Meet Natalie

Natalie Bloom was just 22, when she decided to leave her job as a Graphic Designer and take the plunge into the world of business by starting her eponymous beauty brand.

Natalie’s creativity, passion, instinct and vision propelled Bloom into the international beauty arena and underpins the brand’s longevity.

Today, Natalie remains incredibly hands-on at Bloom and continues to build the business while also being a mum to three young children.

Beauty in Bloom 

In 2008, Natalie penned her first book, Beauty in Bloom. This personal and eclectic compendium is an unconventional beauty book.

“Beauty in Bloom" is a scrapbook of all the things that make my heart skip a beat, that make me feel good and that have invigorated and spurred me on in both my business and personal life,” explains Natalie.       

Click here to see inside pages!

Five minutes with Natalie….

What is beauty?
To me, beauty is a collaboration of many elements. Makeup is definitely a powerful factor, but a positive attitude, great personal style, nurturing your body and surrounding yourself with the things you love all go hand in hand.

Who do you think embodies beauty?
The French actress, singer and Balenciaga muse, Charlotte Gainsbourg. She is not conventionally beautiful, but wholeheartedly embraces her quirks and has such a compelling charisma. Her effortless and individual sense of style also takes my breath away!

What inspires you?
I’m always inspired by the theme of modern nostalgia. Whether it is a sweet note on elegant stationary, the femininity of a handkerchief or the ritual of applying makeup at a dresser, I love indulging in things that carry the meaning of the past in a fast moving present.

What is your regular beauty routine?
I’m a low maintenance girl but a stickler for the basics! Twice a day I cleanse with Nuts About You – Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil as this is truly the most gentle and effective way to remove makeup and impurities. I also moisturise in the morning and evening so that my skin looks hydrated with exfoliate every other day.

In terms of turning back the clock, I believe prevention is better than cure! So, my daily beauty routine also religiously includes applying Daily Shield – Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30+. This oil-free, feather light formula is ideal for wearing under makeup and protects me from wrinkles and spots caused by everyday exposure to the sun.

What are your top healthy living tips?
It’s not rocket science, but in today’s high-tech world, we have a tendency to over-engineer things. You know the drill – don’t smoke, drink less alcohol, exercise, eat well, get enough sleep and of course drink plenty of water. It may sound tired, but there’s no denying, it’s tried, tested and true!

Do you have a favourite beauty product that you can’t live without?
Choosing just one beauty product is like asking me to say which of my children is my favourite! But if I had to choose, it would be a dead die between Lip Gloss and Mascara. Even if I don’t have time to do a full face of makeup, a lick of Mascara and quick swipe of Lip Gloss instantly gives me a beauty boost that changes the colour of my day!

Below is a clip of Natalie "The Cosmetics Queen" from Sunrise, hit play to view!  

This year in May 2009, Natalie received the Instyle Women of Style Award for the Beauty category. Below is a clip of Natalie on "The Morning Show" after winning the award.

Natalie’s Business Insights

“Youthful energy and adrenalin may have got me through my first year of business, but as Bloom rapidly grew, so to did my understanding of what it takes to own and run a business,” says Natalie.

Here, Natalie shares some of her personal business insights that have made Bloom the success story that it is:
1. First and foremost, you have to love what you do. If you’re not passionate you can’t sustain your business and keep going through the hard times.

2. Whatever you do, do it with integrity.

3. Stay focused on what you’re trying to achieve rather than doing a million little things.

4. Be disciplined but remain entrepreneurial.

5. Getting the right people on board is paramount. Always hire talented and passionate people who share your vision.