AN ACTRESS who used to sneak on the train to get to college has successfully launched her very own international business... which started from her school locker.

After struggling to pay her drama school fees, Natasha Stone, from Southend, brainstormed a way to make cash while fulfilling her dream of being on the stage.

Natasha has now taken her business, The Lovie Diaries, worldwide by selling her very own diaries across the UK, America, Australia, India and Europe.

West End star Kerry Ellis, famous for her role in Cats the Musical, Wicked and Les Misérables, has even received a copy of the Actor Life Journals.

Natasha said: “Theatre has been something I’ve adored for as long as I can remember, having grown up doing shows at the Palace Theatre and taking part in the Southend Summer Youth Project for years.

“Coming from not the wealthiest of backgrounds was always a challenge, I was paying hundreds of pounds to get to college and I even ended up bunking the train where it had got so bad.

“I had auditioned for drama school when I was in my teens but hadn’t got a place, so when I got into the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama last February it was honestly the best day of my entire life and something I’d waited for since I was a little girl.

“I started to struggle to pay my school fees and thought – I wish I had a diary with advice and guidance on auditions, learning scripts or tips on headshots when I was growing up, without forking out for lessons or a place at a big school.

“That’s how the Actor Life Journals started. I began hand-designing each of the 228 pages in November and by January was stashing copies in my school locker for people to buy.

“We got our first proper batch out in March and it’s just gone crazy ever since, we’re selling around 20 diaries internationally each day.”

Determined to help inspiring actors follow in her footsteps, the 26-year-old is reminding us all that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. She added: “Who would’ve thought a Southend girl like me could get this far? I certainly didn’t, and especially not to have a response from my idol Kerry when I reached out to her asking if she wanted a copy!

“We are now looking to expand and make diaries for dancers or musicians within the next few months.”

Visit Natasha’s website at https://www.theloviediaries.co.uk/