From Idea to Business: Natalie’s Story with Portobello Business Centre

How one-to-one support helped Natalie take her next step

When Natalie first connected with Portobello Business Centre, she had just completed the Money Wise course and taken her first brave step into business. She had used the money she’d saved to start something of her own and had even hosted her very first crystal event at the Commonwealth gathering in Kensington Town Hall. It was an exciting moment, but also a daunting one. Natalie was still new to the world of business and unsure what her next steps should be. After sharing her story with Councillors Kim Taylor-Smith and Sof McVeigh, they encouraged her to reach out to PBC for support. Their belief in her potential gave Natalie the confidence to ask for help and take her idea seriously.

“I was excited to step into the world of business, but I also knew I had a lot to learn. I wanted to understand how successful businesses actually work, from marketing and finances to HMRC and taxes. Most of all, I wanted the confidence to keep moving forward.”

Through PBC’s support, Natalie began building both practical skills and self-belief. Sessions were broken down into clear, manageable steps, helping business concepts feel understandable rather than overwhelming. But it was the one-to-one support that made the biggest difference.

“What truly changed everything was the personal support. I didn’t just feel guided - I felt invested in. That made me believe I was capable of running and growing a business.”

Today, Natalie feels confident using tools that once felt intimidating, particularly around budgeting, note-taking and understanding her finances. More importantly, she now trusts her ability to make decisions, plan ahead and speak about her business with clarity.

Behind Natalie’s business, Treebehold, is a deeply personal story. The idea began five years ago, following the loss of her sister, Allison, to cancer. During lockdown, Natalie turned to crystals as a way to cope with grief. Crystals already held special meaning in her family Allison had loved them too and used to make bracelets for other cancer patients, even while undergoing chemotherapy herself. Inspired by that memory, Natalie began creating crystal trees using copper wire. Each piece became a quiet tribute, a way to process loss while staying connected to her sister’s spirit. Encouragement from a jewellery-making tutor helped her refine her craft, and slowly, Treebehold took shape.

“Every tree I make carries a piece of my heart and a piece of

my sister’s memory. She is the reason I started, and the reason I keep going.”

Natalie’s journey has included completing the Elevate programme, representing Trinidad and Tobago at the Commonwealth, and overcoming the additional challenges of living with a hidden disability. Each milestone has strengthened her belief that she belongs in business and deserves to be seen. Reflecting on her experience, Natalie shares a message for anyone considering a PBC programme:

“You don’t need to have everything figured out. Bring your whole self, stay curious, and trust the process - even when it feels uncomfortable. The growth comes from showing up.”

Natalie’s story is a reminder that progress doesn’t always start with confidence. Sometimes, it starts with courage, the right support, and someone believing in your potential before you fully believe in it yourself.