After three eventful years, it's time for Umeå artist and entrepreneur Natalie Carrion to move on from eXpression Umeå's incubator programme. The entrepreneurial journey continues with the same clear goal: to establish herself on the global stage.
- I really feel that I have developed both as a person and as an entrepreneur," says Natalie.
From the beginning of the year, a new exciting chapter in Natalie Carrion's entrepreneurial journey begins as the songbird and driven entrepreneur is ready to leave the incubator. It's been three years since it all began and her time at eXpression Umeå has been significant.
- I had a clear goal to develop into a world artist when I started in the incubator and it stands firm. But beneath the surface, a lot has happened, things that I now take for granted were not so before. It has meant so much to be in a context where everyone contributes to pep, push and challenge - coaches and all other creators alike. Today I am more strategically anchored. I have a clearer framework for my values and a clear positioning strategy for the brand. Natalie.
Natalie makes a distinction between being an entrepreneur and being an entrepreneur. The latter she has been able to develop through the content of the business development programme, but the entrepreneurial ability is something that comes from within, Natalie says. However, the environment surrounding eXpression Umeå has been useful for both.
I saw myself as an entrepreneur before I joined eXpression Umeå, that I am driven by wanting to start and develop new things, based on my passion and my values. Being an entrepreneur is very much about learning the craft and managing something. I am grateful that I have given myself the time and opportunity to develop both my entrepreneurial and business skills, in which both the people and the environment have been very important.
The evolution that has taken place in recent years becomes even more apparent to Natalie when she looks back to the early days of the pandemic, when she was able to quickly adapt and offer new services.
It was a testament to how far I have come as an entrepreneur and as a person. That I dared to be part of the development and try new things. So much happened in a short time, for example, I was able to be part of the National Day celebrations on SVT. That and other exposure has led to new assignments, not least appearances on national TV in both Norway and Finland.
What happens now? Well, the goal of establishing himself as a world artist is clearer than ever and it's a mission that continues. Thanks to the second leg of its activity, doors have opened internationally.
There is a lot going on. As the pandemic made it harder for me to tour, and to participate in festivals and fairs, I have spent more time developing my other area of activity - which is health and well-being. With all the new contacts I've made in places like India and Hong Kong, I see an opportunity to launch my music there. It feels incredibly exciting. Then of course I'll continue to be in charge of the Melodifestivalen, as I've done on national TV in the past. I don't think she'll be able to resist," concludes a determined Natalie Carrion with a big smile.
Read more about Natalie on her website and don't forget to follow her on instagram.
Cover photographer: Lisalove Bäckman (image has been edited)
