SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY: Natala Guillaume Ferguson
Natala Guillaume Ferguson is a 30 year old blogger and founder of www.thexxldiva.com. She is married and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design.
“Fashion is my first love, cooking is my second, and God and my family are my everything.”
Learn more about Natala in this week’s Spotlight Saturday.
WHAT “THEXXLDIVA” BLOG FEATURES
"Delicious food recipes and my personal fashion style.”
THEXXLDIVA’S BUSINESS NICHE
“My niche is pretty small, there aren’t many plus size bloggers who also blog about food and as you can imagine even fewer women of color. What sets me apart is my style of cooking – I draw inspiration from my Haitian background, as well as my American upbringing. And as far fashion sense I love print and color and classic silhouettes and pieces. My approach to food and style is the same; try before you make your mind up. You may surprise yourself.”
HOW THEXXLDIVA GOT STARTED
“Back in 2011, I was in a bit of a rut career wise and needed some inspiration. I started the blog to inspire and motivate myself. But for a number of reasons I had to put it aside, regrettably. Last year I hit a milestone. I turned 30 and in looking back over my life the one area I was disappointed with was my career. Although I have a wonderful job that pays well, it pales in comparison to pursuing my passion. So at the end of last year I decided to start up my blog again and refocus my efforts.”
ADVICE TO SOMEONE PURSUING THEIR DREAMS
“Don’t let fear of failure keep you from moving forward. Do your research and then put it to work.”
GREATEST INFLUENCE
Her family, especially her younger sisters and her husband.
Natala says: “They’re always so real. They are my think tank, my biggest fans, and my first customers.”
FAVORITE QUOTE
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. –Jeremiah 29:11
Natala explains: “This has been very much a mantra for me as of late. I have to keep reminding myself that if this walk wasn’t meant for me, God wouldn’t have put it on my heart.”
FAVORITE PASTIME
“I’m pretty much all over the place when it comes to hobbies and activities. But I’d have to say; playing video games with my husband is probably my all time favorite. It makes me feel like a kid again, and it’s sooo helpful in reducing stress, plus it counts double as quality time with my boo.”
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF
Trust that you are enough. Don’t broadcast your plans, just put them into action. Above all else, keep going.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FUTURE
“In early spring, I will be providing shoe strassing services on my blog via my new Etsy store, in addition to other custom pieces. By the end of the year, I’m looking to branch off into my own YouTube channel dedicated to cooking and live fashion styling.”
To learn more about Natala visit www.thexxldiva.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Google+.