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

Hi Natalie, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Authenticity. Growing up and well into my adulthood, I struggled with trying to be what everyone else around me wanted me to be. It was a challenge with how many plates I could spin at one time without any of them dropping. I accomplished a decent amount, but it took me down a path I almost didn’t make it out alive. I had put so many masks on that I didn’t know who I was or what I was doing within myself. When my son was born, I knew I never wanted him to not be himself as fully as he could, but in order for him to have the safety of being himself, he needed to see his mom be herself. Ripping off the masks of who I thought I was was scary and painful at times. I’m still working through some fallout, but I find myself drawn and open with others who are genuinely and authentically themselves. Just be who you are and keep those around that accept who you are. The others will find their own tribe.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the most part, art is a cathartic pastime for me that has flourished into a bit of a living. Being able to create and be a bridge to gap others to create is one of my favorite things to do. I’m currently preparing for an aerial circus show as well as a variety show, in which all the performers bring something new to the table that paints the picture of the whole and brings it together. All the different pieces sometimes fitting in ways that you don’t initially think will work, and then somehow, it does. Bringing the pieces together is what excites me. It’s not always easy. It’s very rarely easy. The most and least fun one can have is working with other people. There are so many differences of opinions and different personalities that don’t always work well together. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made, but once the finished product, or show, comes to fruition, it’s one of the coolest things to see. As for my brand, The Madd Natt3r, it’s a collection of different art and movement styles, a character in itself that morphs and grows as time passes.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely downtown New Bern or Raleigh area. I’m one for knocks and crannies, and love finding hole in the wall places that aren’t well known, as well as catching a show or two if possible, whether it be a traveling show out in Raleigh, or a smaller local theatre or rock show in New Bern or in a dive bar. If it’s around Christmas, it would be cool to take them to the Nutcracker Ballet in Raleigh. Ironically, as a dancer, I’ve never seen the classic Nutcracker. I know, blasphemous. We also have beaches and an aquarium that can be checked out. For the most part, It would gauge on my company and what they are interested in checking out. There’s a cornucopia of options in eastern North Carolina to the capital.v

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my OG, my bio sister, Kristen Jones, the greatest cheerleader anyone could ask for. Watching her grow over the last few years has been a blessing and I can’t wait to see where she is in the next few years.

Website: https://obconwriting.wordpress.com

Instagram: @themaddnatt3r; @themaddnatt3rshut

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-singletary-801b13187/

Facebook: Natalie S Woerz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lPbUTrPnaeC7qElihde1w

Image Credits
Casper Luna Art Justin Raye Yates Evelyn Voorhees The Madd Natt3r

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina 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.