A.K.A. Author Natalia Lee
**Trigger Warning: Natasha shares a piece of her story that contains an incident that could be triggering for some people. Triggers may include domestic violence.
When I walked into the coffee shop, I wrestled with that all-too-familiar imposter syndrome. My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and I didn’t know any of the many beautiful, put-together, powerful women in the room. Encouraged by another author friend to attend a networking meeting for local women, I still hadn’t really put myself out there. Not to the magnitude of joining a Women’s Power Hour.
Just when I thought I might hide in a corner, a self-assured, 100% confident woman came up to me, shook my hand, and welcomed me. Natasha was the first to show me, in a single gesture, that I was exactly where I should be.
She was also the first to volunteer to trailblaze Onward Sister, fully confident in the blog’s potential. When she asked if presenting her own poems would be alright in her story, I immediately loved the idea.
I’m so pleased to present Natasha Parvey, a true powerhouse of women’s leadership and an advocate for kids’ literacy in my community. It’s a treat to feature some of her own work as well.
Bridge Builder
Natasha connects people. Mental Happiness Media, the company she started in 2014, focuses on economic development and social media marketing. When I spoke with Natasha at an author event, she casually mentioned a multi-billion-dollar company she has been working for as an independent contractor. This company has been permitting in Columbia County and will manufacture biofuel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) once it’s up and running.
In fact, when I asked her in this interview what she thought her strengths were, I couldn’t agree more with her answer.
“Connecting people, helping business owners find the right resources. I love cheering people on when they are passionate about a project or career, and active listening.
“I love connecting women who are in small business with others who can help them or connect them to resources. I match efforts and help when I can.”
Not only is she a powerhouse for women in the community, facilitating and co-organizing the Women’s Power Hour in Columbia County, but she is also in the middle of starting a publishing company, an endeavor she considers hard and is doing right now. “I want to help kids and adults publish original content with original artwork. It is hard to match efforts and finish the project. So many people ‘want’ to write or illustrate, but so many can’t finish.”
In addition to connecting authors and artists, Natasha’s publishing company, Natalia’s Books for Kids, is creating a mentorship program to help youth accomplish their dreams of publishing. She is further supporting kids through her publishing company with a new YouTube channel, where she is honing her video editing skills. “I want to continue working on video editing, as it’s so important in marketing. I am creating a YouTube channel for Natalia’s Books, ‘Natalia’s Reading Tree.’ I have a cool song that I commissioned from a local ukulele player and artist, Chavacado, and am working on the launch as we speak.”
An upcoming project for 2027 is working with the Columbia County Author’s Alliance on a Youth Anthology, a published collection of literary works.
the Author
Natalia Lee
Natasha, Russian for ‘born on Christmas Day,’ inspired her pen name, Natalia Lee, a short form of Natasha.
Natalia wrote the children’s book ‘The Man on the Bike with the Blue Bird,’ illustrated by Judy Thompson, as part of a lifelong goal she was determined to achieve by age 50.
‘The Man on the Bike with the Blue Bird’ tells the adventures of a man and his trusty feathered friend as they explore their neighborhood. Through their journey, they learn to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and form a special bond.
Dedicated to rural America and youth literacy, Natalia’s Books for Kids donates a portion of each book sold to a nonprofit of its choice. To purchase Natalia’s book, follow the link.*
By clicking the link, you will be leaving Onward Sister.
Life Growing Up
“I was raised in a very rural area. I understand the value of a work ethic, and getting off the farm was very important to me. I wasn’t around a large variety of people.”
Deeply important to Natasha was her role as a lifeguard, which began with her first job.
“I started teaching as an assistant with my Aunt Jan, who was our swimming instructor, at age 11, helping her with the little kids (bubble blowers).
“I worked with the American Red Cross as a lifeguard/instructor from age 15 to 21. I worked at the local pools in both Sarles and Rolla, North Dakota. I have taught more than 500 kids how to swim. The kids reminded me of little frogs who loved being in the water.”
One of the poems Natasha wished to share is titled “A Lifeguard’s Day,” about this special time in her life.
What makes you happy?
“I have so many things that make me happy. Number one is my family. I love spending time with my family, who live in North Dakota, and my husband.
With family being paramount in Natasha’s life, it is no surprise that she shared a second poem paying tribute to her grandfather, Oscar. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when Natasha was 15 years old, she describes his passing as one of her saddest moments.
“I was quite close to him growing up to him growing up and was ‘his girl.’ He walked into a room dancing and was a happy man. He showed me what it meant to be kind and work hard. He was always so proud of his potatoes he planted and the farm that he raised my dad, aunts, and uncles on.”
Natasha wrote her poem about her grandfather, Oscar, at about 19, shortly after his passing.
How are you different from other people?
“I see the best in people, and within three to four months, I can understand what roles they will play in my life.
“Some people are here for a reason and a season.
“I love meeting new people and watching them grow. I feel happy when I am supporting my local business community, especially women in business.”
How are you different than who you wanted to be?
“I am blessed that I can go after what I want. I have been working for myself since 2004. It has given me the confidence to try new things. When I come in with goals and a plan, magic happens.”
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
“I ran as a Candidate for the Port of Columbia County Commissioner Position #4 in 2017. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. It was a bipartisan race, but economic development by the Port of Columbia County is the largest economic driver in Columbia County.
“I did not win, which was ok. I won’t run again, as people were very mean and way too opinionated for me to maintain a neutral position. I am too outspoken.
“My name will be in the Oregon Election Records, which is a cool thing to say. I had my name on a ballot.”
What is something you don’t want to admit you’re afraid of?
“I am open about my fear of public speaking. I think it helps others realize you can do hard things. I have stress whenever I have to lead a meeting or give a talk.”
Is there anything you regret?
“Yes, I regret not joining the Peace Corps when I was out of college.
“I had too much credit card debt from putting myself through college. I also lived with the love of my life instead of moving into the dorms as a college student until the Winter Semester of my Senior year in College.
“I wish I would have listened to my mom and not lived with him”
Positively Centered
I do ask women a few hard questions, and they elicit responses across the spectrum of life experiences.
Natasha’s answers were often forward-thinking and positive, even when there was an opportunity to share more difficult memories. Here are a couple of my favorites, beautifully on the lighter side.
What was one of your happiest moments?
“I am so blessed that I have so many happy moments. My happy place is floating in the calm ocean. I love the rhythm of the tides.”
If you could hear anything from anyone, what would it be?
“I have parents who tell me they love me and are proud of me. I have a husband that loves me unconditionally.
“I would say I am not missing anything.”
What is something another person wishes they could hear from you?
“I am not sure. I don’t hold my feelings back.
“And at 50, I found my voice, so I say what I want.”
A message to young people.
“I hope the younger people have more confidence in their 20s. I believe if we help people feel good about themselves, they will do what they are good at. What a wonderful world that would be.”
Final poem
A Message to Women
I can’t help but wonder about the many life experiences that have made Natasha such a source of empowerment for women.
Although she is the center of positivity in a room, she did share something on a more serious note.
In her words, “This one is a little more serious. I wrote it as a reminder that if a man hits you once, he will hit you again. It’s my mom’s voice echoing.
“She always told her daughters not to stay in a relationship if you are hit. I learned this lesson when I was 15.”
This is the final poem she shared.
Thank you, Natasha, for being an Onward Sister trailblazer and cheering me on from the very beginning. You’re a powerhouse and a true advocate for women. We are lucky to have you.
~ Sue
Where to find Natasha:
Mental Happiness Media on Facebook
You can also find Onward Sister on our Medium publication Onward Sister or Sue at @sue-evergreen. Link to Natasha’s story on Medium.
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Find out more about my journey on my About Me page or at Dropping Rocks.
All images are either personal photographs taken and copyrighted by Sue Evergreen or have been permitted for use.
*Onward Sister does not profit from the sale of any books purchased through links on this page. I simply love Natalia’s book and want you to know where to get it.
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