Meet Natalie Spear | Dual license Cosmo/Barber

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

Hi Natalie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
There is a time for everything, a season for it all. Early in my career, there was a desire and expectation to see what I was made of. Rightly so, as it’s important for any young person to set a metaphorical beast or mountain in front of them and fight the good fight. Work the long hours. Hustle. I believe it’s a necessary test of limits; otherwise, how would you know what your limits are?

Then time steps in, and you’ve grown. In many ways, you’ve defeated the beast and climbed the mountain, perhaps even accomplished most of your accolades. But then you start to realize it’s isolating—something few talk about when you’re starting out.

As the saying goes, “Some are too busy living to die, and too dead to live.” This resonates deeply with me. It’s not so much about burnout as it is about a sense of purposelessness. You thought it was about these “goals,” these “numbers,” these “titles.” Then time laughs at you and says, “I have mastered the art of distraction and stolen the only thing that can give you purpose: loving others.” You missed it—you skipped right over it, leaping toward that shining star you didn’t realize would rust over time.

Time has a way of revealing what truly matters. It’s not about balance; it’s about purpose. If you’re going to be out of balance, let it be on the side of loving others. Living with the purpose of love shifts your focus to what truly counts. Loving people is messy, complicated, and time-consuming, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. I’m now on love’s time, which is slower, intentional, and deep. It may not always be profitable in the conventional sense, but in terms of the soul’s longing, it offers riches beyond measure.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
With nearly a decade of dual licensing in both cosmetology and barbering, my mission is to provide an experience that blends elegance with relaxation. It’s about more than just creating beautiful styles—it’s about fostering meaningful conversations and connections. When guests sit in my chair, they’re not just receiving a haircut; they’re entering a space where they can unwind, be heard, and leave feeling rejuvenated, both inside and out.

What sets my business apart is the personal touch and authenticity I bring to each appointment. My passion extends beyond aesthetics. I want each client to feel valued and understood. Whether you’re here for a fresh look or a moment of calm, the experience is designed to be as memorable as the result.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey of growth, reflection, and hard work. Early in my career, there was a strong drive to push my limits, to hustle, and to test what I was capable of. Like many young professionals, I set ambitious goals, worked the long hours, and sought validation through achievements. But as time passed, I realized that success alone wasn’t enough. It can be isolating, and few speak of that side when you’re just starting out.

A turning point came when I understood that fulfillment doesn’t come from accolades, but from purpose. For me, that purpose is rooted in loving others and building genuine connections. This has shifted the way I approach my work. It’s no longer about numbers or titles, but about the impact I can have on people’s lives, however small or significant.

I want the world to know that Cultivated Studio is more than a business—it’s a space for growth, connection, and purpose. My story is one of finding meaning in the work I do, and my hope is that each person who visits leaves feeling seen, heard, and transformed—not just on the outside, but within.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado Springs offers a beautiful tapestry of experiences, where history, nature, and local charm converge. If I were to show you around, we’d start our day with breakfast at the Omelette Parlor, a place steeped in history and known for its hearty, old-fashioned meals—a true nod to the city’s roots. From there, we’d journey to Glen Eyrie Castle, where the weight of Colorado’s past meets the majesty of its landscape. Walking those grounds, you can almost hear the whispers of history carried on the wind.

For lunch, we’d pause at Yellow Mountain Tea House, where time slows down over cups of fragrant, loose-leaf tea, sitting cross-legged as we savor the warmth of the moment alongside delicate potstickers. Then, we’d stroll through the charming streets of Old Colorado City, where boutiques like Eve’s Revolution invite you to linger, offering treasures that speak to the soul of local artistry.

As the day winds down, we’d share dinner at Shuga’s, a place as eclectic as the people who call this city home. It’s a space filled with creativity and flavor, reflecting the essence of Colorado Springs itself. (The Cafe tray is the best on the menu! Along with a lavender lemonade) Finally, we’d close the day with a sunset at Garden of the Gods, the timeless rocks bathed in the glow of a day well-spent, perhaps with a nightcap at the Principal’s Office, where laughter and reflection mix like the perfect cocktail. It’s not just about the places—it’s about the feeling each space leaves with you, and how this city, in its quiet beauty, always makes you want to come back for more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am deeply grateful to many individuals who have shaped my journey, but a few stand out in particular.

God- thank you for your kindness with me even when I don’t listen the first time… or the 700th time. Your grace get me through

To my husband – None of this would have been possible without you. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and love—through every challenge and triumph—have made this dream a reality.

My parents and my mother in law- if it wasn’t for your support with my kids and belief in me there would be no career.

Micah McDougle – You believed in me from the very beginning, and your faith in me continues to inspire and drive my growth.

Dennis McDougle – The lessons you’ve imparted remain with me, and I will always strive to remember the bigger picture you’ve helped me see.

To every stylist at Prodigy Salon over the years-you have taught me more than I will ever know and that knowledge will live on in every guest experience.

To my guests – None of this would exist without you. Your loyalty and trust are the foundation of everything I’ve built, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Instagram: @nataliespear

Facebook: Natalie Spear

Image Credits
@cassidybrooke