Meet Maureen Nicol | Model, Creative, and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maureen Nicol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maureen, what inspires you?
I am inspired by living (in) my truth and living the life I want – on my terms. Life is so short and fragile. I want to spend my time on earth exploring, being curious, and being humble to the opportunities that come my way. In short, I am inspired by trying and being flexible while being open to what could be. On this journey of living, I am committed to sharing resources, connecting with people, and showing up for my community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I guess my career is quite layered. I was an educator for about 8-10 years and then pursued my doctorate in early childhood education. My research focused on how young children use art to story their lives. In between starting graduate school and finishing, I worked for non profits, started my own initiative focused on arts and children, and have been doing heaps of creative qualitative research. I was also simultaneously modeling for income and doing contention creation with brands. A few months ago I launched, Mamas Who Dream, a financially accessible retreat for moms of color who are also creatives. In short, my passion includes connecting community, culture, and creativity in the work I do. With over eight years of experience in teaching, freelance content creation, and community programming, I have developed the unique skills of digital storytelling, creating new and needed discussions, and listening deeply.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tough question! I live in New Orleans currently and the city can be so overwhelming with fun options, but here are my go to’s!

Eat
N7 is a dream – wine bar with so much variety and feels like France.
Bacchanal – outdoor wine place feels like someone’s backyard.
Leo’s – good bread and bagels for your morning hunger.
Boulangerie – French inspired cafe if you find yourself Uptown.
Pond is one of my favorite coffee shops and they just do coffee really well.
Sneaky pickle is amazing, best vegan food and good cocktails
Bearcat is hands down our favorite place to get brunch.
Jewel of the south is an excellent cocktail bar in the French Quarter near Armstrong park.
Margot’s Pizza is a new addition that we love and is very special and slangs artisanal pizza.
Bar Pomonoa is a tiny wine bar with fresh jam and in house made soft serve.
Bar Marilou – wow a dreammmmm bar but make a reservation.

See
Contemporary Arts Center
Walk around City Park, go to NOMA and the sculpture garden and get beignets.
Walk around Crescent Park
Broad Theater is an indie movie theater that has the best films!

Take a long bike rideeeeee!

Listen to the music!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am the Maureen that I am because of my incredibly outstanding and hardworking immigrant parents. They came to the United States and figured out a way so that my sisters and I could live life fully. Now, as a parent I realize their lives as parents away from their family in a new country was no small feat. I am so thankful that my parents raised me in a manner for me to never forget where I come from – strong, Sierra Leonean roots and from a line of incredibly beautiful and courageous people.

I am the Maureen that I am because of my sisters. I am the middle daughter, so I have been able to be nurtured by my older sister and care for my little sister. I am a leader and a nurturer because of them. My sisters have my back and love me deeply. I would not have been able to do life as a new mom without them. They are the BEST aunties, sisters, and friends ever!

I am the Maureen that I am because of my stellar fiancé. My partner is able to love me in a way that I can only describe as forgiving and limitless. I think I am able to soar high because of the way he supports me.

I am the Maureen that I am because of my intimate friendships. My friends are the ultimate thought partners. I also believe the way they think is out of this world.

Lastly, I am the Maureen that I am because of my daughter. Wow, I thought I knew life and what dreams were and then she came along and showed me how big and beautiful life can be. I am so thankful for her and how she made my world explode so I can create and build something I never knew could EVER be!

Website: www.maureennicol.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/williethewayfarer