GROWING up, Natalia Smith loved to clean and would seize every opportunity to join in the household chores. As she became an adult she reach a point in her life in which her income streams slowed. That’s when she got to idea to monetise her childhood passion. In 2012, therefore, she started Nat’s Charms Enterprise.

“There was no income, and I needed something to do, so out of my passion for cleaning and different cleaning products I started the business,” Smith told Career & Education.

The company, located in Barbican Business Centre, employs five people and is a partnership between Smith and businessman Delroy Chang. On a daily basis Smith’s operation distributes between five and six 55-gallon drums of bleach, liquid soap, dishwashing liquid, fabric softner, and other cleaning products branded as Charms. She also utilises her Kingston 6 home as a packaging and distribution hub.

Now 36, Smith says: “I like being my own boss, and I’m doing something I love. Also, I employ persons from the communities that surround my business, and this is what I see as a part of my civic duty,” Smith said.

“During the summer I get books and pencils, as well as other supplies, and help the children who live nearby. When I look around and see others who have and don’t give back, it hurts. What you reap is what you sow. If you can afford to give, then give,” Smith charged, as she explained that the giving was innate and the trait had been nurtured by both her grandmother and mother, whom she witnessed caring for strangers in their home while she was younger.

Smith grew up in the community of Tavern, in rural St Andrew. She attended Mona High School and later Maths Unlimited to pursue studies at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination level.

But Smith recalled for Career & Education that her entrepreneurial skills were not awaken overnight. She had been a true saleswoman all along.

“In high school I had started selling styling gel. [Selling] is what I know,” she said. “I’ve never worked for anybody for more than six months.”

Smith attributes much of her success to her creativity.

“Doing this, my creative side comes out, and I am able to get things done my way,” Smith said.

She shared that she was able to mix a few chemicals and create a uniquely scented fabric softner that all her clients continuously request.

“I won’t give away my secret ingredient, but it was through a bit of experimenting that I was able to create it [fabric softner]. Now, when persons come to the shop, it’s the first thing they request,” she said.

Smith not only enjoys her job, but values the opportunities it creates for her.

Where business is concerned, Smith said: “Do something you love and it will work. Think long term, think how you will capitalise on what you have and make it work.”

—KIMBERLEY HIBBERT