Author and founder of Split Perspectivz – Natalie
Reeves-Billing has just released her debut children’s book ‘My Mummy Is A
Monster’, the first in the series of her Monstrous Me collection. With books
published on Amazon, her online store and a following of over 27,000 people on social media, you might find it hard to
believe that just a couple of years ago she was a newbie to the industry.
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| Natalie Reeves-Billing |
A jack of all trades – Natalie began her career as the lead
singer of a signed touring band before moving on to run an electronics and
textiles recycling plant. She also spent her time working on a slew of
projects that got her entrepreneurial cogs turning.
Her light bulb moment came when
she realised there was one part of those projects she loved doing.
She told us: “I had many projects on the go, from developing
soundtracks to creating new bands. I finally had a revelation when I realised
it was the writing part of it, I loved, coming up with ideas and the creativity
– that really charged me up”
She began her journey into Children’s writing after having
her two children – and although she had been a songwriter and poet for many
years, she still felt like she had a lot to learn about children’s publishing.
Struggling with structure and planning, she decided it was time
to seek out business support to push herself further.
Approaching the Business Clinic at Liverpool Central
Library, Natalie had the opportunity to present her Bubs book collection, a
series about furry creatures with magic powers, who help children learn how to
read. There she met Ali McGrath from The Women’s Organisation.
Natalie told us: “As soon as I met Ali, I knew I was in safe
hands. Before discovering The Women’s Organisation, I was still trying to find
my feet in a new industry”
Working with The Women’s Organisation, she was able to make
huge leaps in her self-confidence as a new author by formulating long term
goals and asking the right questions to the right people.
Natalie explains that by having her business advisor, Ali,
to meet up with, she was able to build connections through a network
of new people.
She said: “I like the informal manner of conversation and
advice. I feel like you are spending time with a wise friend. That dynamic
allowed me to open up and admit my vulnerabilities, revealing the weak spots in
my business model
“I found the sessions on SMART very useful and have recently
applied it to a PR company I engaged with to do some work on my behalf. It
meant that at briefings, I was asking the right questions and setting joint
monthly goals”
Together with the programme of support from the The Women’s
Organisation and Writing on the Wall, Natalie has gone on to debut her first
children’s book and start a new social enterprise with an aim to provide free,
enriched education.
“Split Perspectivz will use storytelling as a tool for
healing and growth, and empower youngsters by discovering who they really are,
through story.
I decided to set up a social enterprise after speaking to a
dear friend who is also a social entrepreneur, I realised this was my way of
giving back – I wanted to make a real difference”
In the future, Natalie hopes to visit schools in Merseyside
to deliver workshops on creativity, emotional wellbeing, and literacy.
“Having this pause has allowed me to take stock of the
advice I have been given, and to start putting them together into solid plans
and strategies. The team at Women’s Organisation have been a great help to me
at this challenging time.
Facebook: /natalieRbillingauthor
For more information about the support available to help
start or grow your new business through Enterprise Hub, please contact enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk.
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