Laura Anne Bogert
Stylist and Founder of Nido Box.
Mother of two: Isla (5) and Louisa (2)
Laura is a fashion stylist and art director living in the bay area. In a quest to find baby items that were developmental and safe when her eldest child was born, she created Nido Box. Nido offers beautiful, expertly-curated, and age-appropriate toys for the minimalist parent and chicest baby. For this, Nido partners with an AMI-certified Montessori primary teacher with years of experience guiding children in the classroom. Nido has six collections that are purposeful, calm, and pure while meeting each developmental stage for baby,
You are the founder of Nido Box, a freelance fashion stylist for other brands and have been juggling the stay-at-home-mom gig with your 2 and 5 year old. Any advice or something you have learned that helps you to balance it all?
I am a true believer in enjoying what you do. Because I do not have a traditional work schedule, it is really important that I keep my self-care routine in balance. Remaining present, living with gratitude and knowing that those quiet weeks at home with the girls are just as nourishing to me as those busy periods working on set or those late evenings working on Nido. I enjoy finding beauty in the mundane daily tasks like unpacking groceries or arranging the toys to look beautiful. Free time is so limited that having a to do list does wonders for me. The practice of checking off a few tasks each day helps me feel like I am staying on top of things.
Tell us something that is bringing you joy as a mother right now.
Lengthy bedtime conversations with Isla (5) about life. Listening to Louisa's (2) sweet little voice learn new songs/ words. Taking bubble baths with the two of them, and watching my husband cook with the girls.
What has worked for you in terms of fostering independence in your children?
We have always encouraged our children to be independent. Isla (5) is the first in the family to wake up and heads downstairs to make breakfast for herself. We have this set up safely for her so she has access to the cabinet for food like cereal, granola and the fridge for oat milk. She's excited to help prepare her lunch, likes to help fix things around the house and delights in helping with the yard. I try to give them as much freedom as possible because I believe it teaches them self motivation and perseverance. I can really see their confidence, joy and motivation when accomplishing practical tasks around the house. I am also really big on gentle parenting. When my child is having a hard time, it is usually because they need more one-on-one attention from my husband or I. I usually offer a big hug or comforting snuggle while they cry, which seems to go a long way.
Can you share a beautiful parenting moment that came out of the pandemic?
All of this time with our two girls has been magic. We are exhausted, but so grateful. I have noticed that our patience for our kids has grown a lot over this pandemic, and I think our girls may have convinced us to get chickens/bunnies for the backyard.
What do you do for self-care?
I always have a big glass of warm lemon water in the morning before breakfast, a homemade espresso around 10am, try to eat lots of plant based meals and I go to bed the same time every night. The girls usually wake before the sun is up. I have a yoga band and mat nearby so I can get in some stretches while they climb on me and we play. I also recently started Melissa Wood Health and feel so good! A big part of self care for me is living minimally. If something new comes into the house I try to send something out.
What excites you most about raising two girls?
Girls are so wonderful! I have a sister who I am extremely close to, and have always wanted girls. I hope to help them achieve anything that they want in life, teach them the importance of good conversations, good food and make sure they feel supported and happy.
Can you share any current favorite products that your children currently use?
Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Vitamin
Kids O'Clock for up-cycled clothes
I have recently been thrifting on our local Next Door site for gently used children’s items
A book of stories called The Tales Of Tiptoes Lightly
Any favorite local spots or activities you love to do with your children?
We recently moved to the Berkeley/Piedmont area and have been taking long nature walks in the parks and trails nearby. This is our first time with a yard, so starting a vegetable garden and playing in the yard with the girls has been so nice for us all.
