Just Grow With It with Natalie Barbu

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 Sign up for my newsletter: https://thegrowthlist.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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   This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.    Earnin - When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up L-Nutra Prolon - Prolon is offering The Real Reel listeners 15% off their 5-day nutrition program for your post-holiday glow up when you go to prolon.comlife/realreel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.    Earnin - When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up Prolon - Prolon is offering The Real Reel listeners 15% off their 5-day nutrition program for your post-holiday glow up when you go to prolon.comlife/realreel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 20% off sitewide from November 26 to December 2 when you 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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 20% off sitewide from November 26 to December 2 when you 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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

Episode 283: Nat’s back with a solo episode to talk all about motivation! Nat always feels like she’s been a natural motivator, and she breaks down a few key points that she's learned along the way to help you take initiative in your life. Thinking about her own journey, Nat talks about the importance of following your curiosity instead of chasing abstract dreams. Follow your interests instead and find others who share them! You’ll never know where it takes you. Also, the power of a good network can’t be underestimated either, so find those like-minded people to promote growth and opportunities for yourself. Lastly, it’s never too late to start! The ‘perfect time’ for anything is a myth, so start with small steps if you need to and watch that growth happen over time! Tune in for lots more tips and advice on becoming your best (and most motivated) self! 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 - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 282: Joining Nat this week is Mark Rampola, the founder of Zico coconut water, and he shares his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur after leaving his comfortable corporate job behind. Mark and Nat then dive into the entrepreneurial mindset and touch on everything from risk-taking to self-awareness to finding joy in the journey. Mark discusses buying back his company from Coca-Cola and the new Zico product he’s excited to launch, which he thinks is their best (and tastiest) product yet! This episode isn’t just for aspiring business types, as Mark’s insights extend beyond the life of an entrepreneur and crossover into everyday territory, which listeners are sure to find both informative and entertaining. You can find out more about Mark and his companies at Zico.com and Groundforcecapital.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 - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 281: Nat is back with another solo episode this week, recording live from a bachelorette weekend in Destin, Florida, and is sending out prayers to everyone impacted by hurricane Milton and Helene, especially in her home state of North Carolina. After feeling uninspired for a while, Nat gets candid about where she's been mentally when it comes to the podcast and reflects on her incredible past guests and the challenges of coordinating in-person recordings. But now she’s ready to embrace remote interviews again with a renewed sense of excitement! She then teases an upcoming trip to London to visit her "London Boy" at the end of the month and dives into listener questions, offering advice on reigniting a relationship, deciding when to quit a job and start a business, and navigating long distance relationships. Nat also introduces a new and exciting voicemail feature for future episodes. Click the link below for your chance to be featured on the next one! 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 - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 280: From the snowy streets of Salt Lake City to the bright lights of Hollywood and back, today’s guest has one heck of a story to tell. Natalie has the honor of speaking with Lindsay Arnold, a So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars alum, to learn about her journey as a professional dancer turned mom, influencer, fitness instructor, and business owner. Lindsay’s sharing how her passion for movement landed her the career of her dreams, her first-hand experience on reality TV, and how she manages to wear so many hats at once! Tune in for an inspiring and relatable conversation that simultaneously feels like a comforting coffee date with one of your besties. Enjoy!       Today’s episode dives into:    The benefits of feeling motivating stress when it comes to your profession    Lindsay’s first-hand experience with mom-shaming online and her true feelings toward social media     How her relationship with movement began and the origin story of her career as a professional dancer    Behind the scenes of her experience on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars   Why she ultimately decided to take a step back from DWTS  What led her to create The Movement Club  The contrast between her current life and her life when she was dancing full time      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 Lindsay @lindsarnold and check out @themovementclub   This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Earnin - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 279: Nat’s back with a solo episode about her recent travels around Europe! Making weeklong stops in London, Italy, and France, Nat dives into what each week was like and shares some insights and travel tips that she’s picked up along the way. Whether it was solo travel (and dating!) in London, going to a wedding in Italy, or buddy-traveling in France, each place presented unique opportunities to soak up the culture and experience something new and exciting. Nat wraps up the episode by answering some listener questions like how to save money on travel, strategies to stay safe when you’re in a new area, and how to balance work while on the road! (Hint: leverage those time zone differences!) It’s a super fun episode that’s sure to get you booking that next flight out of town! 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: In The Making from Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show. Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/realreel, Earnin - Download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices