After a tough journey of infertility and many traumatic pregnancy losses, we were finally blessed with the birth of our incredible son in March 2020. At that time I was working as a 911 operator/dispatcher and the plan was to take maternity leave and then return to work as normal. Little did I know a very different life was planned for me.

 

Our son had a heart condition that was discovered during the pregnancy; this meant NICUs, ICUs, monitors, medications and many visits to different specialists during the pregnancy and his first year. I decided to just take an extended leave of absence, as doctors expected him to outgrow his condition by the time he was one.
 

The loss of my income meant many changes ahead. We sold our home and hunkered down in a tiny apartment. Between being a first time mom, having a child with medical issues, the pandemic (and the isolation that came with it), the loss of half our income and the sale of our home all within 3 short months it was a very challenging and uncertain time.
 

As the year went on things started to settle, my sons condition was improving and I was happily preparing to return to work BUT, then came the next big suprise....I was pregnant again! Here came another high-risk pregnancy with lots of monitoring, bed rest and complications. I extended my leave from work again and held my breath for 8 months. Finally, our beautiful daughter was born. I was relieved and overwhelmed all at once!
 

At this time I had to make a decision - do I still return to work or stay home? Two babies in 15 months, recovering from the physical complications, my son still needing extra monitoring, the pandemic causing childcare shortages and the high cost of childcare for two children outside of "normal" working hours. It seemed that there were so many obstacles. It was as if I'd kock one door down and another would be right behind it. For months I was confused, unsure, and lost. I felt like my life was shifting directions quickly and I wasnt in control of any of it. I prayed for guidance endlessly, I listened to a big but subtle voice that assured me "I have plans for you that are better than this". So, I stopped trying to force my former/pre-parent life, I took a leap of faith and I resigned from the department.
 

That decision was extremely challenging for me. I enjoyed my career, I took great pride in it, I was good at it and it was such a big part of who I am. I was thankful to be home with my children but the fact was I never "planned" on being a stay-at-home mom and I was mourning the loss of my career, my financial independence, my freedom. I was suddenly living a life that was unrecognizable.....but again, that voice.
 

Small, random events happened and one thing led to another. I started getting furniture from yard sales, marketplaces, thrift stores and after the kids went to bed at night I'd head to the garage for some "me" time. Furniture, design, architecture, interiors has always been a passion and hobby of mine. My whole life I had seen these beautiful magazine ads, model homes and design shows. I wanted to have these beautiful furniture pieces in my home but I couldn't afford it - so, I learned how to do it myself! 

One day I realized I wanted this to be something more than just a hobby. So, Nostalgic Revival was born! In a matter of one week I formed my business, got my permits and licenses, set up a website, purchased all the necessary equipment and a few things of paint, set up shop in my garage...and got to work! It was miraculous how things unfolded!

In the process of building my business I became a paint retailer for two brands. I obtained shelving space in a local boutique and from that journey The Nostalgic Nest brand was born! I am in a space alongside other strong, motivated entrepreneurs, I have furniture clients across the US, I get to do something I truly enjoy....all while still getting to be with my kids everyday! I will never have to miss a birthday, event or holiday with them. 

The struggle that I went through when I made the decision to walk from my career is what inspired me to create The Revival Reward. Every aspiring entrepreneur deserves a chance; whether its to succeed or to fail. There are so many people out there with ideas and passions, but they just don't have the funds to START; the stay-at-home mom that wants a side hustle to help provide, the corporate guy who is tired of missing dinner with his family because of his commute and EVERYBODY in between. 3% of all sales are dedicated to The Revival Reward and every year Nostalgic Revival gifts the funds to an aspiring entrepreneur! 
 

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🖤 Niki