We’re celebrating real-life SweetMamas! Whether she’s a famous face or the mom in your playgroup, check back weekly to discover her Sweetest Things, as well as her tips on raising them fabulous.
SweetMama We Love: Cortney Novogratz
Hometown: New York City, New York (Greenwich Village to be exact)
Mom to: Wolfgang (13), Tallulah and Bellamy (11), Breaker (9), Five and Holleder (5) Major (18 months).
Also known as: Founder of Sixx Design and co-host of popular Bravo show 9 by Design, premiering in Canada Tuesday, August 31st at 9pm ET on W Network.
SM: Tell us a bit about yourself?
I came to New York City eighteen years ago to be an actress. Instead, Robert and I bought a condemned house in Chelsea and, by learning on the job, turned it into a fabulous home. We decided to make this our lives' work and went on to the next project, while having seven children. I have never looked back since then and feel very blessed to have the life and family that we do. Our design business has grown along with our family, we published a book (with a second one coming), did the TV show, and have lots of interesting projects right now, including two new hotels.
SM: What’s your secret to raising them fabulous?
There is no secret. I love motherhood, and even on a bad day, I remind myself that one day I will miss all the chaos. The most important thing to me is that my kids are good people, which they are, and I learn from them every day and see life through their eyes. It’s my privilege to allow them to express themselves and I enjoy every aspect of the process as they each grow up.
SM: What’s been your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood and the other parts of yourself (work, me-time, touring, etc.)?
I’m very fortunate that I have help and [get to] work with my husband, and that we work out of our home. It’s the best of all worlds! It’s a set-up that allows me more time to take a breath and calm down in times of stress.
Also, my husband is great at reminding me of the importance of my friendships, so I try and do a girls' night at least once-a-month, or even just meet for coffee and catch up, share a laugh with friends, etc. It’s important for me to nurture all of my relationships and not just be a mother, but a wife, a friend, a sister.
SM: Knowing what you know now, what’s the one thing you wish you could tell all new moms or moms-to-be?
No matter how much you plan, life is full of surprises, so learn to go with the flow and be positive. You’ll have more fun if you can lighten up and relax. Kids make a mess, so clean it up and ask them how much fun they had! Work hard, play hard!
Kids will get sick on a trip, but staying home is stimulating to everybody in the family. Remember, kids are flexible, resilient, tough and ever-changing. The biggest lesson I got about kids was when I was expecting my fifth child. I thought I was ready because I could wear the front pack and walk the other four down the street. But haha, my plan went out the window when I ended up having twins! Learn to laugh and celebrate the difficult times, because they’re what we remember most.
What is the one item you can’t live without for yourself?
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A glass of wine with my husband, client or best friend at the end of a long day.
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What is the one item you can’t live without for your children?
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Each of the children, from the oldest to the youngest, uses baby wipes! (Me too!)
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Are you a SweetMama we could love? Want to nominate a SweetMama you know? Email us at SMWL@sweetspot.ca