August 1 2013

Modern Mom Nicole Locke

Upon our arrival in Texas, we were immediately welcomed with open arms by MoPa Austinite, Nicole. It just so happens that she is the mastermind behind Austin’s largest event company for moms, Bump Club and Beyond. After chatting it up, we knew that we had to introduce her to all of you. Read on and you will totally get why (hint: she’s a total MoPa).

Meet Nicole Locke and Elle.

What does a typical day in the life consist of? Wake up, get my two-year old up and moving and to school if it’s that time of year, and head to barre3 for a workout and head clearing. Then it’s meeting time with new event spaces or Bump Club Austin partners. Pick up my kiddo at 1pm, put her down for a nap and crank on work and conference calls for those precious ~three-hours. Then it’s playtime for a couple of hours – we try and get to a pool or splash pad with friends (especially this time of year) and then head home for dinner with the hubs (if he’s in town) typically with a glass of wine (or three).

I wish I could say we cook every night but we’re big fans of prepared meals from Whole Foods, which my husband tends to pick up on his way home. Then bath, story, cuddle and bed time ending with some work so my mind isn’t swimming with my to-do list all night (with Jimmy Fallon on in the background). If it’s an event night then I’m typically out the door at 5:30pm or so for setup, with hubby or a sitter at home with the bambino. 

Tell us about your career and the inspiration behind it? With a background in advertising for nearly ten years, I thought for sure I’d go back to agency life when my little was born. Then bam, out she came and my world was rocked. I realized that I needed a little more flexibility than the corporate world could offer but struggled with my new identity as a Mama. Having kiddos is such an incredible journey but definitely a challenge at times and it’s so important to have a community of likeminded woman to support you!  It doesn’t matter if you live in your hometown or thousands of miles away – knowing other Mamas in the same life stage is what’s key. So Bump Club and Beyond is just that – a community of women connecting with each other most importantly and also with the best products, experts and resources around to raise happy and healthy families. We put on over a half-dozen premier events in Austin monthly ranging from fitness events, to girls’ night’s out, and lunch & dinner expert seminars and panels.

Aside of work and being a mom, what are you passionate about? …Being me and having a life outside of work and being a Mom. I love wine and travel, and I’ve realized it’s really important for me to connect with my husband and girlfriends and have those times when I can just get away even if it’s not nearly as often. Being a Mom is SO important BUT you can’t be that Mom without knowing who you are and having time for some peace. I’ve also realized how important it is to really nourish my marriage and make time for the two of us.  

Your favorite mom moment so far? The running hugs from across the room coupled with an “I yove you…” My two-year-old’s bedtime ritual has become one of my favorite times of day – the three of us snuggled in bed reading stories and singing our good night songs. It’s those moments when I wish I could stop time and record every second somehow…

If you could describe your family in three words, what would they be? Perfect little unit.

How would you describe your personal style? Urbane elegance – an eye for the fashion-forward without losing classic sophistication (this was a hard one, I had to ask a girlfriend for help on describing my style). People often ask me why I dress up a lot of the time (especially in crazy, casual Austin), and I always say that it takes the same amount of effort to put on sweat pants or a dress – when you look good, you feel good so why not put on that outfit that you feel FABULOUS in!  (Then again, I’m also known to live in lululemon ALL day.)

Favorite style icon(s)? Olivia Palermo – an icon that defines contemporary style. Her looks are always trendsetting yet classy and refined (I may love her boyfriend even more). Victoria Beckham (without the scowl) – I love her fitted, classic yet edgy dresses– sexy, striking and always elegant.  She’s forever sophisticated and put together. Kate Middleton – True style and grace with an effortless elegance. 

What’s one activity you love to do with your daughter? Dancing. I LOVE watching Elle dance – there is nothing more carefree and fun then jamming with a two-year old. She’ll bust a move pretty much anywhere with just a little music playing — in the middle of Anthropologie, to my (terrible) singing, and Bocelli (really). Such an inspiration not caring what anyone thinks.

This is REALLY cheesy but when I was a teenager, my Mom left the “I hope you dance…” song/CD in my car so it would blare when I turned it on along with a post-it note reading, “listen up”, and I really think it’s the most simple, best advice a mother can give to her child. I hope Elle always dances and will continue to have dance parties with me until I’m old and crotchety.

Being a mother is a big job in itself. How do you balance between career and home life? Advice for other moms? Oh the constant struggle! It’s never easy and a continued balancing act. My advice is to just do what you have to do and TRY NOT to feel guilty. Make “time-out” hours for you to unplug with your family.

You know what’s best for your family and sometimes you can’t be the fictitious “perfect Mama” that does it all.  I’ve learned this and tried to let some things go – like cooking the perfect meal every night. Take a deep breath, make time for you (which seems counterintuitive but it’s SO important) and realize that when Mama is happy, everyone tends to be.

What are you currently listening to? Mumford & Sons, Lana Rey, Ryan Adams, Elmo Sings AND I still really like Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke (is that embarrassing?).

Three things we’d find in your handbag right now? Rescue Remedy, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (concealer) and Bobbi Brown Natural Bronzer.

On date night, we’d find you where? I love Mulberry in Austin – a tiny wine bar with fabulous vino-finds from around the country. Alamo Draft House is another favorite — so nice to unwind and check out a bit with a movie, WITH dinner and cocktails simultaneously.

Nicole’s Must Haves: Exfolikate by Kate Somerville, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand, Aveda Volumizing Tonic, Kenra Dry Shampoo, Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey, and my iPhone, pure and simple (used for everything from calls, emails, photos, and scheduling). 

Local Love: One of my very favorite things to do is go to a great dinner with friends and family. Uchi, Second Bar + Kitchen, and Justine’s are my BELOVED Austin restos; all have fabulous food with a bit of an edge without being too precious/fancy-pants.

Photography by Five Sixteen Photography