Tracy Nicodemo of Little Creatives on the launch of her modern play furniture brand

Describe your business in a few words:

I'm a mom, designer, and person who believes that having kids doesn't need to change your own design aesthetic. (Your home can still feel like you!) I started Little Creatives after I couldn't find any furniture options when our son was born that brought out his creativity, nurtured his development, and actually grew with him (while of course complementing our home).

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

In my past life, I designed clothes for Abercrombie Kids and did production + sourcing for Express, which is why I knew beautiful fabric existed that could withstand the daily play of kids. These previous foundations gave me the courage and connections with vendors to launch Little Creatives LLC.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I always had a desire to do something entrepreneurial, but I never had seriously considered it until I came up with the concept of Little Creatives. There are a few times in my life that I just knew this was the right path for me, starting Little Creatives was one of them.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?

Fabric development is always a slow process. From my interiors and fashion backgrounds I knew this going into it, but it doesn't make it any less emotionally long. Luckily with my foundation and knowledge, we are excited to have a fabric that is durable for kids (and beautiful for mom/dad too) as we referenced commercial fabric standards/testing. Throughout the last year I definitely learned it is a marathon and not a sprint! It is important to still find time for friends/family and always to find time (even if it is small) for yourself to re-boot. Self care is crucial.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Taking the leap and starting the business on November 1st, 2021!

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Yes! Absolutely! I think for me, it was been crucial to plan and schedule family time, same as I schedule meetings. I want to make sure I am there for my husband/son + friends/family, and don't want to look back and say, "I feel like I just blinked and didn't see anyone for all of 2021".

What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

You can always learn something from everyone you meet. You never know when you take the chance to reach out to people what great opportunities + friendships may be on the other side of that connection - just do it!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

We will be working on fulfilling orders in the first part of the year, and will then focus on new accessories! We've got a lot of ideas ready to go!

What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

The community! I love that Entreprenista is small enough that I have met 1:1 with mentors and has office hours for members; but it still has the foundation and resources to help you grow, connect, and get inspired together.