We recently had the chance to connect with Natasha Neely and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Natasha, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza on Christmas Eve after a spontaneous decision to take the trip! Coming from an extreme planner, sometimes it pays to be spontaneous and just see what happens! It was the best decision to see NYC on Christmas. Non stop smiles ¨̮
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi y’all! I’d love to expound upon the brand I have created that has just come naturally and has grown and evolved very authentically as well. My husband and I started our small entertainment company Neely Henry Entertainment in 2018 as a way to funnel bookings for live shows and productions and for corporate entertainment, with a heavy emphasis on my career as a Dolly impersonator based here in Nashville, Tennessee. Since creating our company, we have grown, and we now provide and contract a variety of entertainers whether it is other impersonators, musicians, DJs, line dance instructors, niche performers for unique entertainment requests, etc. We have also produced a few touring productions such as Dolly! A Tribute to Dolly Parton, Nashville Merry Country Christmas, Dolly’s Nashville Country Christmas, and even a few Frank Sinatra tribute productions as well! 2025 proved to be our biggest year yet with entertainment booked on more than 180 corporate events. Working in the entertainment industry here in Music City has provided the opportunity to bring joy to others, to make people smile at an event, and to share the love of music!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I have several influences over the course of my 40 years here on Earth, but my work ethic is truly innate. With a strong desire to set goals and to achieve them, to accomplish anything I set my mind to, that is an influence in itself. As an enneagram 3 The Achiever, we are typically ambitious, focused on success and accomplishment, and strive to be good role models. This personality type sure comes in handy as a business owner.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wouldn’t say there was ever a time that I just gave up on something, but I would consider it more of a turn of events, or a change in direction. Moving to Nashville and attending Belmont University to focus on a music business degree, it was always my ultimate goal to become a famous country music recording artist. Sometimes our own plan is not always God’s intention for our lives. After moving to Nashville, I was fortunate to be casted in a production show at Dollywood. I shared the stage with Louise Mandrell in her Christmas show at Opryland. I performed at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. I was casted in Music City On Stage at Barbara Mandrell’s Fontanel Mansion. I toured in various renditions of Live From Nashville. a touring production show. I spent 8 years performing on the General Jackson Showboat. I certainly had my share of the glitz and glam and being in the spotlight, and still do as a professional Dolly Parton impersonator. As life naturally takes its course, opportunities present themselves as other ones close. Now I find myself producing from behind the scenes and casting other performers which brings a whole new source of joy! You realize that you can do what you are meant to do for a living without the effects of fame. I do believe God has His way of protecting us from the things we THINK are meant for us, when He knows best!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Whose ideas do I rely on most that aren’t my own? My husband’s! He is a real source of wisdom and experience. After more than 30 years performing around the world on cruise ships, touring production shows, to eventually producing live entertainment for a local production company for 13 years, he is a wealth of musical knowledge. I consult him when it comes to business decisions or when I need ideas, or just another source of opinion or direction in general. We work well together, and I’m grateful to work alongside of him with Neely Henry Ent. Our strengths and weaknesses complement each other well!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that the legacy I can leave behind looks something like this: She was a source of joy and light in the world; someone who always made others feel good about themselves and treated people the way they deserve to be treated in business and the entertainment industry. I would say that is my ultimate goal in my life, career, and entrepreneurship!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natashaneely.com
- Instagram: @natashaneelyhenry
Image Credits
Shannon Fontaine Photography
