Natalie Gonchar, the captivating cover model for L’Officiel Monaco’s digital edition, is a paragon of style and success. Regardless of the fashion she’s flaunting, she never misses a beat. Her literary offering can be found gracing the shelves of the ubiquitous Barnes & Noble as well as bookstores the world over, from China to Australia. But she doesn’t just bask in her accomplishments; she seizes every opportunity to give back. Indeed, she’s used the profits from her book to support the Big Dreams Children’s Foundation, on whose board of directors she sits.
Let’s talk about your book. What inspired you to write it, and how old were you at that time?
I was 16 when I wrote Mr. Gringle’s Magical Wheelchair. I was inspired and honored to help my mom with her charity, Big Dreams Children’s Foundation, which helps children who have disabilities. I noticed how little representation there was for young children with disabilities in media, and I was inspired to write a book to give these children a character to relate to in their lives.
Would you say Lisa, the main character of your book, shares any of your personality traits?
I based Lisa’s personality on people whom I look up to and qualities that I admire. Though I would like to say that I am kind and compassionate, Lisa has a level of confidence and strength that I can only hope to one day possess.
Friendship definitely comes up in the story. What kind of qualities do you personally look for in a friend?
When I meet someone new, I am drawn to kindness and compassion. These two qualities are essential in navigating life, and they are also values that my parents have taught me since I was a young girl.
Are there any qualities you cannot tolerate in people?
Though I try to understand where people are coming from, and I understand that we all have bad days or even bad moments, there are some qualities that are difficult to accept. I can’t see myself becoming friends with anyone who displays hateful orself-absorbed qualities.
What are you reading at the moment and what is the best book you’ve read in the past year?
My favorite books that I read over the past year include The French Girl by Lexie Elliot or Without Conscience by Robert Hare, which I read for my forensic psychology class.
You’ve got a lot going on in your world. Tell me, what would your ideal day off look like?
My ideal off day would begin with a slow morning, as I don’t get much of those in college. Next, I would take a Pilates class and make myself lunch, as cooking is something I’ve really learned to love. After lunch, a few hours of reading—hopefully The Silent Patient, which I recently picked up. If I don’t have a new book on hand, I really enjoy going to Barnes & Noble and browsing for a new read. Lastly, my dad and I have a tradition of going to a very casual dinner at a restaurant in our neighborhood before going to the movies. Specifically, if it was the most picture-perfect day off, we would see the new James Bond movie, as that has become “our thing” since I was little.
What are some of your favorite fashion trends?
My fashion trends usually tie into jewelry, as I’ve always thought that jewelry can spice up the most basic day–to–day look. I’m currently loving chunky jewelry, as well as colorful pieces that can be layered. When it comes to clothes, I have been looking for ways to mature my style with work-appropriate pieces. I have participated in a summer internship over the past few years, and I plan to return to the role this summer. I have loved adding Réalisation Par patterned maxi skirts to my wardrobe, along with fun button–ups that can be styled up or styled down.
Natalie, thanks so much for your time. It was a pleasure to get to know you and I can’t wait to see what’s next.