Moms + Founders
Tags: Stroller, Baby, Motherhood, Parenting, Baby Products

Moms + Founders

Maria and Sy are the co-founders of Nook, a creative space in D.C. elevating the standard for ‘family-friendly’ through play, learning and celebration. This month, we hosted family-friendly events in partnership with Nook to get to know their community and enjoy their beautiful spaces.

How does Nook inspire confidence in parents?

Maria: With all that we do at Nook, our goal is to communicate to parents that “We see you. We see how special this time is to you. We see how hard you’re working. We celebrate you.” Most other “family-friendly” places speak only to the kid side of the equation; by speaking to parents first, our hope is that they’ll feel empowered on their journey.

Sy: Behind the scenes, Maria and I are moms who are truly “in the thick of it” with our kids… but we are also throwing ourselves into this crazy start-up life because we wholeheartedly feel that parenthood is not a handicap when it comes to building something great. We are building our corporate team with like-minded parents who believe in our mission of elevating family in every way, and are navigating their personal journey with family and career. The same way that we inspire confidence in parents who walk into our spaces, we want to inspire more parents to do big things in society without ever needing to hide or apologize for their family life and priorities.

Favorite mom hack?

Maria: Prepping the night before. Lunches, diaper bag, shoes lined up by the door since there is always that one shoe that goes missing right before we leave…

Sy: I’ll let you know once I hack something that my kids do not immediately un-hack.

What is your favorite Colugo product and why?

Maria: My favorite Colugo product is the Baby Carrier because it is SO easy to put on. With my first two babies, I would almost always pull a muscle trying to put other carriers on. The hidden pockets are also game-changer — on quick trips, I don’t even need to carry a diaper bag — all the essentials fit in the pockets.

Sy: My favorite is the Compact Stroller. First becoming a parent in NYC, there was no value in owning gear that took up too much space. I wish so much that this was around when I first became a parent! Now with 3 kids living in the suburbs, I still appreciate how compact this is because it folds up perfectly for the trunk of my car. And all without sacrificing the size and functionality of the bottom basket.

What are your parenting must-have products?

Maria: Wipes for obvious reasons. Reusable snack bags because snacking is key to meltdown management. The Wunderlist App because checking off even the smallest to-do (e.g. empty the dishwasher) makes me feel accomplished.

Sy: An hourglass (sand timer) that helps the little ones visualize time — absolutely critical when mediating toy-sharing between siblings. Baby and kid socks that stay on and have grips. Stainless steel water bottles and lunch boxes — they may be heavy but they actually last.

What is your favorite part about raising a family in DC?

Maria: Access to so many activities: museums, parks, playgrounds and cultural and community events.

Sy: If I had to choose one thing, it would be my close college friends who live here. Not having extended family nearby, they are my chosen family and my kids see them as such.

What are your favorite family-friendly D.C. spots (aside from Nook)?

Maria: The Arboretum on a fall day. The Hirshorn Museum on a winter day (mostly because of the hot chocolate from Dolcezza in the lobby). Union Market for brunch on a spring morning. And Yards Park for a “swim” on a hot summer day.

Sy: Museum of Natural History is a favorite. I didn’t think after living across from NY one on the UWS I could ever give the DC one a chance but alas, it’s my kids’ favorite and for good reason. The Potomac Riverboat company has ferries to take you from DC to Old Town Alexandria, and to the National Harbor. And Wolf Trap is a true gem — incredible concerts and family-friendly programming in an outdoor setting.

What does ADVENTURE mean to you?

Maria: As a mom, “adventure” has become less about where and more about the way there.

Sy: For me, the ultimate adventure is looking inward and focusing on the present. There is endless adventure in what is immediately in front of me.