Today we’d like to introduce you to Natividad Kolb.
Hi Natividad , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City when I was almost 17. In 2002, at age 19, I joined the Air Force. Shortly after arriving at my first duty station-Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota-I met my husband, Joel, a Michigan native. In 2005, I deployed to Afghanistan, and after returning home, I married my husband and shortly after I completed my bachelor’s degree in computer science.
A few years later, I started my Mary Kay business, which became the catalyst for where I am today. I wanted the flexibility to be home with our future children. While I loved my military career, I didn’t want my family to come second. We knew we wanted to start a family, and I wanted a stable environment for our kids-one that didn’t involve me leaving at a moment’s notice. So in 2010, after two enlistments, my husband and I decided it was time for me to separate from the Air Force.
Shortly before my discharge, I found out I was pregnant. A couple of months later, my husband deployed, leaving me to navigate pregnancy on my own, since we had no family in the area. I Skyped my husband from the hospital to tell him the baby was coming, and our son, Xavier (now 15), arrived 6.5 weeks early.
After one more deployments, my husband decided it was time to retire. That’s when we moved to Traverse City. You might wonder, “Why TC and not NYC?” We wanted to raise our children in a small, family-oriented community. Even though we didn’t know anyone here, the moment we visited we felt the sense of community and loved the small-town feel.
Starting over and launching two businesses in a place where we knew no one felt daunting-especially while I was 7.5 months pregnant with our second child. After welcoming our youngest, Xander (now 11), I decided to step out of my comfort zone, meet more people, and learn more about the area. Networking helped my small circle grow and opened the door to endless opportunities.
My makeup artistry business began gaining momentum, and around the same time, I went back to school to earn my master’s degree in organizational leadership and business administration because I wanted to grow professionally and elevate my business. Some people wonder why I would go back to school when I already had a successful business, my parents always valued higher education. Specially since they never had the opportunity to achieve it. I wanted to make them more proud and to show them that their sacrifices were not in vain.
During COVID, I started looking into esthetics. Never in a million years did I imagine I’d work in the beauty industry full-time-but here I am, and I’m grateful every day for the journey that led me here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t necessarily been a smooth road, but I also wouldn’t call it a struggle. I see it more as the normal challenges life brings. Moving to a new country without really speaking the language was definitely one of the hardest parts-especially doing it as a teenager. My mom and I moved to NYC when I was almost 17. After graduating high school, I attended college in Staten Island. On my commute to school, I witnessed the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Shortly after that, I joined the Air Force. Even though I had only been in the country for about 3 years, I knew joining the military was something I needed to do.
Starting any business from scratch comes with challenges-let alone starting two. Shortly after launching my Mary Kay business, some friends encouraged me to pursue makeup artistry. That path helped me realize how much I enjoy the beauty industry. It wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing, yet here we are a licensed Esthetician with her own boutique spa.
We’ve been impressed with Beauty by Nati, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Beauty by Nati is a boutique spa offering affordable esthetic, makeup, and lash services. My specialties are lash extensions and makeup artistry. I also provide on-site makeup services for special occasions such as bridal parties and professional photoshoots. In this area, I’m known for high-quality lashes, flawless makeup, and of course, for being your local Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.
What truly sets me apart is my genuine care for every person who walks through my door. Empowering others-especially teenagers-is at the heart of my work. I believe we need to lift each other up, because in today’s technology-driven world, it’s easy for our self-esteem to take a hit.
Standing apart from others has always been important to me. When I first moved to this area, I came from a place that was predominantly Caucasian, and at times I felt pressure to fit in-like straightening my natural hair just to blend. I promised myself that wouldn’t be the case here. I decided I would embrace who I am, exactly as God made me, and that choice inspired me to help others do the same. I want people to feel confident being their authentic selves without changing to fit in. It’s okay to be different-there’s beauty in that.
I’m incredibly proud to have created a safe, open, and welcoming space for everyone. We all deserve to feel good in the skin we’re in, and if you don’t, that’s where I come in. I’m here to lift you up, help you see your worth, and remind you that you are more than enough. I want every friend and client to leave my space feeling empowered, confident, and ready to take on the world.
My services include makeup application, free makeup lessons, customized facials tailored to your skin’s needs, lash lifts and tints, lash extensions, and select waxing services-all at accessible price points, because everyone deserves to feel beautiful without breaking the bank.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how caring people are here. There have been so many times when I’ve seen posts on Facebook of someone asking for help or sharing a need, and the community immediately rallies around them. That sense of support is truly special. I also love all the small businesses and the encouragement we receive. When I first announced that I was going out on my own, the response was filled with warmth and heartfelt well-wishes. In that moment, I knew I was doing the right thing.
As for what I like least, there are only two things: we have to drive everywhere, and the mall feels practically like a ghost town. But honestly, even with those things, I would move here all over again!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Beautybynati.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauty_by_nati12
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZqosS4nyT/
- Other: https://www.Marykay.com/nkolb1
