Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Vega.
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a mom, entrepreneur, w-2er and humanitarian. I always knew I wanted to leave a legacy and create something that was bigger than myself…but it wasn’t until after being intubated and woke up from my coma of three weeks and had to learn to walk again that I realized life is too short…I left my kid’s father of 12 years that I realized I had to reevaluate my expectations and figure out what I wanted to do with my life.
How I could do that…? It wasn’t until a friend from middle school, Marty posted a picture of a flyer of punk show happening in a random alley. I was excited to go because I haven’t been to one in forever and I missed live music. It was a pretty good show and afterwards, I chitchatted with him and he told me his vision for what he was doing. IMMEDIATELY I knew that I wanted to help and create the vision. I had the same vision when I was with my ex his family had a house that was perfect for hosting…and all I wanted to do was throw events there, but it wasn’t my house. And we know how things ended up with him…so when Marty spoke to me of his vision, it meshed with what I wanted to do!
I’ve always loved live music ever since my first house show. I was 12 and my cousin took me…I went to a few other sketchy ones after but always had the best time! I want the next generation to experience that…the rush of going to a live music event. As soon as I went home, I created the logo, Instagram, email and a mock website…everything I was committed…during each show, we’d look around then at each other and just kind of be in awe of everything ourselves, and what we created. That rush never goes away…regardless of our setbacks.
Fast forward a few years COVID hit, like everyone, we died down. I’m grateful for the time with my kids that got but I missed the impact and connections I made when we were full throttle…(I’m also kind of a workaholic).
Marty was in a band and during covid the space where they had their office space, rehearsed, and we stored some equipment, went up in flames. Everything they built he built was gone in less than a few minutes. This was especially hard for us to bounce back from. There was still equipment to be able to throw some shows but morale was down…way down ever since we started, we have battled to flourish…the city, haters, natural disasters, slumlords…but thus far we prevailed…when the burden of the pandemic let up a little I was ready to get back to work….but still unsure of where to start…We had no actual space, less equipment…less motivation. Then one day, I get a call from there president of Hill Street Country Club asking us to run sound for their High Tea Event…Immediately I said yes not sure if we could actually pull off this event and there we were again back in our zone! During this same time, I became President of another Charity…Backfence Society! (@Backfencesociety / Backfencesociety.com)
Now we’re in January 2022 and I’ve quit that charity, the charity that gave me such purpose, drive and reignited my passion for life. It just seemed like after covid the president wasn’t interested in it as he was when it first started.
Through Backfence, I do plan on having another music program where we would throw and allow others to throw DIY shows along with other events and a program to help musicians, artists & vendors structure their business and give them a solid foundation for a successful business. I have experience in real estate and how to self-direct retirement accounts along with creating, structuring and systemizing business models. I want to share my knowledge with others so that we can grow our local communities and grow our foundations.
I work full time at an escrow company, I own and operate an eyebrow tattoo studio that I do in my spare time, and I’m president of Backfence Society. I have no intention of slowing down either…this is just the beginning and I’m so excited to see how everything turns out.
Before I came on board to Backfence Society, they have been doing amazing work in the community and actually building a safe space for artists, musicians and vendors. I just want to continue that and grow myself, Backfence and others along the way 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road. Struggles have been from personal challenges, scumlords, bad partners, undependable people, the city…haters, haha.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do all the sexy stuff when it comes to running a business, haha… “the paperwork”. I’ve always loved doing that. My previous job before escrow was a charity compliance specialist. My background is in real estate, self directing retirement accounts, accounting, Tax & Legal. I’ve been volunteering my time for as long as I can remember.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If they have questions, come out to a show and ask! or send me a message on our Instagram @_NVM3_!
Contact Info:
- Email: President.Backfence@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.backfencesociety.com
- Instagram: @backfencesociety, @_nvm3_
Image Credits
@elevated760, @_nvm3_
