Meet Natalie Southwell of The Essence of A Woman, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Southwell.

Natalie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in IT as a Software Engineer after earning my undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Over the years, I’ve navigated a diverse and dynamic journey—moving from Software Engineering to Technical Support Management, Auditing, Program Management, Systems Engineering Management, and Software Engineering Management. Today, my work has expanded into the deeply fulfilling realm of professional and personal development.

My path has been layered with both success and struggle. I’m now an author, a speaker, and a woman committed to transforming lives. I believe in the power of community and the necessity of having a safe space where we can be sharpened, strengthened, and vulnerable. That’s the light I bring to every client I serve.

A few years ago, I hit a breaking point. I was burned out, overwhelmed, and under-supported in a toxic work environment. Leadership had shifted, and I suddenly felt like an imposter—navigating landmines without a guide. The demands were endless, and I didn’t know how to ask for help. I kept going… until my body couldn’t. I crashed—mentally, emotionally, and physically. On top of that, my marriage was also suffering. Every area of my life felt like it was closing in.

That’s when I saw an ad for a program that offered a glimmer of hope. I made a decision to invest in myself—and it changed everything. The training gave me space to breathe, to heal, and to reflect. I eventually took a leave of absence to continue the journey inward. When I returned to work, I was not the same woman. The role no longer fit who I had become. I didn’t want to perform or prove myself anymore—I wanted peace.

So I made a bold decision after 12 years, I left the company. It was bittersweet, but necessary.

Today, I’m helping other women find their voice and show up as their full, authentic selves—in the workplace, in life, and beyond. I’m living proof that healing is possible, and purpose is waiting on the other side of pain.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting my own company hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I’m not sure smooth roads exist. If they do, I’d love someone to show me the way. 🙂

While I don’t live with regret, I do acknowledge that I may have stepped out prematurely. At the time, it felt like the right decision—but I hadn’t fully considered the financial implications. I didn’t have enough saved. I didn’t factor in medical expenses, 401K contributions, or the financial dependence my family had on my salary. I had become accustomed to certain comforts—travel, spa days, giving gifts, and spontaneous outings. All of that came to a sudden halt.

I lost many of the pleasures of life, but perhaps I traded them for something far more valuable: peace of mind.

In those early days, I didn’t know who my ideal client was. I didn’t have a clear message. I was trying to follow a blueprint someone else had given me—but it didn’t work for me. I needed God to lead me, to order my steps. And while I believe He was guiding me all along, there were moments when the clouds rolled in. Clouds of fear, misaligned relationships, misunderstandings, and fleeting courage.

People who once saw me as the strong one—the one who could give, go, and say “yes” at a moment’s notice—had to hear a different version of me: “No, not now. Not today.” My home became tense. My marriage felt the weight. I started to question my own decision-making.

But even in that, I believe God was leading. And in the moments I surrendered to His direction, I found my flow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Essence of a Woman, LLC is a transformational coaching and leadership development company focused on helping high-achieving women show up with confidence, clarity, and courage—especially in high-pressure, high-performance environments. We specialize in executive coaching, leadership positioning, and emotional recovery for women navigating burnout, career pivots, or feeling overlooked despite their qualifications.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we don’t just focus on skill development; we focus on the woman as a whole. That includes faith, mindset, boundaries, and healing. I’m known for helping women find their voice, reclaim their power, and create strategic, sustainable plans for advancement in both career and life.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how personal, powerful, and practical our programs are. Whether it’s a Master Class, one-on-one coaching, or a leadership cohort, everything we offer is designed to meet women exactly where they are and position them for where they’re called to be.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck? I don’t believe in it. I’ve never been one to roll the dice and hope for the best. I live a practical and purposeful life, grounded in intentional decision-making. I’ve learned that every choice has impact, and I take that seriously.

That’s why I created the Be “Happy” framework—a practical, heart-centered guide I use and teach to help women make confident, values-based decisions. It stands for:
H – Honor and Validate Your Needs
A – Ask Probing Questions and Advocate for Yourself
P – Pinpoint the Purpose
P – Process the Pain Points
Y – Understand the “Why”

Together with the PAIN method (Pause, Alternatives, Impact, and Necessity), it helps women slow down, assess, and decide from a place of power—not pressure.

So no, luck hasn’t played a role in my life. Wisdom, intention, and spiritual alignment have.

Pricing:

• Depends on the course

Contact Info:

• Website: https://essenceoaw.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalietheessenceoaw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalietheessenceoaw
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliesouthwell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Natalietheessenceoaw

Image Credits
Jojo Stylez
Kent Photography