Book Review: “Obsessively Obsessed” by Natasha Oakley
As an avid reader, I’m always eager to dive into a new book, so when I saw on Instagram that Natasha Oakley, co-founder of Monday Swimwear and The Pilates Class, was releasing a book, I was intrigued. To be honest, from the posts I saw online, I wasn’t sure what Excessively Obsessed was about, but she’s one of the few influencers I trust to put out quality content, so I decided to read it regardless.
At first, I assumed it was a biography, and in some ways, it is. However, it’s actually an excellent guide for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit who wants to start or is in the process of starting their own business. Natasha covers essential topics such as naming your business, acquiring startup funds, handling taxes, being a strong leader, and believing in your vision. Given her experience and success, the tips and information she provides are incredibly valuable, especially because there are many aspects of starting a business that new entrepreneurs might not be aware of. She makes it easier for the next generation of business owners by sharing what she had to learn on her own.
One aspect I really love about her book is her honesty about her journey and the difficulties she faced in the early stages of her business. Often, we see successful entrepreneurs online and assume their success came easily, but Natasha emphasizes the hard work, dedication, and obstacles she overcame to achieve what she has built today. She explains how she decided to forgo college to pursue her dreams and, despite having no formal business background, she was able to create something successful and meaningful on a global scale, which was by no means an easy feat.
Another relatable point she mentions is her struggle with long COVID. As someone who has dealt with this condition, it was comforting to know I wasn’t alone and that someone I admire had also faced and overcome this challenge. I’m so grateful that she brings awareness to the long-term effects of COVID, as it’s not often discussed and so many people still do not know how much it can impact your livelihood or even your ability to have the energy to do everyday tasks.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone planning to start their own business or just looking for inspiration. While I may be biased since I’ve been following her on social media for a while, Natasha’s companies consistently produce high-quality products that actually enhance women’s lives, and the longevity of her businesses are a testament to that. Especially with the amount of influencers creating sub-par products just for a quick cash grab, this is something I never have to think twice or worry about when it comes to what she is producing. If you’re going to take advice from anyone about social media and business, it’s her!
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