Hi, I'm Neville J. McKenzie. I am the host of AsiaBizStories - Entrepreneurs in Action, where I bring you conversations and discussions with entrepreneurs in and around Asia. The purpose is to inform entrepreneurs that are both experienced and new starters on what is happening, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur in Asia. This takes me on my own entrepreneurial journey as I navigate a cross-cultural business environment where language and background differences add to the complexity of the new business opportunities that are presenting themselves in the Asia today. In my past, I've been an international athlete, electronic engineer, market developer, college lecturer, a very varied career path. I was born and grew up in the UK and lived in China for over 13 years. Now I am entering the world of social media and mass communication, and for the first time, creating something of my own. With this the words "scary challenge" comes to mind. I'd like you to join me on this venture and hopefully, I can give you something that will help you in your own entrepreneurial journey.
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Hi, I'm Neville J. McKenzie. I am the host of AsiaBizStories - Entrepreneurs in Action, where I bring you conversations and discussions with entrepreneurs in and around Asia. The purpose is to inform entrepreneurs that are both experienced and new starters on what is happening, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur in Asia. This takes me on my own entrepreneurial journey as I navigate a cross-cultural business environment where language and background differences add to the complexity of the new business opportunities that are presenting themselves in the Asia today. In my past, I've been an international athlete, electronic engineer, market developer, college lecturer, a very varied career path. I was born and grew up in the UK and lived in China for over 13 years. Now I am entering the world of social media and mass communication, and for the first time, creating something of my own. With this the words "scary challenge" comes to mind. I'd like you to join me on this venture and hopefully, I can give you something that will help you in your own entrepreneurial journey.
Natasha Clarke: Helping Homeowners Unlock Hidden Value Through Strategic Styling
Entrepreneurs in Action
28 minutes 37 seconds
1 month ago
Natasha Clarke: Helping Homeowners Unlock Hidden Value Through Strategic Styling
Natasha Clarke
Watch here on YouTube
https://youtu.be/y5r-BNbjZf8
“Today’s guest, Natasha, has a story that proves your passion can quietly follow you through life — until the moment you’re ready to step fully into it. From her early years surrounded by building, redecorating, and antiques, to a demanding career as a social worker, Natasha always carried a love for transforming spaces. It was only after raising her two boys and returning briefly to her old profession that she realised her joy was in design — in creating rooms that feel calm, warm, and full of possibility. Now, she runs a business that stages and styles homes, helping families, sellers, and businesses unlock the true potential of their spaces. And today, she’s here to share that journey with us.”
Natasha Clarke's Background and Career Transition
Early Influences and Passion: Natasha’s early life cultivated a hands-on approach to property; her father was a builder, her mother was always redecorating, and the family frequently visited antique fairs and markets. This immersion led to her realisation that she loved interior design and "making a space look amazing" when she renovated her first cottage while receiving help from family. While her now-husband also renovated his fisherman's cottage, building up shared knowledge of property. Over the years, they bought and sold several properties, where Natasha would personally handle the interior design and styling before market listing.
Previous Career as a Social Worker: Natasha trained and began her career as a social worker in her very early twenties. She predominantly worked with local authorities, supporting adults and older adults in the community, including those being discharged from hospitals. Her role involved assessing needs, risks, problem-solving, and acting as an advocate during challenging times. Before leaving the profession, she managed a large project for Hertfordshire County Council.
Transition to Entrepreneurship: Social work was described as incredibly intense and stressful. After getting married and having her first child, Natasha made the decision to step away from social work to be a stay-at-home mother for 13 years, raising her two boys (William, 13, and Eddie, 9). As her children grew older, she felt it was the right time to pursue her passion. A brief return stint confirmed she wanted a change, which solidified when redecorating one of her boys' bedrooms brought her joy. She recognised that her previous professional skills—managing large caseloads, handling stressful situations, problem-solving, and meeting quick timelines—would be beneficial in her new business venture.
The Business: Property Styling and Design
Natasha runs a business focused on property staging, interior design, and styling, using her skills and experience to help clients. Her design philosophy is centered on creating warm, calm, textured, layered, and luxurious design.
Services Offered: Natasha serves three main client types:
Staging Homes (For Sellers): Preparing and styling properties specifically for sale.
Residential Interior Design (For Occupiers): Helping clients reimagine a space, such as transforming a tired room, creating a den for teenagers, or setting up a hobby room for those whose children have left home.
Business Clients and Holiday Homes: Styling workshop spaces to reflect a business, creating tablescapes for corporate events, or designing holiday homes and serviced accommodations.
Differentiating Staging and Interior Design: Natasha clarifies that her work involves solving slightly different problems depending on the client:
Interior Design: This service is specific and bespoke to the individual client, catering to their personal taste, needs, and desired look/feel. This applies to residential properties and holiday homes....
Entrepreneurs in Action
Hi, I'm Neville J. McKenzie. I am the host of AsiaBizStories - Entrepreneurs in Action, where I bring you conversations and discussions with entrepreneurs in and around Asia. The purpose is to inform entrepreneurs that are both experienced and new starters on what is happening, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur in Asia. This takes me on my own entrepreneurial journey as I navigate a cross-cultural business environment where language and background differences add to the complexity of the new business opportunities that are presenting themselves in the Asia today. In my past, I've been an international athlete, electronic engineer, market developer, college lecturer, a very varied career path. I was born and grew up in the UK and lived in China for over 13 years. Now I am entering the world of social media and mass communication, and for the first time, creating something of my own. With this the words "scary challenge" comes to mind. I'd like you to join me on this venture and hopefully, I can give you something that will help you in your own entrepreneurial journey.
