Welcome to the first episode of Let's Grow with It!

I went from being a full-time influencer to building a profitable, multi-million dollar SaaS company in under a year — but it didn’t start that way. In this first episode of Just Grow With It, I’m walking you through the full story of how I turned an idea into a real business. From creating content in high school, to launching a failed product, to raising VC funding and relaunching with clarity — this is the real, unfiltered version of the journey.If you’re a founder, creator, or someone sitting on an idea, this one’s for you.

We’ll cover the lessons I learned about finding cofounders, making your first hire, building the wrong thing, pivoting quickly, and why being naive might actually be your biggest advantage.This episode is here to break down the growing pains of entrepreneurship — and how sometimes, you just need to grow with it.

00:00 - Introduction and Overview

02:39 - Journey from Influencer to Entrepreneur

03:53 - Squarespace

05:21 - My Early Business Ventures

07:38 - Transition to Full-Time Influencer

09:40 - Starting My Social Media Agency

11:22 - Birth of Rella

17:29 - Building the Team and Raising Capital

20:42 - Pivoting to Rella 2.0

24:38 - Closing Thoughts

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I'm so excited to finally share this with you... 🎙️

Introducing Just Grow with It - my new video podcast where I'm pulling back the curtain on the REAL entrepreneurial journey. Not the highlight reel, not the "I made it" stories from the top of the mountain, but the messy, beautiful, terrifying middle of building something from scratch.

Here's what I realized: I was craving advice from someone who's still in the thick of it. Someone figuring it out in real time, making mistakes, pivoting, and yes - sometimes almost shutting down the company (been there 😅).

We've hit some incredible milestones - but the path here? It's been anything but linear. And those are the stories I want to share with you.

Every episode, I'm diving into the nitty gritty of being a business owner. The mistakes that cost us a million dollars, the pivots that saved us, the moment we told our investors we were shutting down, and how we managed to turn it around.

And because I believe in building community around this journey, I'm also launching "The Growth List" - a weekly dose of founder insights, curated resources, and community spotlights for entrepreneurs building authentic, impactful businesses.

Because if you're building something, you deserve to hear from someone who's still building too. Someone who remembers exactly how it feels when everything is breaking and you need all hands on deck. And if you have any guest suggestions - tag them below!

Ready to grow with me? Let's get into it. ✨

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Episode 291: Today, Nat chats with TikTok sensation Corporate Natalie, diving into her journey from Deloitte consultant to viral internet personality. Growing up in Silicon Valley, Natalie always hustled but never imagined social media would become her career. During the pandemic, her comedic “Corporate Natalie” persona took off, allowing her to separate work life from personal life while navigating virality and building a business. She shares her decision to leave her corporate job, her love for hard work, and how she stays organized using tools like Rella. Natalie reflects on her incredible year, including launching a corporate clothing collab with 12th Tribe, and teases future plans like writing a pilot and expanding her creative ventures. Tune in for insights, laughs, and the story behind Corporate Natalie’s success! 

Be sure to keep up with Natalie on social media @corporatenatalie and check out her podcast The Demoted Podcast  

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Episode 290: Happy New Year, TRR listeners! In this episode, Nat dives into her love for goal-setting, reflecting on her 2024 goals and habits while sharing what she stuck to and lessons learned. With only 9-12% of people actually keeping their New Year’s resolutions, Nat offers practical advice on setting goals you can achieve, breaking them down into manageable steps, and finding real motivation behind them. She explores the difference between resolutions and dreams, the importance of writing goals down, and why it’s fun to set goals with others—hello, vision boarding night! Nat also shares her personal goals and habits for 2025 and emphasizes the value of progress tracking and embracing failure. Tune in to get inspired and start your year strong! 

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you:

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Episode 289: 2024 Nat felt like she was cruising on autopilot—checking off the to-do list because she had to, not because she wanted to. But 2025? Oh, it’s all about flipping the script. In this lighthearted year-end recap, we unpack the highs, lows, and lessons of 2024 and set the stage for a more mindful, intentional, and balanced year ahead. From prioritizing living in the moment to creating quality-over-quantity content, she’s leaning into work-life harmony and chasing meaningful travels (with fewer posts and better memories). Oh, and there’s a certain London boy who’s made things a little sweeter. Join us as we reflect on the word of the year and explore how faith, mindfulness, and a dash of wanderlust are setting the tone for a transformative year ahead. 

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

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Episode 288: In this episode, Nat sits down with Emmy-winning filmmaker, human connection specialist and founder of The Skin Deep, Topaz Adizes, to explore the transformative power of human connection. Known for his viral interactive documentary {THE AND} and his upcoming book 12 Questions for Love, Topaz shares insights into how technology has reshaped the way we connect and date in today's world. They discuss cultivating curiosity, navigating loneliness in an era of hyper-connectivity, and breaking down walls created by unrealistic expectations. Topaz also reveals how intentionality, presence, and well-crafted questions can deepen relationships, offering practical tools for dating and exploring emotional intimacy. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace connection with more authenticity and curiosity. 

Follow @theskindeep on Instagram and visit www.theskindeep.com

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you:

Earnin - When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up

SelectQuote - Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/realreel. 

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

Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/realreel 

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Episode 287: How can one viral video change your life? In this episode, Nat chats with Cami Sophia about how a single post with 9 million views launched her thriving online career. Cami shares how she turned that moment into lasting success through authenticity, confidence, and passion, along with her wellness staples like Sunday resets and journaling. She also offers advice on creating routines that keep you grounded while pursuing your dreams. 

Be sure to keep up with Cami on Instagram  

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you:

Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL.

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

Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/realreel 

Skims - The Fits Everybody collection is available in sizes XXS to 4X. You can shop now at SKIMS.com.   

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Episode 286: Kaelyn Grace Apple is back on the pod, five years after being one of Nat’s first guests, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. As the founder of The Accepted Society, a Yale history PhD candidate, and a professional horseback rider, Kaelyn truly does it all. From studying at Oxford and Cambridge to running businesses and pursuing her passions, she embodies intentionality and drive. In this episode, Kaelyn opens up about overcoming limiting beliefs, the importance of championing other women, and why passion is essential for lasting success. She and Nat also dive into building healthy relationships, setting standards, and pivoting careers with purpose, leaving listeners inspired to chase their dreams unapologetically. 

Be sure to follow Kaelyn on Instagram @kaelyngraceapple and the Accepted Society @theacceptedsociety  

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you:

Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL.

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

SelectQuote - Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/realreel. 

Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/realreel 

Skims - The Fits Everybody collection is available in sizes XXS to 4X. You can shop now at SKIMS.com.

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Episode 285: The London sessions continue! This week, Nat sits down with content creator Becca Watson to dive into the latest social media trends and the realities of content creation. Together, they explore the balance between following trends and staying authentic, touching on the pressure to keep up with constant posting and the freedom in waiting for the right inspiration. As established creators, Nat and Becca share insights into the unique pressures they face and dispel the myth that making relatable content is effortless...because hint hint: it's not!

Keep up with Becca on Youtube , follow her on IG @beccamariawatson and listen to her podcast Bloom with Becca

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you:

Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL.

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

SelectQuote - Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/realreel. 

Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/realreel 

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Episode 284: This week, Nat’s in London and catching up with TV writer, creator, and author Lindsay Jill Roth for a timely conversation about dating and relationships. With Nat herself now seeing someone who lives in London, the two bond over their shared experience of navigating love across borders. Lindsay dives into her own transatlantic love story—meeting her British husband in New York, managing long distance, and bridging cultural and religious differences. They explore themes from Lindsay’s upcoming book, Romance and Practicalities, which focuses on open communication and lasting connection. Together, they discuss setting boundaries, handling finances, and recognizing the calm, steady feeling of true compatibility. Tune in for their advice on avoiding dating fatigue, and keep an eye out for Romance and Practicalities, coming in January 2025. 

Keep up with Lindsay on Instagram @lindsayjillroth

Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast 

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.

This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you:

Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL.

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

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