Founder Natalie Holloway on The Luxury of Slowing Down

Founder Natalie Holloway on The Luxury of Slowing Down | The Current

Welcome to The Current, where we spotlight the rituals, obsessions, and resets shaping the people redefining beauty, wellness, and culture right now. Each edition offers a glimpse into what’s inspiring tastemakers in The Current moment — from the products they’re reaching for to the practices helping them feel most aligned.

This edition ofThe Current features Natalie Holloway, co-founder of cult-fave workout brand Bala, author of Bootstrap Empire, and co-host of Hot Takes Big Stakes podcast knows a thing or two about building with intention. Her current is decidedly slower: less tech, more presence, and finding luxury in the in-between moments. From silent walks and sauna sessions to a steady approach to brand building, Natalie is embracing balance over the constant pull to optimize. Here, she shares what she’s returning to, what she’s ready to unlearn, and the MARA ritual she never skips.

What’s your “current” right now?
Chill vibes with less tech. I’m trying to soak in the last bit of summer where the days are calm and we don't have to rush to school or an activity. I'm going to try to bring that energy into the new (school) year.

Cleansing Oil leaning on Universal Face Oil and SeaDream Algae Creme

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What’s a ritual you’ve returned to — or one you’ve let go of?
A long silent walk with no podcast or music and a kid in tow. I resisted it because it felt inefficient to not be learning or working, but I have been trying to let go of the need to always feel productive and just enjoy.

What does luxury feel like to you at this exact moment and how does it show up in your everyday life?
Time. Slow days are luxurious to me. It means I have been efficient or said no to the right things so that I can enjoy the in-between life moments. Don't get me wrong, I do love a hectic back to back weekend in New York or fun work travel experience but it's all about balance.

How are you cleansing your energy right now?
Sauna and journaling as often as I can.

As a Founder, what’s a trend or habit you wish people would unlearn immediately?
Using AI for everything. I know we love AI but it comes at a cost and you can feel it. Here I would love a nice balance where we use it where it makes us more efficient but we don't let AI run the decisions and conversations. And I really don't love a long AI written email because it shows. Also, scaling quickly at all costs. I think it's all about the slow steady brand build. The brands that win are the ones that last and continue to inspire you over time.

What’s one product, step, or practice you’ll never rush, no matter how busy you are?
I will always do at least a two to three step skincare routine in the morning and at night. If I'm really rushing, I'll take one or two steps, but skincare is crucial for me. Currently, I'm using MARA Aura Cleanser, followed by the Pearl Peptide Glaze, and the Universal Face Oil for a dewy look, and of course, finishing off with SPF.

If you had to put someone onto one MARA product right now, what would it be — and how do you use it?
Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil. It nourishes my skin while making it easy to remember to wash my face because it feels so luxurious when you use it.