Meet Nathalie Mukendi

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

Hi Nathalie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Most people think that blogging is easy and that we get free stuff and get paid a lot. They don’t realize that it is actually a lot of work. You have to do a lot of research, create contents, prepare shoots , edit photos and the list goes on.

Please tell us more about your work. What you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Though I have a full time 9 to 5 job as a Commercial Real Estate Accountant, I blog on the side to escape the business of my job. I blog about Faith, affordable and modest Fashion, motherhood and Lifestyle. What set me apart from other bloggers is the fact that I showcase my fashion and style, while encouraging my followers and talking about my faith.

I was very excited when 303 Magazine reached out to me for an interview to talk about  fashion during Corona virus.  I recently  did a collaboration with a Congolese Fashion Designer “KAHINDO”.  I was so excited because I’ve always wanted to work with her. It was a very humbling moment. When I started blogging, it wasn’t easy because I had no idea what I was doing. I knew how to take beautiful pictures and put an outfit together, but I had not idea that I had to learn and educate myself on social Media. Where I am now is due to a lot of patience, perseverance and lot of education and I still have so much to learn.

I’ve learnt that I should not be ashamed to ask for help and direction from other bloggers and influencers who have been in the game for a while. I’ve also learnt that I should not compare myself or my work to others. I should stay focus and be myself.

We all have talents and are unique, so I should learn to accept what I have and work with that.

I still have to learn a lot and I will continue to educate myself as much as I can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places to visit and great restaurants in Denver, CO. I would take them for a tour in the City. Brunch at Urban Egg in DTC, they have the best Brunch in Denver. Dinner at “Tavernetta” down town Denver and end the evening at Tamayo’s patio for drinks on Larimer square.

I would definitely take them on few hikes in Manitou Springs and spend a weekend at the Broadmor to visit the Seven Falls and the Cheyenne Zoo. Take them to the mountains, Breckenridge, Vail and/or  Aspen are beautiful places to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That’s a tough one. Well it’s all started with my sister telling me that I should document my outfits and get on social media. So thanks to my sister.

The second person would be my colleague Daina Woods whom I asked if we could start taking picture during lunch time because I wanted to start my blog. To my surprise, she did study photography but never pursued it because she didn’t have the means. So during our break, we would go out and take few pictures with my iPhone of the outfit I was wearing that day. So I owe her a lot and I will always be forever grateful.

The 3rd person is my cousin “my agent”. He’s into Social Media and he was the one who create my website/blog. He always encourages me to push myself and always looking the next “new gig” for me.

The 4th person would be my current photographer Wenonah Clayton. She takes 90% of all my pictures. A gift sent from haven, but above all, I would like to thank God for giving all these gifts because it gives me the opportunity to do what I love.

Website: www.thecoquettediaries.com
Instagram: @thecoquettediaries
Twitter: @coquettediaries
Facebook: Nathalie Mukendi / Page The Coquette Diaries
Other: Pinterest @thecoquettediaries

Image Credits
All my pictures was taken by my photographer Wenonah Clayton