Meet Natalie Pappas: Model/Talent Agency Owner & Dog Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Pappas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
From a young age, my parents instilled in me the work ethic I still use to this day. My father is still working and hasn’t retired from his Industry of 50 years now, so to me that is absolutely impressive. Work hard, pay your dues, be likable, and you will succeed. When you love what you do, it isn’t work, it is an investment toward your future. One habit I use daily and pride myself on, is communication. Responding in a timely manner, being kind yet direct, and accommodating as much as possible has served me for many years.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The driveN Agency was created to represent “driven” individuals in the path to pursue their entertainment dreams. My Grandfather always told me to select a name that represented me, and I couldn’t be more driven or focused. I created this talent agency to stay current with the ever changing industry and trends. I wanted a place for all “individuals” as opposed to just traditional models or talent, because everyone should be identified by their own individual branding and feel recognized. Our mantra is “beauty is beyond black and white, it is colorful” and that is so true, especially in the climate today. We pride ourselves on being inclusive, accepting, diverse, and it excites us to see the beauty in being your unique self. Starting a business in a pandemic is never easy, but we have held our own and are hopeful for days ahead. We have worked so hard to build relationships, represent individuals that really want this, and always spread kindness. You know you are in the right career path, when you still get so excited when someone books something, and I still do like it is the first time every time. Knowing that I am helping an someone work toward their goals, there is no better feeling for me. This is what I was meant to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow, well it is Los Angeles, so the options (at least in a pre or post Covid world) are endless. I would definitely take my bestie in the morning to my favorite coffee shop, Aroma Cafe, because the options are endless and the quality of food/drinks is off the charts. Then we would take in the cool breeze and go for a scenic hike to the Hollywood sign with my dogs. Famished after the hike, we would stop by Porto’s because who doesn’t love the best bakery/cafe ever! Perhaps we would take a drive up to Oxnard to my favorite beach, because there is no one there! The dogs love it, run free on the sand, and the sunsets are epic. My bestie couldn’t leave town until we went wine tasting in Santa Barbara because, there is nothing better. Deep Sea/Conway tasting room at the Santa Barbara pier boasts amazing views of the harbor and tasty wine to boot. I highly recommend visiting, especially if you are an avid wine drinker like myself. If you have the time, venturing up to Solvang and Santa Ynes also provides breathtaking views and of course, fabulous wineries! Finishing out her week in LA, we would definitely have to see a play at the Geffen theatre because the talent is unmatched or catch a comedy show on Sunset. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, I am inspired by all the strong women in my life and those that have the entrepreneurial spirit, the individuals that we represent at the agency who constantly amaze me at their abilities, my parents and grandparents that encouraged me to pursue my dreams no matter what, my fiancé who always reassures me in my business/life decisions, and my mentors over the years that reassured any doubts and guided me based on their own personal journeys.

Website: www.drivenagencyla.com

Instagram: @thedrivenagency

Linkedin: The driveN Agency

Facebook: The driveN Agency

Youtube: The driveN Agency

Image Credits
Sadie Petiford Asha Abdella Bonnie Argo Mattie Maderos Taylor Olowin Sierra Williams Kristie Kiani Sarah Castro Haldane Morris