Story

Hello,

My name is Natasha, and I am reaching out with a heavy heart, hoping to find compassion and understanding in my time of need. The past 2 years have tested me in ways I never imagined, and I find myself grappling with challenges that right now, seem insurmountable. I am a mother, a student, an entrepreneur, and above all, a person trying to navigate the storm of life with audacious faith and determination.

It all started with the incarceration of my husband. This event shattered our lives, setting off a series of devastating events. I lost my home, my financial stability, and the sense of security that every parent desires for their children. My once stable world was turned upside down, and I have been left to pick up the pieces.

In what was supposed to be a time of support, I, more often than not, found betrayal instead. A friend, whom I considered my confidant, moved in to help with bills but ended up taking $500 in grocery money, inflating my plumbing bill to over $800, and then abandoning me when I needed her most. After enduring two months without proper plumbing and expressing my need to seek legal aid to address the issue, my property management responded by evicting me under false pretenses. The eviction notice included charges for the plumbing repair and one month’s rent, which I was only eight days late on. The result was a $6,000 bill, which has since been sent to collections, destroying my credit and making it practically impossible to secure housing or a loan.

To add to the weight of my struggles, my emotional and mental health has deteriorated significantly. My husband, the one person who understands me and supports me without reservation, is enduring dehumanizing conditions at High Desert State Prison here in the state of Nevada. His suffering amplifies my own, and the feeling of isolation is overwhelming. My only support has been my faith in God, which has been my anchor in this turbulent sea.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, I have not given up. I am deeply committed to my business, Souled Out Stash, which I have poured my heart into. This online store is more than just a business—it’s a lifeline for personal growth, mental health, and self-expression. We offer motivational art, self-help books, mindfulness tools, and empowering apparel designed to inspire and uplift individuals who are navigating their own battles. Our unique sections, such as Tash’s Stash and Paisley’s Playhouse, are dedicated to creative expression and mental health support for both adults and children. Our blog, Bottled Up!, tackles difficult and often overlooked topics, while our resource page provides essential support services and crisis hotline information. Souled Out Stash aims to create a supportive, all-inclusive environment where people can find the inspiration and resources they need to thrive.

However, without stability, I cannot fully focus on growing this business or ensuring a secure future for my daughters. I am seeking $25,000 to address our immediate needs: securing a stable home, putting a down payment on a car, and providing the breathing room necessary to regain my footing. This funding will not only help us survive but will also enable me to continue working towards building a business that has the potential to make a positive impact on many others, if not the world.

I am not asking for a handout but rather a hand up—an opportunity to overcome this dire situation and turn our lives around. My dream is simple: to provide a stable, loving home for my daughters, to regain my footing, and to grow Souled Out Stash into a beacon of hope for others facing their own struggles.

I am tired, but my spirit remains unbroken. I believe in the power of resilience, faith, asking for help, and the kindness of others. Your support could turn this story of struggle into one of triumph, giving us the chance to rebuild and thrive. So today, I am humbly asking for your help in making this vision a reality.

Sincerely,

Natasha Alanna