Meet Natalie Garay | Founder of You need {ther • happy}

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

Hi Natalie, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Over the years, I have developed a morning routine that sets me up for my day. There’s something about waking up and laying in bed for a few minutes thinking about any dreams or thoughts I had through out the night; ideas have come to me through dreams. When I get out of bed, I greet my dogs and make some coffee. I like to enjoy my cup of coffee in my cozy bed and journal for a bit. I also do some EFT tapping, and either meditate or create a list of gratitude and goals. It’s a great foundational practice that eases me into the day. Then I pack up my swim gear and head to the pool to swim some laps for 30-minutes. Movement has always helped clear my mind and spark ideas.

What should our readers know about your business?
You need {ther • happy} was created out of an “oh shit, now what?” moment. In March of 2020, my Pilates studio closed due to the pandemic. As I shifted things around to the virtual world of Zoom, I realized I needed to figure something else out, something new. As part of my Pilates offerings, I was already creating tinctures and a calming mist for my clients, so I decided to establish it as a business and create more products. It’s been a learn-as-I-go process being a completely new type of business for me. I taught Pilates for 20 years, moving from a personal services business to selling products wasn’t easy but I enjoyed learning.

I’m enjoying the change and I’m having a lot of fun with creating products with creative names that always get a laugh. From e-commerce, to wholesale, to in-person markets, it’s a never ending opportunity for learning and growing.

The company was officially establish in January of 2021. That year was great for a first year in business. We had continued growth from the beginning of year throughout the holidays. And then the new year came and growth basically stopped.

I gave it a month thinking it had something to do with just coming out of the holiday season, then another month, and then 4 months later and still no improvement, so I reached out to the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Thank goodness for them, I’m now meeting with mentors on a regular basis who are helping me learn new ways to market and grow my business.

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.
Being on the Central Coast alone is so beautiful but my favorite spots are anywhere with a view of the ocean or a cozy outdoor patio.

For eating and drinking, the list is long but these are a few of my favorites.

The creekside patio at Novo in San Luis Obispo is a great place to take friends, and their food is delish. Honeymoon Cafe in Pismo Beach is cozy and fun, plus they make a great breakfast burrito. Granada Bistro in San Luis Obispo has a great happy hour menu and a cozy outdoor patio as well.

You can’t skip Joliene Bakery, it’s the cutest French bakery in The Creamery with the best pastries.
La Esquina in The Creamery has incredible Mexican food.

Beach walks in Pismo, Shopping in Downtown SLO or attending the Farmer’s Market on Thursday night are always a must.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my parents who always save the day. To my friends who encourage me and continue to laugh at my jokes. To the mighty women who are taking their place in the world and creating a space for the rest of us. And to my 3 daughters, Nia, Kaia & Ava for being my “Why.”

Website: www.youneedtherhappy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/youneedtherhappy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/youneedtherhappymist

Other: www.tiktok.com/youneedtherhappy

Image Credits
Amber Lynn Photography