Member Article

Lincolnshire Business Woman Becomes Best-Selling Author

**From no results rebel and teenage mum… she continued to reset her compass so her children could be proud and after co-founding her extremely successful business in her late forties, she is sharing her story in a bid to inspire others to keep going. **

This summer will be one to remember for 49 year old, Natalie Tilsley, mum of 2 who runs her successful business in Lincolnshire but lives in Nuneaton in the Midlands, who today discovered she’d penned a best-seller, as a book she co-authored went straight in at number 1 on the Amazon best seller charts in 3 separate book categories and it is also hottest new release in just about every business category.

Natalie’s story within ‘She Who Dares’, displays how she went from being a school rebel, teenage mum, a teenage bride, to a single mum all before she was 30. In a bid to make her children proud, Natalie gave every opportunity her all – but, constantly found herself hitting barriers and set backs until she decided that she would invest. In her late forties, she co-founded her flourishing business Coast to Country Cleaners Ltd® and wonders why she never did it sooner.

Taking a very open approach to sharing highs and lows, Natalie charts the struggles she experienced with in a bid to inspire others. Sharing her experiences and subsequent knowledge, Natalie is now on a mission to help highlight that; “success is there for anybody who is prepared to take the first step and to work hard for it – look at me – I was a mum at 17, left school with no qualifications, I had a failed marriage, 2 young children and no prospects! I had a choice… let the road ahead carve out its own path or reset my compass and create my own. Don’t get me wrong… I reset that compass a lot… but, I am now a successful property developer and last year co-founded my own company Coast to Country Cleaners Ltd® which is rapidly growing and bringing in over five-figures monthly.”

From teenage pregnancy, no exam results, divorce, cyber bullying, a knee op, bad fall from a horse injuring her back, low self esteem and loss of confidence… Natalie felt stuck and at a crossroads. But, Natalie’s grit and determination ensured that she continued to review and reflect, she says; “If you are ever in doubt or are pondering a decision simply re-set your compass and see where it takes you.”

Natalie continues; “Becoming a mum at such a young age is something I do not regret. I always commit myself to enjoying every moment, with one crystal clear focus, to be the mum my babies are proud of. As a parent I see my role as one who is there is to nurture, guide and encourage my babies so that they pursue every dream possible.”

“My failure in achieving any exam results at school spurred me on to prove to myself that I was capable and that I could still achieve. So, as soon as I could, at the age of 18, I went to work for a firm of Solicitors and my baby Jamie was looked after during the day by his Nanny, my mother in law who adored this role.”

Natalie had an eagerness to learn and when an employer offered her the chance to gain a degree she jumped at the opportunity and gained a post-graduate in business whilst working full time and being a mum of 2. She continues; “I became a sponge for learning new skills and taking in information and knowledge so despite my shortcomings at school, I grasped every opportunity. I truly believe in education, whether that is through the system or through self-development…. I always listen to audio books in my 3 hour car journey to and from work.”

After a back operation in 2012, Natalie used the recovery time to re-set her compass again, she says; “This time off gave me the opportunity to again re-set my compass and evaluate what direction my life was going in. I was bored, bored of being reliant still on a paid job, a job which although was flexible and I had pretty much carte blanche on holidays, was still one which someone else controlled. The decision was made for me, I was offered redundancy and took it.” At this point Natalie decided it was time to draw on her enterprising spirit and ability to seize new challenges she decided to dip her toes into Network Marketing alongside her property-developing portfolio.

It wasn’t until September 2017, that Natalie decided to join the Female Success Network Mastermind (a small group that taps into a weekly training, monthly strategy calls and day to day support through a private Facebook group run by Female Success Network). One year later, Natalie is now running an extremely successful cleaning company in partnership with her friend Lyndsey Bishell – Coast to Country Cleaners Ltd® is currently based in the East Lindsey District of Lincolnshire, 3 hours from the Midlands, which is where Natalie now lives - but it was where her business partner and parents still live and where Natalie grew up near RAF Coningsby as her dad was in the RAF – she now also owns a couple of holiday lets in the area.

Coast to Country Cleaners Ltd® is a coastal, commercial, domestic, wellness and bespoke cleaning company with a diverse range of clients. It has been in operation since February 2018 and in a few short months we have seen it grow from strength to strength with 22 employees and growing… “in the short time we’ve been operating we’ve secured key contracts with the local council, top holiday resorts in the area, stately homes, local businesses and individuals such as Ann who just needs a helping hand whilst her mobility is restricted and loves a good chat too! We cater for everybody and offer a personalised service unlike anybody else on the market and I’m proud to fly that flag. We are so confident of the company’s success that we have trademarked the brand and are looking forward to seeing the company continue to rapidly grow and expand.”

Already reviewed as ‘A must read for all women in business!! Showcasing the struggles behind the successes’ and ‘An incredible and inspiring read from entrepreneurial women who have let nothing stand in their way on their path to achievement! Wow!’ – ‘She Who Dares’ charts the journeys of 24 women in business, all at varying stages, but who as a collective have come together to support each other in their growth as they strive for their version of success. Available now via Amazon the book is also soon to be made into a paperback.

Brought to life by Authors & Co, whose focus is on telling stories of those who are keen to inspire and leave a legacy, the creation of ‘She Who Dares’ has been gifted to the contributors from their business mentors, the founders of Female Success Network, to celebrate the last 12 months of working together and the milestones that everyone has achieved.

Natalie continues:“Being included in this book is a celebration for me of how far I have come, and a recognition of what can be achieved when women in business come together.Being a part of a Mastermind group provided me with access to women from all walks of life all in the same position as me, setting up a new business venture or establishing an existing one.

I am so excited to share my story alongside these other amazing women from Female Success Network who have had my back over the last 12 months. Joining the Female Success Network Mastermind was perfect timing for me and just what I needed. Despite being online, it is like I have gained a whole new family. They lift me when I am down, cheerlead me when I achieve and give me a swift kick up the bum when I need it.

“I am where I am today for so many reasons. I have achieved so much that I am proud of and am on a mission to make a difference out of the adversity I have faced and the obstacles I have overcome. I am grateful every day. I am learning every day. I am on a mission every day. I am a survivor.”

Female Success Co-Founder Sarah Stone said:“Female Success Network attracts women from all walks of life who have dreams and aspirations but need the clarity, strategy and clear goals to make their vision take shape, un-ashamedly pursuing their version of success. When we launched a year ago we had no idea who we would be supporting but the women we have worked the most closely with, like Natalie, have inspired us just as much as we have them. This book is a thank you to Natalie for having faith in us, for putting our teachings into practice and for celebrating the huge wins she has achieved over the last 12 months as she has taken control of her life and future.”

Abigail Horne, Book Coach at Authors & Co said:“Documenting your story can be one of the most powerful things you can do, to leave your legacy and to help have an impact on others. Natalie’s story is sure to strike a chord with many other women worldwide, and I’m excited to have been able to help her share it, and achieve best-selling author status at the same time!”.

Coast to Country Cleaners Ltd® is a coastal, commercial, domestic, wellness and bespoke cleaning company with a diverse range of clients.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Becky Hayles .