We are thrilled to announce a new series on our site: Beyond Mom Interviews. Each week we will be featuring a new fabulous mama who’s going Beyond. Each lady will reveal their tips on staying balanced, pursuing dreams, soul-changing workouts and much more! This week’s Beyond Mom is Nicole Feliciano – CEO/founder of Mom Trends.
1. What makes you a Beyond Mom?
I’ve managed to carve out a career that feeds my creative instincts and ambition while being super present in the day-to-day lives of my family.
2. What are the parts of you that have grown and expanded since becoming a Mom?
My patience. I had none before. Now I can wait 5 minutes while a novice ties a shoe without tapping my foot…onwards towards independence!
3. Can you share a collaboration/success story with another woman; what helped the collaboration become successful?
My Marketing Manager Brooke Stewart has been indispensable in the growth of my business. She’s built her talent agency (Power Moms Media) around supporting mom bloggers. She’s able to articulate to brands why a mention on Momtrends is worthy of a big check! She’s always helping to think of new ways to monetize our influence and can make me laugh in the most frustrating situations. Everyone needs a Brooke.
4. What relationships help you stay connected to yourself?
My running partners. I have a small group of women I run with every Sunday. We talk about careers, kids, crockpot recipes. They don’t know me at all in the online world–but they do know me as a businessperson and multi-tasking mama. It’s great to get perspective from women in vastly different careers.
5. Do you have a ‘Beyond’ dream that you are pursuing?
I’m living the dream every day.
6. What wellness activity can you not live without? What is one thing you do daily that balances you?
I am a fitness fanatic. Between running, squash, and triathlons, I am always training for something.
The thing that keeps me balanced isn’t a thing. It’s a person. My husband is my reality check and a great business advisor. I can’t imagine how the family or Momtrends would forge on without his support.
7. How does style influence the way you stay feeling ‘Beyond’? Who is currently your favorite designer?
Stella McCartney is just genius. She’s constantly reinventing her collection and I love the artistic influences in her line. Plus her kids collection is terrific. Keeping up on style trends is very important to me. My mission is to make fashion fun and approachable for moms.
Favorite NYC Spots that Embody The Beyond Mom:
Beyond Cocktails and/or Food:
Grocery in Brooklyn.
Beyond Workout:
FitLab in DUMBO (Lawson the owner is a mom of two and a genius at keeping workouts inspiring)
Beyond Shopping:
SplendidLA for the girls and I–love the Brooklyn outpost. Online, I love AlexAndAlexa.com for the girls.
Beyond Inspiration:
My Momtrends team. Our staff of managers and editors are so sharp at spotting trends and making them accessible. They make me look good every day.