Meet Natalie Kusturic | Therapist and Co-founder of The Regretless Life

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

Hi Natalie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
One of the most pivotal choices in my life has been deciding to invest in myself. It wasn’t just about money; it meant breaking free from my comfort zone and facing my fears and doubts head-on.

As I started down this path, my own nervous system seemed to rebel. Negative thoughts crowded in, with voices in my head telling me I was “crazy” and that what I was doing wasn’t “safe.” I had to confront past failures, losses, and pain, which wasn’t easy.

With each step I took outside my comfort zone, the discomfort was real. But, I also noticed my nervous system relaxing a bit, and those negative thoughts started to fade. The road ahead is long, and I know I’ll face anxiety and fear again and again.

Surprisingly, as time went on, I found myself looking forward to these challenges. It’s a sign that I’m making progress and building trust in myself, and it keeps me excited about the journey of self-discovery and personal growth that lies ahead.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Back in 2020, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, I found myself running a thriving psychotherapy practice. It was during this time that my friend, Doree Farina, and I had a brilliant idea: let’s create an online program called Regretless Relationships. Initially, we thought of it as a way to generate some extra income, but boy, there’s nothing easy about bringing such a program to life.

You see, Doree was living in Los Angeles, and I was down in Fort Lauderdale. This geographical gap meant we had to figure out how to work together from a distance. Looking back, I don’t think either of us had a clue about the journey we were signing up for.

With over 40 years of combined experience as therapists, dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and all kinds of women’s and men’s issues, we decided to put our heads together. We came up with an 8-week program designed to help people caught in the never-ending cycle of relationship indecision.

What we quickly realized was that there was a big gap in the relationship talk out there. Nobody seemed to be addressing the crucial question of how to find clarity and make a solid decision about staying or leaving a relationship. This part of relationships, the one that feels lonely and disheartening, usually gets swept under the rug until it’s too late.

During these times, emotions like shame and fear can be overwhelming. Seeking advice from friends may seem like a daunting task. Whether your relationship looks picture-perfect but isn’t, or it’s just plain awful, the fear of hearing your friends and family say, “I told you so,” can be paralyzing.

I’m genuinely proud that we spotted this gap in the relationship world and decided to do something about it. But let me be honest—it’s been a real challenge getting this program up and running. The world of business has completely shifted in the wake of the pandemic, making much of what we thought we knew irrelevant. Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media and finding innovative ways to market our course has been an uphill battle. We’ve made our fair share of mistakes along the way, but our determination keeps us moving forward.

One of our most significant challenges has been the delicate balancing act between building a business and dealing with personal issues. Strangely, this topic doesn’t come up often. Sure, my business partner is also my friend, but maintaining that friendship while building a business is no walk in the park. There have been times when we had to temporarily set aside the business to handle personal matters, and trust me, it wasn’t easy.

But through all the ups and downs, we persevered. And the most rewarding part has been successfully guiding individuals through the Regretless Relationships program. Whether they choose to stay in their relationships or decide to part ways, they can make that decision confidently, armed with a deep understanding of how they got there. This newfound clarity has been a game-changer, helping to reduce the anger and blame that often cloud people’s relationships.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve gathered from this journey is that no matter what kind of business you’re venturing into, it’s also a journey of self-discovery. There’s no GPS to guide you, so you’ve got to buckle up and get ready for the ride. I’ve come to appreciate all the twists and turns along the way because they’ve taught me to look within, enhance my communication skills, take a breather, and align my thoughts and emotions with my purpose. It’s been quite the ride, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.

I want to emphasize that Regretless Relationships is a one-of-a-kind course crafted by therapists who not only possess the professional expertise but also draw from their own personal experiences. Our program is meticulously designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, take responsibility for your choices, and live life as the most authentic version of yourself, regardless of the decision you ultimately make about your relationship. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the potential to lead a regretless life.

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?
Whenever I have friends visiting, I love treating them to the quintessential South Florida experience. Our day typically spans both Fort Lauderdale and Miami, ensuring a well-rounded adventure.

In Fort Lauderdale, our journey starts with a visit to the beautiful beach, a must for anyone in the area. After soaking up some sun and sea, we head over to Burlock Coast at the Ritz, a fantastic spot for cocktails, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service. The staff there are truly exceptional – attentive and kind, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Our day in Fort Lauderdale also includes a dose of culture, and that’s where the NSU Museum comes into play. We explore their latest exhibits, indulging in the world of art. Another beloved dining destination is HollyBlue, where we savor their phenomenal miso glazed sea bass. If you happen to be there, be sure to say hello to Emily; she’s an absolute delight.

In Miami, the options are endless, but one of my personal favorites is savoring Cuban cuisine in the heart of Little Havana at Olds Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina. The flavors there are simply exquisite. To keep the fun going, we make a stop at Dante’s Hi-Fi for a well-crafted cocktail and some fantastic music. Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without an art excursion, so we venture to the Rubell Museum and enjoy a delightful lunch at Leku.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to my dear friend and business partner, Doree Farina. Our 30-year friendship has been an incredible journey, filled with both highs and lows. Doree has been a steadfast presence in my life, standing by me through every twist and turn.

One of the remarkable aspects of our friendship is how Doree has consistently challenged me to engage in open and honest communication until we resolve any issue at hand. This hasn’t always been easy for me, but I can say without a doubt that it has been well worth the effort. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of vulnerability and self-care within my most intimate relationships.

True friends, like Doree have a remarkable way of helping us discover and embrace our truest selves. For their unwavering support and the lessons they impart, I am eternally grateful to my friends.

Website: https://www.theregretlesslife.com, https://nataliekusturic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theregretlesslife/ https://www.instagram.com/nataliekusturic/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nkusturic

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

Image Credits
Photos by Caitie Gallet