Intentional and careful thought went into the business name. Natalie wanted to be as inclusive as possible and embody the truth she knew quilting to be. She landed on Quilt Culture, and it couldn't be more perfect. Quilting, after all, is a craft that has been handed down since the 13th century. It has grafted people from all walks of life - building communities, strengthening friendships, and establishing unbreakable bonds. Natalie shared that this culture has created very giving, kind, and loving people. If we pause to think about it, she couldn't be more spot on. Making a quilt is a remarkable lost art that takes skill, care, and a hefty chunk of time. Couple the love of the process with the joy induced when the final product is revealed and so often gifted, and quilters are suddenly in a league of their own.

If these smile-producing business beginnings aren't enough of a testament to who Ms. Caldwell really is, her backstory will bring it home. Natalie was raised with her siblings in Falls Church, Virginia, by a single father. The family relocated to Southern California in her junior year of high school, and Natalie made her way to Chico in her twenties as a single parent with her own daughter. In 2012, Caldwell purchased a home in Paradise. If your heart hasn't sunk at the mention of this town quite yet, here it comes. 

Like most Paradise residents, Natalie's home burned in 2018's devastating Camp Fire. Sadly, the destruction didn't stop there. She had built a livelihood as a licensed real estate agent, house flipper, landlord, and Airbnb host. Unfortunately, the flames claimed not only her properties but also stole her steady and lucrative source of income. In addition, the inferno also took all of Natalie's sewing machines and cherished quilts. Although losing her home, profession, and possessions was a crushing blow, Natalie remained resilient in the face of tragedy and was determined to begin again. 

"When the fire came, the kindest way I can say it is that it 'liquidated' my stash as well as all of my quilts and machines. It was a tough blow, but it wasn't the first time in my life that I had started over from scratch."

It's this unwavering positive perseverance that shines through in everything Natalie touches. And, sewing quilts is just the tip of the iceberg. On January 1st of this year, Quilt Culture launched Aprons for Autism. Natalie's twin granddaughters have Autism and are nonverbal. Sensory activities are a critical component in their lives. However, these exercises often lead to stained and messy clothes that must be changed constantly throughout the day. To ease the burden for her daughter, Natalie designed an apron that is easy to sew and would help keep her granddaughter's clothes clean. And, just like that, Aprons for Autism was born. Natalie locked arms with her daughter to design a label, write instructions to go with the pattern and launch a mission to support children with Autism throughout the world. Natalie creates kits with the apron pattern, fabric, step-by-step directions, and a label. The sweetest part of this project is not a dime is made. The cost of the kit covers the cost of materials and no more.