Meet Dr. Natasha Myla | Educator & Professional Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Natasha Myla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Natasha, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance has improved over the past few years. Nothing brings me boundless joy than spending quality time with my family, friends, focusing on my Hosting business, and doing Kingdom business. As a mom who work for the school board and is the owner of Hawt Hosting, work-life balance is extremely important. I have learned to set a limit and because I have set this boundary it keeps me grounded and helps prevent me from becoming overwhelmed.

Work life balance is something I considered to be important, but I did not always practice it regularly. My normalcy was to burn the midnight oil, run on 3-4 hours of sleep while pushing my body to execute daily tasks, meet the demands of my business, perform youth leader responsibilities, having a full-time job, taking care of my children and all while pursing my doctoral degree.

A wise individual once told me “Be sure to rest before your body calls the shot.” Couple weeks later, my body did just that and called the shot. I learned how to slow down because my body compelled me too. During my down time, I meditated and journaled on how to be intentional with life and self-care. I have established a standard of living that permits me sufficient space to concentrate on my business, spend valuable time with my family/friends and to always be intentional with self-care.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
About my career: My career started as a second-grade teacher, eager and hungry to motivate and inspire young learners. Ten years later, I’ve had the pleasure of working outside the classroom as an instructional coach where my responsibility was to provide support at a new school to both teachers and students in grades K-5. My passion did not stop there, a year thereafter, I was now the Instructional Facilitator that supported twelve schools. As an Educator and a Professional Speaker, my mission is to make a positive impact in the world of mentoring and empowering by pouring positivity into others. I believe that everyone should be intentional in walking into their God-giving purpose. As I reflect on my career, I’ve had the opportunity to support thousands of elementary-level scholars and continued my journey in supporting hundreds of educators across the school district through professional developments, class support, and more.

What sets you apart from others: As a motivator and Professional Speaker, I implement my teaching skills and talents in ways to bring value to others. I recall as a child continuously getting phone calls home for constantly talking in class. No matter how often I was punished, I continued talking. It was always embedded in me to speak at engagements and provide positive energy to all. You can catch me at a Baby Shower showering the parents with words of encouragement, hosting a Wedding and showing love to the couple, or at Homegoing services singing and celebrating life through praise and worship. I also take pride in hosting various inspirational ceremonies and pep rallies for students of all ages while diving into the understanding of student achievement, self-confidence, and self-worth. I am that glue that holds an event together and keeps it moving entertainingly. So, what sets me apart from others you ask? I AM ME!

It was not always easy to get to where I am today professionally. There were challenges that I faced while striving to balance different hats. As a single mother raising two sons while pursuing my doctoral degree, working full-time in the school district, church youth leader, and as an entrepreneur was vital that I fulfilled my duties. There were nights when I was sleep-deprived due to deadlines, and days when I didn’t think I would ever defend my dissertation due to committee changes and constant revisions. Times when I had to write, research, and study right before Hosting an event or wondering if I would If are fulfilling my motherly duties. If I could be honest, my bathroom was my praying space. I cried my eyeballs out and prayed each time life threw a curve ball. I wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits. Thankfully, God has blessed me with some amazing prayer warriors that were only a phone call away and constantly reminded me to ensure that I was also focusing on my well-being. To overcome those challenges, was to be transparent with close family and friends, apply a healthy work-life balance, self-care, and constant prayer. The lessons I’ve learned along the way were that a support team is extremely important and to be intentional with taking care of oneself to keep moving forward in life.

What I would like the world to know about my brand and story is my faith, passion and perseverance are what molded me into the woman I am today. My emcee business, Hawt Hosting is the glue that holds an event together and keeps it moving entertainingly. Your Hawt Host specializes in weddings, seminars, conferences, private events, and more. I had the opportunity to collaborate and network with many businesses in the event & wedding industry. To learn more about Hawt Hosting feel free to connect via Instagram @Hawthosting or www.hawthosting.com

As a professional speaker, (business name coming soon) with 77% of the population having some level of anxiety regarding public speaking, Dr. Myla is currently focusing on public speaking and had the pleasure of speaking at faith-based organizations, schools, and women empowerment. As an educator and inspiring author, I’ve also had the honor to be selected for a book collaboration project. Stay around there is more to come.

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?
Yassss! A week with the bestie would look a little something like this.

Favorite Restaurant & Drink Spots:
• Kaluz Restaurant located in Fort Lauderdale is delicious. Let’s talk about their outside seating located right on the intercoastal which is so relaxing.
• Level Twenty-Nine: A Japanese Peruvian Cuisine
• Boat Yard located in Fort Lauderdale. It’s their calamari and crabcakes for me. Be sure to sit outside and enjoy the breeze while boats slowly sail by.
• Barton G located in Miami Beach is a dramatic fun-dining experience.
• Just Spoons Café located in Plantation is a great place to brunch. It’s a small intimate black owned establishment. Their catfish and grits are award-winning. Everything on the menu is full of flavor.
• Coopers Hawk and Winery. A great spot for wine tasting, drinking, and eating.

Places to Visit and Hangout:
• Fort Lauderdale Beach. Simply walk the strip and enjoy the beach, food, and drinks.
• Nexus Shooting. It is South Florida’s only 5-star shooting range and the world’s most advanced indoor shooting range.
• Axe Throwing Society. Don’t call me crazy but it’s something about being in a cage and throwing an ax at full speed towards the dart all while playing safe.
• Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tour and Rides. Enjoy an airboat ride deep into the everglades as we look for alligators up close and personal.
• Pembroke Gardens. We can’t forget a little shopping therapy.

These are a few of my Favorite Spots in the City to visit and check out. You won’t be disappointed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! How much time do I have? LOL! First off, I would like to dedicate my shoutout and acknowledge my Heavenly Father for I am nothing without Him. It is God alone who orders my steps daily so I can continue to move into my purpose. To the most amazing mother and greatest supporter Ms. Gertha Similien who have Jesus on speed dial and is constantly sending prayers for her children, I love you, and thank you for always reminding me that my dreams and goals have no limitations.

To my siblings, Lisa and Melvin your support goes unnoticed. I appreciate you both for being my walking billboard for my business and cheering me on before an event. To my Besties, Jennel, and La-Toya we’ve been through it all but with God we’ve overcome many obstacles it’s still surreal that we PHinisheD. To Auntie Juny, Schqueena, my hosts of cousins and church members, I thank you for the constant reminders and support that this young Haitian American Queen can do whatever she puts her passion into. To my sons, Oliver and Bryce I know you are watching and for that, you motivate me daily. Lastly, to my Fiancé, Honey Ron (insider) thank you for praying with me when I thought it was impossible, watching and entertaining our children when duty calls. I am blessed to have a community of supporting family members who rock with me

Website: www.HawtHosting.com

Instagram: @HawtHosting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnatashamyla/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawtHosting

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hawt-hosting-miramar?osq=hawt+hosting

Image Credits
Imagery By Jules Photography Widgy Normil Photography Pd Photography Leo Photographer Natson Thervil Photography Virge Simone Images