Blacklug Community: A Builder Spotlight on BrickwithNatz

Spotlight On: @brickwithnatz – A Rising Star in the LEGO Community

I’m incredibly proud to introduce a standout member of the BlackLUG community: Nat, known on Instagram as @brickwithnatz. Our paths first crossed at the Croydon Brick Festival back in November 2024, and from the moment we started chatting, it was clear that Nat brought something special to the LEGO world.

That day was memorable for many reasons — not only was it my first proper public experience pushing BlackLUG and sharing the vision behind it, but it was also the start of what’s become a truly supportive connection. Nat was curious, thoughtful, and genuinely excited to learn more about BlackLUG’s mission to amplify Black voices in the LEGO building scene. Despite being relatively new to the hobby, she was already thinking about how she could contribute and support the growth of the community.

Since then, it’s been an absolute joy to follow Nat’s creative journey on Instagram. Watching her dip a toe into the LEGO scene and grow more confident with each build has been inspiring — and I’m happy to say that in the process, I’ve gained not only a fellow builder but also a friend.

Recently, I reached out to Nat to get a deeper insight into her creative process, her inspirations, and what she enjoys building. I’m humbled to present this community spotlight, showcasing her unique voice and emerging talent.

Please take a moment to check out her work and show some support — follow @brickwithnatz and help us continue to build a more inclusive, vibrant LEGO community.

Let’s keep uplifting each other — brick by brick.

**What was the first LEGO set you ever built, and how did it spark your interest in LEGO as an adult?**

The first LEGO set I bought was the LEGO jazz band. I love music and I saw it and loved it but it was a bit pricey so I managed to buy second hand on Ebay but it had everything and looked like new.

I loved the clear layout of the instructions and each person in the band being completed really gave me a buzz. But it was seeing the finished piece, I felt proud to finish it. 

May days are busy and mind is always 100 mile an hour with the various commitments. LEGO in the evenings felt like my time. I time to slow down, put on a show in the background though would have to keep rewinding as was ro focused on my build or listen to  music.

It’s funny it all started because.i saw a few videos about black girls who LEGO on Instagram. I thought that would be something to try.

**How do you approach designing and building your own custom LEGO creations? Do you follow a specific theme or style?**

I haven’t started building my own creations yet but it is something I want to do in the future.

**What is your favorite LEGO set of all time, and why does it stand out to you?**

Hmmmmm… I think my favourite is the Jazz Club but I also really like the LOVE statue one. 

**What tips do you have for someone new to the AFOL community or just starting with LEGO building?**

I remember sets when I was a child, they were much simpler. I do like the variation of sets and themes.

I have done everything from a 3 in 1 such as the peacock or roller skate to a vespa and modular.

Some tips 

Do some of the 3 in 1 sets or smaller sets to get you started.

It doesn’t matter the age on the box if you like it get it.

Sign up to LEGO insiders to get your points, you can clock up discounts and get points even if you have bought sers from other shops.

Have a dedicated build space and also something to sort your pieces in.

Don’t be put off by some of the bigger size or price sets.

With the bigger piece quantity sets you can take your time. And with the pricer ones there are sales, second hand and even rental.

I tend to put the set I want inro Google and you tend to see who is selling it for what price.

Follow AFOLS on Instagram really good to see what others are doing. The community is really encouraging. 

**How do you store and display your LEGO creations? Do you have a dedicated space for your builds?**

Over the last years I have built quite a few sets. Was putting them here and there and then had to go to ikea and get a Billy bookcase ro display them.

My shelves have their own little themes.

A retro shelf, a London shelf, a colourful set shelf, a vehicle shelf and music shelf and so on.

I literally rearrange my living room to put the bookcase on but when people visit people enjoy looking at the different sets and also gives them ideas of sets they may get for themselves.

I collapse my boxes and keep my manuals with them to save space. 

**Do you prefer building with LEGO bricks for relaxation, creativity, or another reason?**

I would say definately for relaxation. But, I am really getting into the engineering appreciation of it. They way these sets are put together is so clever. 

**What is the most challenging LEGO build you’ve ever attempted, and what made it so difficult?**

I think the Vespa just because of some of the inner structures some parts of the Jazz band were alot bit awkward to do.

**Are there any LEGO fan conventions or events you regularly attend or recommend?**

I’ve attended Croydon Brickfest, it was great to met Wes from Black Lug there. He encouraged me as I was in the early days of building.

**How has being part of the AFOL community impacted your appreciation for LEGO and its design?**

I started an insta page @brickwithnatz and follow alot of AFOLs. The community is super encouraging, you can get great ideas for sets that you might build. People share any challenges or helpful tips. 

It is really inspiring to see what the original creations MOCs from  AFOLs, the are brilliant.

It is also good to see alternative builds as well. I love being in the AFOL community but also seeing other black fans of LEGO and if I wasn’t apart of these communities I wouldn’t see the same representations.