Can you introduce yourself and let us know a bit about your family?My name is Natalie. I am 34 years old and living here in Dormont. My family consists of my loving husband and 2 wonderful children, ages 5 and 7. My kids are in Kindergarten and 1st Grade. My family is everything to me. I try to spend time everyday with each of my kids, making sure they know they are loved in this big wide world.
What do you do for work?
I own a shop! I get to sell vintage and locally made goods at my business, only a few doors down from Dandelion Kids. My store is called Forage Vintage and Goods. My specialty is restoring furniture. I’m often sanding, gluing, stripping, staining, framing, cleaning, reupholstering, refinishing, or rewiring, among other things!
What does a typical day in your life look like?Every morning I walk my kids to school and back, about 1.5 miles total. Then I head down to the store for the day. I work the shop from 10a-4p and most often I’m moving furniture around, fixing something that’s broken, or helping customers.
I depend on neighbors and friends to grab my kids at school pickup. On days I the store is closed, I usually walk to a yoga class then end up doing a buying trip for the store.
We often host friends for dinner, playing all night or just having family time. My husband and I alternate days for bedtime, giving each parent time to bond with kids. After bed, my husband and I often sit by the fire to talk, get work done, or watch a little tv, then it’s lights out.
What is a hobby or passion outside of parenting that brings you joy?Does work count? I LOVE my job.
I’ve dreamed of this business since I was a child. In my 13-year-old diary I wrote “I want to own my own business when I grow up” and here I am!
When I’m not working at my store, I’m working on my house. I live in a big old house built in 1900, that was covered in pink carpet, pink walls and black-painted wood. I’m doing my best to restore it to its full glory, one project at a time 🙂
What is something that has made your parenting journey easier? (A product, mindset, or piece of advice, etc.)
FRIENDS. Have friends, reach out to friends, talk on the phone with friends; whatever it takes to remember that you are not alone. I found so much relief and reprieve in old and new friends. I recently heard of a study that found that folks who stood at the base of a hill alone reported the hill to be intimidating and steep, but folks who stood with friends found it less steep and walkable. Being with a friend makes things easier, it is in our nature to be in community.
What is a piece of advice you would give to a new parent?
Does that last answer count? My biggest advice is talk to people. Let people in and don’t give a shit about what your house looks like. They aren’t there for the house. They are there for you and the connection. The more you can focus on relationships, the stronger you’ll be and the more well-rounded your kids will be, too 🙂
What is your favorite baby product that you’d recommend to a girlfriend expecting their first baby?
I loved my breast pump: Spectra. It was amazing for me. I also highly recommend everyone have a set of Nipple Shields to start, I had such trouble latching with my first, they really helped me.
What is a book/show/movie you recently read/saw that you loved?
Oh man I’m not great at this, I don’t think I read/watch enough! I finally got around to watching Queen’s Gambit and it’s been incredible! The story is captivating and I’m really taken with the set design and costumes. They crushed it.
What is your coffee order?
I actually don’t drink coffee! I’ll sip tea on occasion (herbal), or hot chocolate 🙂
What are a few other local small businesses you are inspired by?
Dandelion Kids! You guys are incredible. Also, Beyond Bedtime Books in Dormont. One of my favorite spots is Wild Card in Lawrenceville.
Thanks so much to Nat for giving us a little peak into her life. Both Meghan and I are hugely inspired by Natalie and her work at Forage, but also just as an amazing mom. It is such a delight to be neighboring businesses! We love you!
Cool Parents Club is a fun series featuring awesome Pittsburgh parents. Want to be highlighted? Email us at hello@shopdandelionkids.com! If you’re a parent and you’re here, trust us—you’re cool.
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