SHINE’ing the Spotlight on… Natalie Tink
Natalie Tink is a phenomenal business woman – the Chief of Miss Monogram, Owner of Coast to Coast Magazine for a number of years, multi award winner, volunteer, Mum of two gorgeous children and one of the most kind and generous souls you will ever meet. Natalie blazed into a new business arena just over two years ago, and Miss Monogram is now firmly planted on the map as one of Australia’s leading bespoke, monogramming businesses offering quality goods for ladies wanting something a little special (think divine leather pouches, handbags, phone covers) and offering a luxurious but affordable range of quality corporate and travel accessories too.
Last week Natalie opened her first retail store, and believe me – this is a lady who is a mover and shaker, and definitely one to watch. We are grateful that Natalie took a few minutes out to chat to us, as she has a lot on her plate right now… and here is her story!
What is your greatest achievement in life?
Easy! My kids. 13 months of trying for a baby when I found out I was pregnant with Kooper and I felt like the luckiest person alive. Then came London 5 years later and she was the icing the cake. To have incredible, healthy children and a husband that not only adores me but is onboard for all of the crazy adventures I subject him too is such a blessing. All the success I have enjoyed means nothing without them.
You’re now working in many environments – have recently opened a retail store, are in the online space and also travelling to events… how does this impact you on a day to day basis?
Online is easy breezy, the client experience is different but still our number one priority. We are able to work closely with our brides and corporate clients. Online sales also mean I can wear my pj’s all day long! Our delivery man has actually never seen me in normal clothing!
Retail is a completely different experience but one I really enjoy. Being able to meet your clients face to face is an incredible experience. We are so blessed to enjoy the best of both worlds. Face to face you are able to evaluate what products, styles, colours and price point work for our clients and what to piece to add to our next collection.
One facet of the business I will never change is our ability to cater to both audiences. I feel blessed everyday I get to enjoy both.
What do you see as the traits of being a good leader?
Remember how you started and how you got there. Even as the owner my aim is to be hardest worker in the room. Lead by example and don’t ask anyone to do anything you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. A good leader leads and does not dictate. Treat your staff like family because a good team will create a environment that everyone wants to be apart of.
You’ve held a number of exciting corporate roles. What made you decide to set up your own business and head down the Miss Monogram path?
My greatest passion is customer experience. Seeing someone light up when they open their Miss Monogram bag or reading a review from a happy client makes my year. My second passion is marketing I love taking a concept presenting it to your market and watching the traction that follows. Pulling these two passions together and Miss Monogram was a no brainer, it ticks all my boxes professionally and personally. I am a lover of anything fashion related and that allows me to be a girly girl. Miss Monogram has shown me if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life something up until we launched I didn’t realise was possible.
Tell us about some of the challenges you’ve experienced (if any) with making the change?
Biggest challenge will always be the work life family juggle. 4/7 days we nail it and and the other 3 we don’t. Juggling a young family is a challenge but one I am so grateful that I have to juggle. My other greatest challenge is learning not to say yes to everything. I’m a people pleaser so by nature my instinct is to say yes to everything. As I grow I’m learning it’s okay to say no, and no means not right now not no forever.
What’s next for Natalie Tink – what’s next on the horizon for 2019?
We have recently opened our first retail shop at the Sunshine Plaza on the 24th of November. We have chosen a short stay to get a feel of retail world but you never know you may see us full time at a centre. Our schedule for 2019 is full with pop up’s Australia Wide and you may even see a little overseas action. Watch this space!
How do you relax?
Relax, what is that exactly? I’m not what you would call a relaxer I actually find working quite relaxing. My favourite thing for down time is reflexology. 45 minutes and I’m recharged and ready to go again.
Favourite movie?
Sex and the City the first one I loved every second and watch it with a champagne on my girly nights in
What mantra do you live by?
If it was easy everyone would do it.
We have 5 SPOTS LEFT for our Miss Monogram / SHINE Business Women VIP Shopping night on 5th December, and would love to see you there. Lots of exclusive deals, special offers, a glass of champers and fun with a set of like-minded ladies… but if you are not on the Sunshine Coast and you would like to check out all Natalie has on offer, head to the link below and use the code SHINE to get your $10.00 off any of the products available:
@MissMonogramOfficial