YEDaily: Nathalie Lussier

Nathalie Lussier considers herself a triple threat of online business. As she combines her knowledge of programming, design and sales, she calls her digital agency Nathalie Lussier Media Inc. a go-to place to get web design that’s effective in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I’m the President of Nathalie Lussier Media Inc. I’m known as an online business triple threat because I combine design, technology, and marketing. A lot of web designers don’t know programming, most programmers don’t have an eye for design… and neither knows how to sell on the web! Because of these skills my business is the go-to place to get web design that’s effective, and to get digital marketing consulting that doesn’t feel icky.

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
When I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2008, I had a job offer to work on Wall Street as a Software Engineer… but my gut instinct was telling me it wasn’t the right path, so I turned down the cushy job offer and decided to start my own business online. I started out sharing my passion about healthy eating, and soon people were coming to my web site asking who had created it (me) and how they could run their own online business. That’s when I hung up my shingle as a digital consultant, and I’ve been helping people with online businesses ever since.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is seeing the results that I create for my clients. Seeing women make tens of thousands of dollars, and even hundreds of thousands of dollars based on an idea and a lot of action. I also love creating, speaking, and writing. The most challenging part is keeping all the little details under wrap so that everything runs smoothly on a daily basis!

Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
The business is constantly evolving, and in 5 years I see myself doing a lot of public speaking, going on book tour, and publishing a lot of training programs digitally. I also see us continuing to work with clients one on one, but at a much higher level.

What does success look like to you?
Success is freedom. It’s about being able to choose what I do, where my time and attention goes, and being on my creative edge on a daily basis.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
A few memorable milestones include speaking at BlogWorld Expo in Las Vegas, being published in several books including the upcoming “$100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Yes! Do not get stuck in “limbo” by working somewhere while you figure out exactly what you want to do. If you’re going to work somewhere to fund your lifestyle, don’t think of it as an “in between” job, but give it your whole heart and soul. When you put all of *you* into your work, you’ll figure out what you want to do, and you might find you like the job. Plus that state of “all in” usually attracts more opportunities for doing what you’re meant to do.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
My business just donated to WomenWin, which is all about getting young girls in third world countries into sports. I believe that girls who get involved in sports gain confidence, and life experiences that truly change the course of their lives. My life changed by becoming a martial artist at a young age, and I want to give that opportunity to other girls around the world.

My company also donates to the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, because fruit trees are an awesome solution to our environmental issues and they help feed the world. It’s really win win.

What is Notable to you?
Right now is such a special time, and our generation has so much potential for changing the way the world operates. It’s notable that we’re standing at this juncture and that we might be feeling the weight of the world on our shoulders, and it’s even more notable that we don’t have a choice but to make the right choices!

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other? 
None of the above! I’m a super technical social media addict, but I know that if I had a smartphone I’d be like a crack addict checking my email every second of every day. I keep myself in check by not giving in to technology when I’m “off” work.

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I drink green juice, do hot yoga, rock climbing, and meditate. I believe that old school techniques from Eastern philosophies are much needed in today’s hyperactive world. I also think we need to take care of our health, because as business owners, we are the business. We can’t afford to get sick or lose our edge.