Check Out Natalie Sweet’s Story
Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Sweet.
Hi Natalie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A few years ago, I was just in a low place—grieving, exhausted, kind of numb. I didn’t know how to talk about what I was feeling, so I started journaling. Writing has always been easier for me than saying things out loud.
Eventually, those journal entries turned into songs. Songs of lament and hope. There’s just something healing about singing your prayers, you know? One night, my husband overheard me singing one of them and said, ‘You need to share that.’ I wasn’t quite ready yet. I knew I needed some guidance. That’s when I met Shellee Layne, a singer-songwriter who became a mentor and helped me see that honesty is what makes a song powerful. We ended up writing my first single, ‘Stay Right Here,’ together, and it opened the door for everything that came next.
Later on, I reconnected with my friend Jeremiah McConico, an accomplished musician who had just started producing, and we collaborated on three songs, with more to come. He and his wife, Krystle — who is also incredibly talented — jumped in with background vocals and creativity. I’m beyond grateful for them.
A year later, I saw this ad for the One Song Challenge from Nashville Christian Songwriters—it was a mini-interactive songwriting course, and I figured I’d give it a shot. I submitted a song I had written called “Your Grace Found Me,” but honestly, I didn’t expect much. They were only selecting a handful of songs to get feedback from their coaches, and I was pretty sure mine wouldn’t be one of them.
But I was wrong—the coaches chose my song! And through that, I got connected with John Chisum, who’s not only an accomplished artist but also the CEO and founder of NCS. He encouraged me to join their artist development program. That was a big turning point for me. It gave me the tools, encouragement, and community I didn’t even realize I needed to keep going and keep growing as a songwriter and artist.
My desire to reach people carrying wounds no one can see—the wounds of the heart, mind, and soul—has only grown stronger. I want to be honest and vulnerable, sharing songs that bring comfort, love, and hope through honest songwriting and storytelling. It’s about reminding people that we don’t have to face life alone, that we need one another, and that there’s a God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds.
The songs you’ll hear from me soon will share more stories from my own life- and a few inspired by the people around me. I’m excited about these and hope they will connect with many.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—honestly, nothing worth doing or having ever is. One of the most significant battles for me was facing depression. That alone made it hard to see, to believe I had anything worth saying, let alone singing. However, that struggle has also shaped much of the music I write now.
For years, I wore depression like it was just part of who I was. I never really thought about getting help—mental health and therapy just weren’t things people in my social or church circles talked about. It was viewed as unnecessary, or even a sign of a lack of faith.
Everything shifted when a friend opened up to me about his battle with depression—and how going to therapy helped him start healing. He understood the fear and the pain I was carrying, and because of that, I was willing to listen.
Eventually, I did seek help—and it changed everything. I feel free now. I had to come face to face with my past and finally say, No more. No more fear. No more hiding. I’m free.
For the first time, I’m starting to see the real me—and I like her.
I truly believe that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. I know it’s true, because I’m one of them. And I also believe He sends help—through people, through love, through moments of comfort we didn’t even know we needed.
When it comes to the music—yeah, there have been struggles. There have been times when I wasn’t sure how I was going to afford studio time or finish a project. But I’ve learned not to stress too much about it, because honestly, God always provides. He has, over and over again.
I’ve also had to fight through a lot of negative thoughts—wondering if I’m too old to be starting this singer-songwriter journey now. That kind of self-doubt creeps in more often than I’d like. But my husband has been my biggest supporter. He constantly reminds me that it’s never too late to walk in your calling, and that what I have to say—what God’s given me to share—matters.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I know the question’s probably about music—but honestly, I’m most proud of my two kids-my son, Elijah, and my daughter, Gabi. I’ve had the privilege of raising two incredible human beings who love Jesus and genuinely care for others. That means more to me than anything I could ever write or record.
What sets me apart? It’s the combination of my life experience, my faith, and just the heart behind what I write. I’m not trying to chase trends or be something I’m not. I’ve walked through grief, depression, healing—and I write from that place. Real journal entries, genuine prayers, and heartfelt moments with God inspire my songs.
I’ve always been a deeply empathetic person, and honestly, that can be overwhelming at times. I’m still learning how to set boundaries. But I also believe God made me this way for a reason. That empathy—that sensitivity—it helps me see the people and stories that often get overlooked. And through music, I get to give voice to those stories. I’ve finished writing a few songs like this and hope to share them soon.
I’m also a wife, a mom, a worship leader, and a homemaker—all of that shapes how I see the world and how I write. I’m not here to put on a show. I want to tell the truth, point people to hope, and remind them they’re not alone.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the quiet, reserved, and shy one- not the kid who wanted all the attention. Which is funny, because I come from a big, loud family. I’m the oldest of four girls, and even though we’re close and look alike, we’re all different. I was the one who tried to keep the peace—my mom always called me the peacemaker.
I spent a lot of time around my dad’s side of the family, and they were even louder. He had eleven siblings, so when we all got together, it was chaos in the best way—music, Jesus, baseball, and more music. My dad and uncles would grab guitars, my aunts would sing, and I’d sit there, soaking it all in. I didn’t jump in—I just watched, listened, and quietly fell in love with it all. That’s really where it all started for me.
Growing up, we couldn’t afford private music lessons or anything like that. But my dad believed in me, so instead, he found a public magnet school that focused on the arts and got me enrolled. I attended Johnston Middle School in Houston, which is now known as Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, and that’s where I learned to play the guitar and sing.
I also led worship for youth retreats and conferences in my teens and twenties. That season was huge for me—it shaped who I am.
I’ve never —not then nor now found it easy to express myself verbally—sometimes I lose my train of thought or stumble trying to find the right words. But when I can sit down, take a breath, and reflect on what I’m feeling, that’s where journaling comes in. Writing gives me the space to untangle my thoughts and emotions, and that’s often where songs are born for me. It’s as if the clarity I struggle to find in speaking sometimes finds its way out through music.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliesweetmusic
Source: VoyageHouston