Kuotable Women: MomTrends Founder & CEO Nicole Feliciano

Tell us about your professional background–what were some of the key milestones that brought you to where you are professionally?

I have had a slew of experiences that led me to where I am today. Fresh out of college, I worked in both fashion and publishing before launching MomTrends.

My last corporate experience was in the 90s when I was a buyer for Ralph Lauren. I was lucky enough to to work with Mr. Lauren and a team of talented designers as well as the domestic RL stores. I had terrific role models and mentors at Ralph Lauren who taught me lot about leadership.

Tell us about your home–whom do you share your space with, and where do you live?

I’m spread across the East Coast. We recently moved to Vermont from NYC with our family of four (my girls are 14 and 12). We’re in a smaller space up here but have a huge mountain in our backyard. We’re getting a dog this summer and we can’t wait.

During these uncertain times when many professionals are finding themselves working from home, how are you approaching working from home?

It’s not easy! We’re all fighting for desk space and a bit of quiet. 

Do you have a designated workspace in your home? If so, how is it set up?

I do have a pretty desk with natural light in my bedroom, but right now I share with my daughter who is in 9th grade. The other desk in our home is taken over by my husband. My 6th-grader uses the kitchen table.

As a mom, how are you handling your kids doing remote learning? 

I try to check in daily on progress. Since my kids are in grades 6 and 9, I give them a fair amount of autonomy during the day. To keep them busy when they are “out of school,” we have filled the house with craft supplies and we have tons of baking equipment.

We are also doing daily family workouts. My girls run with me 3-4 times a week and we’re doing online workouts with Asics Studio.

What are some of your work from home must-have items or favorite pieces? On the flip-side, what are some of your favorite items that help you enjoy self-care and relaxation?

It’s all about joggers! I love this trend. I say, comfy cute sweatpants for everyone! I’m trying to wear more colorful tops to feel a bit pulled together. I’m getting used to coloring my hair at home (which is weird, and fortunately, easier than I expected–thank you Clairol!).

As for self-care, I highly recommend meditation. I’m using the Headspace app. And I love my Zoom chats with my Vanderbilt sorority sisters. We have a standing Wednesday night chat at 8:30pm with seven of us. It’s the best sanity check–laughing with old friends. 

Aside from navigating the immediate challenges of our current moment in history, what goals do you have in your personal life and for MomTrends right now?

As I mentioned before, I’m relocating to Vermont for a good portion of the year. The move was predicated on our family’s love of snow. Both of my girls are skiers and we are giving them a unique lifestyle. 

Since I’m spending so much time on snow, I’m developing my outdoor-centric content for moms. We’re a highly underserved part of the outdoor industry and I’m here to fix that. Long term, I hope to be get involved in leadership positions with outdoor brands to make sure they are serving families and women.