The Next Chapter

I've toyed with the idea of blogging for many years, but never followed through. I was much too busy ripping and running through the concrete jungle - interning by day, living the city life by night. But a recent change in lifestyle prompted me to carve my niche in an extremely saturated blogging world.  The life of a communications PRofessional is daunting enough with no other responsibilities, so you can only imagine the chaos that ensues when you add a tween and a curious 15-month-old to the mix. Brief background: I moved from Maryland to New York in 2010 after undergrad, because I knew to truly succeed as a fashion publicist, I had to venture to the fashion captiol. I learned the ropes; serving as an intern / assistant for some of the most prestigious agencies, as well as in-house. I ran in heels, dragged garment bags through blizzards, assisted with pulls, editorials, shoots, and later freelanced and produced fashion shows. As my career gained momentum, life threw a curveball (thanks to a lack of contraception), and I found myself pregnant with my second child. Subsequently, I started a PR firm, working with emerging fashion and lifestyle brands. I then landed my "dream job" six-months after giving birth, and quit after 2 months, for various reasons. It was one of those instances where it was the right opportunity at the wrong time, you know? So, in the months that followed, I sought family friendly PR opportunities and began freelancing. I travel to NY with my tot (which is a headache, but has become easier, as Prince Nick is getting older) to meet with potential clients, attend events, blog, etc. I'm adapting to my new life, and enjoying being a mother, since the first time was so long ago, and under "Teen Mom" circumstances. But in balancing the juggling act that is motherhood, fashion and my PRofession, I began to wonder - how does a mother in communications (public relations, marketing, editorial, broadcast, etc.) make it work? There are events to facilitate and attend, travel, long hours, late night pitches, multiple clients and egos, etc., as well as babies, bottles, housework, homework, practices, lessons and spending QT. I'm exhausted just typing all of that, but, I actually live it, and so do many other women. And there Comm Moms was born! This blog will explore the dynamic of the PRofessional mom from my perspective, while highlighting women that excel in the role. More importantly, I hope to use this platform to inspire mothers - specifically teen mothers - to pursue whatever it is that they aspire to be. Nobody expected me to end up in New York living my dreams, but with love, support, education and drive, I  made amazing things happen. It's almost as if I've come full circle. I'm still a young mother working towards enormous goals - only this time, the groundwork has been laid, relationships established and opportunities created. It's up to me to take things to the next level, and this time, I'm bringing you along for the ride in more than 140-characters. Comm Moms is a mash up of public relations, mommy tidbits and, of course, fashion. So welcome, and check back frequently. I have a feeling this will be an interesting journey! xoxo, Nikki

Image Credit: Weheartit