Tori Green: Who are you? What do you do?
Nathalie Shapiro: My name is Nathalie Shapiro. I am an acupuncturist, herbalist, and coach. I am also a Doctoral Candidate for a Doctorate in Chinese Medicine specializing in women's health and reproductive medicine.
Tori: What was your first business (including running your own business)? How long did this last or are you still involved in the same business?
Nathalie: My first business was a non-profit organization called Vedanta Institute Los Angeles. When I was 21, I moved to India to an ashram called Vedanta Academy to complete a 3-year residential course in Vedic Philosophy. I lived there for 5 years and when I came back to the USA, I co-founded a non-profit with my then partner to teach Vedanta Philosophy. We taught hundreds of classes and led retreats all throughout California. I am no longer involved in the non-profit, but I do still teach.
Tori: Biggest challenge? How did you get through it?
Nathalie: My divorce. Spirituality, health, wellness, community, self-love, and a loving uncoupling process with my ex.
Tori: What is something that you wish you could go back and tell yourself before starting this
Journey?
Nathalie: Always love your body and mind.
Tori: What did you do before owning your own/running your business?
Nathalie: I lived in India and then started my non-profit.
Tori: What/who made you take the first leap?
Nathalie: My therapist actually encouraged me to go to Acupuncture school.
Tori: Who was the first to believe in you and give you real support (financial/sweat equity)?
Nathalie: My Mom.
Tori: Was this your dream job? If not, what was?
Nathalie: I love what I do, but it is also my dream to one day run a healing retreat center in nature.
Tori: Why did you get into this field?
Nathalie: To understand the source of healing within ourselves.
Tori: What is your biggest failure that you turned into a success?
Nathalie: My mental health struggles.
Tori: If you could change one thing about your life today for the better, what would it be?
Nathalie: NOTHING!
Tori: How is your life/work balance? Body, mind, and soul weekly routine?
Nathalie: Daily study, journaling, dance, early morning workouts.
Tori: Do you say/write out affirmations?
Nathalie: All day every day.
Tori: When was the last time you tried something new/ Stepped out of routine?
Nathalie: Constantly trying new things.
Tori: Favorite book that changed your life?
Nathalie: Letting go by David Hawkinds.
Tori: Do you think your gender gives you an advantage or disadvantage in today’s world?
Nathalie: I love being a woman and I feel like being a woman is an advantage.
Tori: Have you experienced different treatment from your peers of the opposite sex?
Nathalie: Not really.
Tori: Thoughts on the glass ceiling?
Nathalie: It's in your head.
Tori: What advice would you give your children/ future children about succeeding in a
patriarchal society?
Nathalie: Own your feminine power. IT IS POWER!
Tori: If you could talk to a young boy/girl from your hometown neighborhood who aspires to
have your career/job/focus what would tell them? Advice.
Nathalie: Focus on self love, love your body, your mind, your curves. Love yourself always first.
Tori: Fun fact about you?
Nathalie: I wake up at 5am every morning for my self care practice.
Tori: Number one piece of advice you remember?
Nathalie: You are the architect of your fortune, you are the architect of your misfortune. You make yourself, you mar yourself.
Tori: Where can we find you online?
Nathalie: @nathalievitality / Nathalievitality.co