Have you ever had a dream so big it felt impossible? Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a novel, start your own health food line, or launch a business doing something you love. But then the doubts creep in—Do I need a degree for that? Should I wait until the timing is perfect? Spoiler alert: The perfect time doesn’t exist. The best time to start? Right now.
Hi! I’m Nathalie, a graduate of Western University with a degree in Genetics and Biochemistry and St. Patrick’s High School alumni. If you had asked me years ago where I’d be today, I would have confidently said medical school or a research lab. That was the plan—until one second-year business course completely flipped the script. That single class opened my eyes to the world of entrepreneurship, and before I knew it, I was charting a new path.
Fast forward four years, and I now own an educational services business, Tutor Labs Canada. Turns out, you don’t need permission or a specific degree to chase your dreams. You just need passion, a willingness to start, and the courage to figure things out along the way.
For the longest time, I thought success came with a checklist—graduate, get a formal education in your field, then maybe start pursuing what you love. But here’s the truth: You don’t need all the answers before you begin. You just need to take that first step.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: But Nathalie, how did you overcome imposter syndrome and navigate the unknown with little experience? The truth? I still experience imposter syndrome and moments of uncertainty. But I’ve learned that fear can either hold you back or propel you forward. So, I decided to step into the version of myself I wanted to become—until one day, I wasn’t pretending anymore.
So how do you actually begin? The answer is different for everyone. Maybe you need to map out your next steps, or maybe a business course—like the one I took at Western—could give you the foundation you need. But the key is this: whether you're reading books, listening to podcasts, or taking courses, don’t hesitate or second-guess yourself. You are capable. You are resourceful. You can figure it out.
But Nathalie, I’m still in school! I don’t have the finances to start something right now.
Neither did I. I was in my last year of university when I made the leap. I’m not saying you need to invest thousands of dollars upfront. Businesses don’t start as full-fledged corporations; they start small—with you wearing all the hats and taking tangible, manageable steps forward. If you want to start a health food business, sell a handful of products at a local market first. Let your sales fund your next steps. Growth happens step by step, not overnight.
Your dreams don’t have to wait for the perfect time—because that time will never come. So, I’ll leave you with one final question:
What’s one small step you can take today that will bring you closer to your dream?