From the Bronx to CEO: Natalia Lee’s Journey from Girls Inc. to Serial Entrepreneur
Natalia Lee
Natalia Lee is a serial entrepreneur born and raised in the Bronx, New York, to two entrepreneurial parents. Witnessing firsthand both the sacrifices and struggles of business ownership, she initially shied away from entrepreneurship, believing academics would be her path to stability and success. From a young age, Natalia took pride in her work ethic, discipline, and academic achievement.
At 14 years old, while attending New Rochelle High School, Natalia was introduced to Girls Inc.- a turning point in her life. Through the organization, she discovered the power of community, mentorship, and opportunity. Girls Inc. exposed her to leadership development, travel experiences, and hands-on workshops, and awarded her a leadership program grant that helped her prepare for college and secure essential supplies for her first semester. These experiences planted the foundation for her belief in giving back and lifting others as she grows.
Natalia went on to attend Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Trade and a minor in Marketing. Inspired by the sense of belonging she found at Girls Inc., she remained deeply involved in campus leadership and service. She served as Treasurer for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Treasurer for SISTUHS, Inc. (a women-focused community service organization), and Co-Chair of the Social Committee for Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed professional business fraternity.
While in college, Natalia worked full-time all four years- holding over ten different jobs, including bank teller, legal assistant, Nordstrom sales representative, restaurant server, delivery driver, Lyft driver, Amazon customer service associate, and more—while also launching early business ventures. As the first person in her household to attend college, she paid her way through school independently using grants, loans, and relentless determination.
What began as side hustles and collaborative projects with her college sweetheart (now husband) ultimately led Natalia into full-time entrepreneurship. Though the journey has included uncertainty, setbacks, and difficult moments, she has remained grounded in hope, resilience, and purpose.
Today, Natalia is the co-founder of GOLDN THE BRAND, a global e-commerce loungewear brand launched in 2020 during the pandemic. The brand focuses on confidence, self-love, and helping women feel comfortable and empowered in their own skin. Together with her husband, she has served over 6,000 customers worldwide and produced more than 15,000 handmade items in-house.
She also co-runs GOLDN Studios, a creative agency specializing in digital marketing, branding, and website design, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in building strong, sustainable brands. Most recently, Natalia partnered with a longtime client to launch Xtra Staffing Solutions, a staffing agency designed to help small businesses find quality talent while creating employment opportunities within the Atlanta community.
At just 29 years old, Natalia views success not as a destination, but as an ongoing journey of learning, growth, and evolution. She is passionate about sharing the real story- the wins, the challenges, and everything in between- with young women, hoping to inspire them the same way Girls Inc. once inspired her.
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