiques and art. Visualite is one of my favorite places to see live music in a more intimate setting. Freedom Park and the Charlotte greenways are always so peaceful for strolling. There is always something popping up around Charlotte, whether it’s a pop-up, concert, sporting event or market!

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?
Oh there are so many friends and family members who have encouraged me along the way but truly it was my friends from my Oak Park, IL bookclub that gave me a push. One of those friends even came up with the name for my business!

Website: www.homeecop.com

Instagram: @home_ec_op

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeecop/

Other: Artfully Designed, a design show I am the lead designer based here in Charlotte. Airs on the Magnolia Network, HBO Max and Discovery Plus.

Image Credits
Photographer :Megan Easterday – Easterday Creative & Margaret Rajic

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