The Real Reel

Episode 211: From humble beginnings in rural Brazil to making her mark on the fashion industry, this week Natalie’s sitting down with the one and only Isabela Grutman! Not only is she a successful model and thriving business owner, but her husband, Dave Grutman, owns some of the hottest restaurants in Miami—talk about a power couple! She’s pulling back the curtain on all the glitz and glamour of the modelling industry, sharing her journey and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Isabela discusses the importance of self-confidence, accepting imperfections, the values that she's instilling in her children, and dives into the details of her growing businesses. Plus, if you're feeling down about the pressures of social media, Isabela is here to remind you that natural beauty is making a comeback. So tune in and get ready to be inspired by this impressive boss lady!    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 Isabela @isabelagrutman, check out Rangel and Isabela Grutman Jewelry      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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 210: Nat’s back to chat this week and is coming to you live from the comfort of her car. After a week-long trip to NYC, Nat is back in the driver's seat (literally) and feeling all kinds of emotions. Nat dives into how surreal this trip was, breaking down the details of Rella’s collab with Discord and the pinch-me event they had the pleasure of putting on while they were there. But the real topic of discussion is imposter syndrome. As the founder of a startup and a content creator, Nat often feels like a fraud, but today she’s sharing why this trip has been an awakening for her and her new-found perspective. She also opens up about her journey with confidence, emphasizing what she’s learned and providing tips to help navigate it. So grab your coffee, catch up with Nat, and tune in for a quick but quality pep talk on overcoming self-doubt in all aspects of your life!  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:   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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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