Another week in the life of our wonderful Mompreneurs! We are excited to introduce you to Nancy Rahman, a Chicago mom of two and founder of “The Chic.“
Q. Nancy, please tell us a little more about “The Chic” and what you do.
A. “The Chic” is a digital platform that encourages a sustainable, kinder, and cleaner life – values that my team and I live by. We solely write content to encourage our readers to embrace a more conscious lifestyle. Topics include what they eat, their wellness, their children’s wellness and emotional health, being kind to one another, empowerment, and amazing how-tos!
Q. What’s your insider tip for families coming to your hometown? What are your favorite family-friendly hidden gems?
A. It all depends on the weather. If you are visiting in summer, definitely check out Millennium Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and hit the many beaches that our city’s lake has to offer. If, on the other hand, the weather is not too cooperative, you have a variety of awesome museums that are all kid-friendly and encourage children’s participation. These include the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Planetarium, the Science and Industry Museum (especially the kids’ lab) and of course, the Art Institute.
Secret gem: If you want to take a mini break from the city and pretend you are out in the countryside, find your way to the Botanical Gardens and Skokie Lagoons. You will never see anything like it in the world. It’s so beautiful and well designed. Kids love it as well. There’s a fantastic model train exhibit that is open in the summer. I promise, your kids will love it!
Q. Is family travel part of your life?
A. 100%, we travel a lot! Travel is a bug that we can’t shake. We have even passed it onto our children and they have been on at least 40 flights each! They are ages four and two.
Q. What is the most memorable trip you took with your kids?
A: This is such a difficult one to answer. It’s hard to pick one trip because with each trip, the kids were at a different stage in their lives and we were always visiting somewhere new and memorable. I don’t think I can pick a favorite.
Q. What’s your best advice for travelling parents?
A. Make time for meals and sleep. Maintain the kids’ routine as best you can for happier children. Bring something familiar to help the younger ones transition more easily to their new surroundings, e.g., a toothbrush cup or pillow case, basically anything that reminds them of home. Travel at times when they tend to sleep, either at bedtime or at nap time if you are travelling locally .
Q. What is your favorite family-friendly travel product or service?
A. My answer here is quite basic. I cannot live without a fold-out stroller, a bed-sized pillow for them to share, and an iPad full of educational games and shows. As my eldest son has started enjoying art, a pencil case with colored pencils and a notepad will soon be something I cannot travel without.
Q. What item do you always pack in your carry-on?
A. I like a well-compartmentalized snack box (preferably stainless steel) where I can stash some fresh food—chopped fruit, dried fruit and nuts, and sometimes sandwiches. Kids are so full of energy that you need to give them something to eat every so often to maintain their blood sugar and avoid tantrums, melt downs, etc. Sustainable water bottles, ideally made in stainless steel or a biodegradable material, are also a must.
Q. How do you tackle the work/life balance (e.g. day care, babysitting, and schools)?
A. I send both kids to preschool during the week and have wonderful neighbors who help out every now and then. My husband is a superhuman. He helps out whenever he can and knows how to divide and conquer our day-to-day and in betweens.
Q. What are the advantages of being a Mompreneur while raising children vs. working for an outside entity? Disadvantages?
A. Sometimes, I wonder if there are more disadvantages than advantages. You spend so much time on your business that you end up feeling guilty neglecting your kids. That’s start-up life! On the plus side, I have the flexibility of delegating work, working from home if they are sick or on school breaks, and picking them up early or staying in bed a bit longer for cuddles. I know that I won’t be able to do that once they are in kindergarten. I’m taking advantage of that now!
Q. What’s your shameless plug?
A. Our writers work so hard to scour modern culture for quality content on “The Chic.” They want to make your life easier by helping you transition to a more sustainable life and reduce waste. They want to empower you, everyday! They all want to help you raise resilient, healthy and mindful children. They find you great tips from experts. They are an amazing group of people, and I mean that, without being biased. They also help men and women dress well. Every week we have a fabulous giveaway on instagram that’s at least worth $150+. So give us a follow at “The Chic”!
