Today we’re excited to be connecting with Natalie Duque again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Natalie, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
It’s so great to reconnect—thank you for having me back!
For those who didn’t catch our first conversation, I’m Natalie Duque, a Los Angeles-based musician-turned-motivational speaker and (soon-to-be) music therapist. Music has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. Before I could even talk, I was singing—serenading my mom with Wilson Phillips songs from the backseat of her minivan on long car rides. Songwriting came later, in middle school, and from the moment I wrote my first song, it felt like home. Music became my way of processing emotions, making sense of the world, and navigating life’s ups and downs.
At the time, it felt like magic. But as I got older, I realized that music truly is therapy—backed by science—and that realization changed everything. It sparked a deeper curiosity in me, leading me down a new path where I could explore not just the art of music, but its power to heal, connect, and transform lives.
What started as a love for music and storytelling has evolved into something even bigger. Over time, I realized that my passion wasn’t just about performing—it was about connection, authenticity, and using music as a tool for empowerment. That’s what led me to where I am today: helping people embrace their uniqueness, find the courage to own their story, and unlock their true rhythm—whether through a keynote speech, a wellness workshop, or a therapeutic music session.
What makes my approach unique is the way I blend music, vulnerability, and practical tools to create experiences that leave people feeling seen, supported, and empowered. This journey has been one of self-discovery, courage, and trust, and it’s taught me just how powerful music can be—not just as a form of expression, but as a force for healing and transformation.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
My journey has taken some unexpected turns, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been full of growth, discovery, and purpose.
Since we last talked, I’ve transitioned from being a full-time musician to embracing new roles as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and music therapist in training. This shift wasn’t just a career change—it was a calling. I wanted to go deeper with my work, not just connecting with people through music, but helping them embrace their unique rhythm and navigate life’s challenges with courage.
Balancing it all—work, raising two kids, and completing my music therapy training—has been a wild ride, full of juggling acts and moments of deep self-reflection. But every challenge has been worth it. I’ve learned to embrace imperfection, lean on my community, and trust the process, even when the path ahead felt uncertain.
Now, I’m excited to expand my reach as a speaker and workshop facilitator, continuing to inspire and uplift others. I recently became a certified Mic Drop WorkFORCE guide, helping women speak with confidence and thrive in their careers. I also just launched my High School EmpowHERment program, R.O.A.R., which is built on four core pillars:
-Rhythm – Find your rhythm and trust where it leads.
-Ownership – Own your story and claim your power.
-Action – Move forward with courage, one step at a time.
-Radiate – Shine unapologetically and inspire the world.
In these challenging times, I’m passionate about creating spaces where young women feel seen, heard, and celebrated—reminding them that their voice truly matters. I can’t wait to see the impact these incredible girls will have on the world!
This journey has been one of rediscovering myself and realigning with my deepest passions. I’m beyond grateful to be doing this work and excited for whatever comes next!
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Favorite Movie: Elf
- Favorite Book: That’s a tough one! But of my my all time favorite nonfiction books is “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson
- Favorite TV Show: Top 3: Friends, Schitt’s Creek, and Shrinking
- Favorite Band or Artist: I’m a 90s singer songwriter girl (Alanis Morissette, Jewel, etc.)
- Sweet or Savory: SWEET- chocolate chip cookies are my kryptonite
- Mountains or Beach: Mountains
- Favorite Sport (to watch): I don’t really watch sports, but if I was forced to choose, I would prefer watching tennis or volleyball
- Favorite Sport (to play): Does dodgeball count?
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I grew up playing music, not sports 😉
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: A rockstar, of course!
- French Fries or Onion Rings: My favorite is when there’s a rogue onion ring that falls into your order for french fries
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: I had to google this! But looks like I’d be more of a Chuck Rhodes
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Saturday Morning Cartoons! Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, Tom & Jerry- all the classics 😉
- Favorite Childhood movie: The Sound of Music & Cry Baby. Life’s all about balance!
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Something sweet and carb-y 😉 Recently my go-to has been an overnight blueberry oats bowl with graham cracker crumble
What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want people to remember me as someone who encourages them to embrace their authenticity, find courage in their uniqueness, and reconnect with the rhythm that makes them who they truly are. My work is rooted in the belief that every individual has something powerful and unique to offer, and when we tap into that, incredible things happen.
What’s most important to me is creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and uplifted—whether it’s through a keynote speech, a workshop, a music therapy session, or even just a small piece of advice shared online. I strive to inspire others to let go of the fear of being different and instead celebrate the beauty in it. It’s about turning vulnerabilities into strengths and finding joy in the process of self-discovery.
What’s unique and special about my work is the way I merge my background in music with personal development. Music has always been my language, my way of connecting with others, and now it’s a tool I use to help people heal, grow, and find their voices. Whether I’m speaking to a room full of professionals or working one-on-one with a child in the hospital, music is at the heart of what I do—it’s the thread that ties everything together.
I also believe in the power of storytelling. I use my personal journey—the highs, the lows, and the moments of transformation—to inspire others to take their own leaps of faith. It’s important to me that people see that authenticity doesn’t mean being perfect; it means showing up as you are, owning your story, and choosing courage every day.
Ultimately, I want people to walk away from an experience with me feeling empowered to embrace their unique rhythm and confident that they, too, can create something beautiful with their lives. That’s the heartbeat of my work.
Image Credits
Wedding Bug Studios
Valeria Duque
