Her Story
About Natalie
Natalie Howell is a District Sales Manager with JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch, where she oversees 18 portrait studios across multiple states, including Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. Her responsibilities include managing studio performance, sales and P&L objectives, district expenses and payroll, team development, recruitment, hiring, training, and customer-service standards. She works closely with studio managers to implement company policies, evaluate performance, establish objectives, and optimize operational processes across her district.
Howell has built an extensive career in the photography and portrait industry, beginning after college with an associate position at Portrait Innovations. She subsequently joined Mom365 as a part-time newborn photographer and advanced to district management, where she spent approximately six years leading teams of photographers and coordinating services across hospitals. Her career also includes photography and sales management roles with Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co., as well as sales and design positions in the custom cabinetry and home-organization industries. She also maintains a personal photography business, continuing her long-standing connection to the photography field.
Howell credits her success to her determination, commitment to customer service, and desire to create a better future for her children. She is particularly passionate about helping families enjoy their portrait experiences and creating photographs that preserve meaningful memories. Her mother’s encouragement to believe that she could accomplish whatever she set her mind to has remained an important influence throughout her career. Howell carries that philosophy forward by encouraging the next generation, particularly young women, to remain persistent, believe in themselves, and continue reaching toward their goals regardless of outside opinions.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children, who are a major source of motivation because I want to provide them with a better future and give them every opportunity to succeed. I have also always been highly driven and persistent; there is no real “off button” for me, and I continue moving forward rather than giving up. Professionally, I place a strong emphasis on customer service. My district has ranked second company-wide in customer-service surveys, which reflects my commitment to making sure every customer who visits our studios receives an exceptional experience. Seeing families enjoy their time in the studio and leave with meaningful images they cannot simply capture on a phone continues to motivate me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mother, who is a doctor, always encouraged me to believe that I could become whatever I wanted to be. I have carried that advice with me throughout my career. If there is something I want to accomplish, I believe in pursuing it regardless of what other people may say. My advice is to never give up, reach for the stars, and continue working toward your goals even when others doubt you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women not to give up on themselves or their goals. Many people can become discouraged or feel that they are not capable of achieving everything they are capable of achieving. Keep pushing forward, reach for the stars, and do not allow other people's opinions to determine what you believe you can accomplish.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value persistence, determination, customer service, and creating meaningful experiences for people. Personally, my children are a major priority and motivation, and I am committed to helping create a better future for them. Professionally, I value making sure customers receive the best experience possible and creating an environment where families can enjoy themselves while creating lasting memories.
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