“My journey into make-up artistry started out of pure passion,” says Natasha Proctor as she settles down with this publication.
“I’ve always loved how make-up can transform not just appearances, but confidence.”
Over the years, she says, working with a wide range of faces and personalities taught her more than just technique—it revealed how to bring out the best in others.
“It’s about enhancing natural beauty, not masking it,” she explains. “That philosophy of empowerment and self-expression continues to shape everything I do—from beauty services to fashion. That became the heart of my brand.”
Proctor notes the rapid evolution of the beauty industry and a growing appreciation for local talent.
“The industry has grown so much,” she says. “There is more recognition now, and social media has played a big role in helping artists build personal brands.”
She adds that the industry is shifting beyond traditional beauty services.
“We’re seeing a move toward curating full lifestyle brands,” she says. “There is also a lot more support for collaboration, training, and mentorship, which is making it easier for new artists to break in and grow.”
Beyond her work in beauty and branding, Proctor speaks candidly about her personal fitness journey—one that, for her, goes far deeper than aesthetics.
“For me, fitness has been more than just a journey; it’s been deeply personal and healing,” she shares. “I have always been plus-size, and growing up, I was constantly teased and bullied because of my weight. People would say things that cut deep, and over time, I started to believe them.”
She admits the emotional toll was heavy.
“I carried that pain quietly, and it slowly chipped away at my confidence,” she says. “For a long time, I struggled with low self-esteem. I would try to start a fitness journey, go hard for a month, then fall off. It became this cycle of starting and stopping, and always feeling like I had failed myself.”
Eventually, she says, she slipped into a dark space where even basic motivation disappeared.
“I was mentally and emotionally drained. I did not have the energy to do anything for myself, let alone go to the gym. But in September last year, something shifted. I did not set out to change myself,” she reflects. “I wanted to find myself. I was tired of feeling small inside,” she told this publication.
Proctor said her journey as a plus-size fitness enthusiast has brought overwhelming positive feedback about her appearance. She says many women feel seen and motivated to begin their own fitness journeys—and that alone keeps her going.
She adds that strangers sometimes stop her in public to say how proud they are of her and how inspired they feel.
“These moments remind me that what I am doing matters. Of course, there are critics who still do not believe plus-size and fitness exist together,” she explains. “But I’ve learned to block out that noise and focus on the impact I am making.”
“Being an entrepreneur in Botswana has tested me in more ways than I ever imagined,” says Proctor, reflecting on the challenges of running a small business in a tough economy.
Speaking to this publication, she opens up about the often-overlooked realities of entrepreneurship—the emotional, financial, and mental toll that comes with building something from the ground up.
“It is not just the late nights or the never-ending to-do lists,” she explains. “It is the constant roller coaster of trying to stay afloat while maintaining a professional standard and fair pricing—all while your value is being questioned.”
One of her biggest frustrations, she says, is pressure from customers who frequently request discounts or attempt to negotiate prices, even when her products and services require hours of time, creativity, and personal investment.
Proctor, who runs a make-up brand and a fitness apparel line under Nat Proc, says late payments—especially from corporate clients—remain a major hurdle.
“Some companies take far longer than they should to process invoices, and those delays can have a serious impact on a small, growing business,” she says.
She adds that such setbacks create a ripple effect: restocking inventory, paying service providers, and keeping operations running become a constant juggling act.
“Cash flow is the lifeline of any business, and when that flow is interrupted, it threatens everything,” she notes.
Yet through it all, Proctor remains hopeful. She tells this publication that what keeps her going is the deep sense of purpose behind her work.
“I am passionate about empowering women and proving that it is possible to create the life you want, even in the face of resistance,” she says. “Every challenge has taught me something valuable. Even though the road is hard, I have grown stronger, wiser, and more resilient with every step. The journey is not easy, but it is worth it.”
