StART Enterprise Slam - Natasha Stone
Today we are speaking with Natasha Stone, a current student on the BA Acting Collaborative and Devised Theatre (CDT) course about her experience winning a StART Enterprise Slam award for her business, The Lovie Diaries.
What kind of business is The Lovie Diaries?
We create journals specifically designed for creatives and theatre makers.
What made you want to get involved with the StART Enterprise Slam?
I saw the Enterprise Slam advertised during my first year, so I knew I had two years to create something, so that come third year I could apply with a solid plan. The opportunity was life-changing for anyone that wanted to start a creative business but needed a hand in doing so.
What have you been doing since you won?
Since winning the award, we have been able to heavily invest in all areas of our business. We have been able to purchase more stock and upgrade our website. We’ve also been able to pay for Drama School audition fees for working class artists. This was part of my commitment to supporting artists that came from similar backgrounds to my own.
Since the award we have now has our journals stocked at Foyles and Waterstones online and are about to release a new product: our theatre board game!
How is this related to your coursework?
The project was seemingly unrelated because it wasn’t directly associated with acting. However, I personally feel it is an essential element to the course and one every student should consider. Winning the Enterprise Slam has enabled me to remain financially self-sufficient whilst pursuing my career in acting.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
That we won! I never in a million years expected us to win. It has been an incredible experience and the support we have received throughout has been so informative and shaping for our business - it really has changed the way we operate!
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
Central had always been my dream school. It was the only one that didn’t want me to drop my Essex accent and seemed forward thinking.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
Our immediate goal is to take our business to Edinburgh Fringe after which we are then looking to establish a commercial partnership with an independent games retailer for our board game :)
Learn more about Natasha’s business and check out the journals by visiting, theloviediaries.co.uk and following on Instagram @theloviediaries.
Visit the StART Entrepreneurship Project page on our website to keep up to date.
