Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
My family and I currently live in Fox Lake, IL but my family resides in Ohio & Pennsylvania. I initially moved to the Chicago area to work in a tutoring center and then became a nanny. I met my husband in Chicago and we have lived outside the city (Northbrook, Grayslake, and Fox Lake) since before we were married in 2012.
Do you have any child(ren)? Age(s)
I have one child, Gwen. She is a spritely and fun loving 4 1/2 year old with an incredible zest for life. We also have a puppy we adopted from a rescue in April, his name is Pippin!
My husband’s family is all nearby so we get to spend quite a bit of time with them- I love that my daughter gets to grow up with her cousins so near by! We love to be outside, playing any type of sport (I’m a former lacrosse player), teaching my daughter to ride her bike and socializing with friends when we are able. We love checking out new places to dine when we have a date night, we really love Firkin, Milwalky Taco, and Shakou.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
In December of 2019, I registered my business, Nanny Nikki Music with the state of Illinois. This is a dream realized for me! I am a children’s entertainer who plays the ukulele, sings, dances, tells stories, and so much more. I have always been involved in music and making musical fun with children is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life! The COVID-19 pandemic has truly taken a toll on my business however, I have managed to find ways to share my music virtually as well as in socially distant ways. I have done virtual musical playdates for mom’s groups, libraries, and on social media. I have also been conducting Socially Distant Block Parties- I’ve been performing in people’s front yards from Naperville, Lake Zurich, Antioch and everywhere in between.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People always seem to be floored when I tell them that I was the mascot, a scottie dog, at my college, The College of Wooster, for my senior football season! It was a secret through the whole season so I would hear about my antics and have to pretend that I wasn’t behind them! My claim to fame was that during the game against our biggest rival, Wittenberg, I got in a pretend fist fight with the other team’s mascot! I definitely won but I’m not sure about the football team…!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
Mom’s are a treasure- especially my aunt who is one of the most loving mothers I have ever met! I think the best thing I have been reminded of through my aunt’s actions and her words is the power of unconditional love. She says I love you EVERY time we talk or text… and she MEANS it! She not only means it for the people in her family but quite literally for everyone she meets! I only hope that I can share this level of love with everyone I meet.
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
Which podcasts and/or TED Talks inspire you the most?
Click below to purchase Bina Venkataraman’s book, “The Optimists’s Telescope”.
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It is a really approachable read and empowering as a parent. I definitely try to show up for my own daughter but I also do my best to show up by making intentional connections with children through my music!
Click below to purchase “The Power of Showing Up” by Daniel Je. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
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