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

Hi Natalia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When the entrainment industry shut down during the pandemic, I found myself- like many others- trying to figure out what else I could do for work. I had been a working actor for over 30 years, since I was a teenager.
I’d always dabbled in fashion resale and saw an opportunity that felt surprisingly aligned with my background in television and film. Live selling on the Whatnot app immediately clicked. It blended so much of what I loved- storytelling, fashion, and connecting with people in real time. It felt like a natural evolution and a chance to build something of my own that still allowed me to create, connect and share things I am passionate about.
And so my thought was to have Style Lab as a place where people could shop, hang out and just be a part of something fun. Even if they’re not buying anything, I want them to feel like they’re in the room with me, laughing chatting and connecting.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been a working actor since I was 12 years old – a proud SAG member since 1993. I was very lucky early on, starred in a show called Saved by the Bell: The New Class and then worked steadily for most of my career. Right before the pandemic, I was on a series called Deputy, which ended up being cancelled during the shutdown. I have had an incredible journey. I have worked with amazing people, traveled the world, and even met my husband on the set of his show, The Glades – he’s an actor too. It wasn’t easy- you don’t always get the parts you want but I have always felt deeply grateful. To be on set is a gift. To do what you love is a gift. I am really proud of the career I’ve built – and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never give up and to trust that something is always around the corner, even when it feels uncertain. That mindset is what led me to Style Lab, which has become this unexpected new chapter. It’s still storytelling, just in a different form.
What I want people to know about Style Lab is that it comes from a real place. A place of creativity, resilience, integrity and heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE LA. There is so much to do, see and especially eat. First stop: sushi. Outside of Japan, LA has some of the best sushi in the world. Sushi Row in Studio City – a must with places like Asanebo, Katsuya & Iroha – and my little hidden gem? Sushi Nishi-Ya in Glendale. Nothing says LA morning like a hike on Fryman or Runyon. Have to see Santa Monica Pier, then drive up the Pacific Coast Highway – stop in Malibu for lunch.
See the Hollywood sign and go to the Griffith Observatory, a family favorite. If there’s a concert we wanna see- definitely going to Hollywood Bowl or the Greek. There is also nothing cooler in Los Angeles than the Cinespia cemetery screenings.
I also love the classic Hollywood things to see – the Boulevard, the studios, the old hotels, the Magic Castle.
And a night of margaritas at Casa Vega in the valley or El Compadre on Sunset. Also Korean BBQ and Karaoke on another night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would give a big shoutout to the Whatnot app, I know it’s a huge company, but I honestly would not be able to do what I am doing without the platform. The platform helped me build my business from scratch at a time I needed it most. And so much is built right into the app to help so many people create amazing successful businesses right from their home. It’s more than just selling stuff on the internet- it’s a community. And it’s SO much fun. Whatnot definitely deserves some credit in my journey.

And my family. I would not be anywhere without their unwavering love and support. They showed up when I needed them most and without them Style Lab simply would not exist.

Instagram: @natalia_cigliuti and @stylelab_la

Other: Link to my Whatnot –
https://whatnot.com/invite/stylelab_la

Image Credits
headshot photo is by Dana Patrick

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.