Photo Credit: Chris Bennett

40 Stories for 40 Years – Profilee 26

Natalie first came to New Ventures Maine in 2007.  At that time, she was a new mom, a recent transplant to Aroostook County, and facing a divorce. Natalie had no idea what she was to do next.  

After learning about NVME’s services from her mother-in-law, Natalie decided to enroll in several classes.  She shares, “I hadn’t been on my own before – I lived with my parents before moving in with my husband. So I took a money management class and learned about the Family Development Account for my education savings. Then, I took a business class,” she says.

Upon completing the classes, Natalie decided that she wanted to move forward with self-employment.  With help from NVME, she created her business plan and launched her part-time business, Social Envy Image and Event Consulting.  Natalie now also works full-time at athenahealth in Belfast as a Customer Success Manager.  She reflects, “The skills garnered within the NVME classes truly prepare a person to succeed in all facets of life.  The confidence I gained from my experience with NVME helps me daily in my role as a Customer Success Manager.”

Overcoming Barriers

Natalie had multiple barriers to overcome in working towards her goals.  She shares, “When I came to NVME, I wasn’t just divorcing and a new mom. I am also a woman with a disability. I really didn’t know what I was going to do next. Thanks to this organization, I was able to muster the courage and self-esteem, to see past those limitations, break down the boundaries, and go for it. If I failed, it was okay because I had the NVME support system to be there with me to lift back me up. NVME supported me, helping me to develop my business plan and push me through those courses.”  Natalie now helps to pay it forward by serving as an Ambassador and advocate for New Ventures Maine.

She says, “New Ventures Maine is a cheerleader for folks who need an extra push to awaken the potential within them that they don’t quite see. The program helped me say, ‘Here is my goal, this is how I can achieve that goal, this is my roadmap, and once the roadmap is there, I can do whatever I want.’ I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the strength and support of NVME.”