Meet Natalie Edwards | Mommy and Me Class Instructor

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

Hi Natalie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, When my son was an toddler, I would take him to Mommy and Me classes in Manhattan NY and I loved how going to these classes taught him songs and to be social and engaging towards other toddlers. As a new mom it can be a bit lonely at times, but I myself would meet other moms who turned into friends at these classes as well. What I’ve noticed was that there weren’t many classes like these in Brooklyn and that caregivers in certain neighborhoods could afford. So coming from a background of performing arts, I decided that I can do this. I can host mommy and me classes in Brooklyn at a low cost, so everyone can have an experience that I had when my son Harvin was a toddler. At the time I came up with that idea, Harvin had just started pre kindergarten and I had the time. It was perfect. My husband would call my son his “Cozy Cozy” so that’s where the name “My Cozy Cozy” came from. It is a class that teaches and entertains through song and and play for My Cozies and grownups

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is that I teach through music, dance and play. When I say music, it would be today’s music that you hear on the radio. Yes we sing nursery rhymes, but I like to turn up to some “Move it” by Reel 2 Reel also. I got to where I am today by never giving up. When I started my first class, I had at least 15 guests, I called it beginners luck, because my second class I had 3 guests and as the weeks went on, at times I had one guest. It was a nanny with an infant. Honestly, I thought the only reason she kept coming was because she needed some time out of her bosses house so she can hang on her phone, which was fine by me. It gave me much time to perfect my craft. So by the time more and more guests came I hosted and entertained with ease. Thanks to that nanny, I became a natural. My biggest challenge ever was when the pandemic hit. I felt awful that I couldn’t be close to my Cozies, (my toddlers) and couldn’t help thinking of how confused they must have been during that times. It really broke my heart. During that time I kept up by posting videos of me singing, dancing, reading stories and playing games, just so they won’t forget that Ms Nat (me) is there for them. After those 2 years of uncertain circumstances, when things were trying to get back to normal but not quite, I tried to host a class in the same neighborhood and it did work so well.. My Cozies grew up and were starting school now. I didn’t give though. My family and I moved to Westchester and I realized that coming out of a pandemic, parents were looking for a safe space for their babies and toddlers. This is where I stepped in and decided to host My Cozy Cozy here in Westchester. Although I miss my Cozies from Brooklyn, they still have access to me through social media, I really love meeting my new ones. The way their faces light up when they come in and see me to party we have while learning our magic words “please” and “thank you” My Cozy Cozy started with just an idea to fill a gap that was needed for caregivers and the babies they cared for. Whether it was a mommy, daddy, grandparents, nannies, relatives or friends, if you came to My Cozy Cozy, I guarantee that you will have a blast along with the Cozies you bring. My Cozy Cozy entertains the grown while the Cozies learn.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m in Westchester and the best places to visit are of course The Bronx Zoo. It is the best zoo in all of New York. I can see animals from around the world right in my backyard, the zoo that is. One of my favorite places to go especially during Spring and fall is The NY Botanic Garden . In the Spring the cherry blossoms, tulips and so many other beautiful flowers are in bloom. In the fall, the garden gears up for Halloween and Thanksgiving, but the foliage is so beautiful and highlights the red, orange and brown leaves that fall to the ground. Apple cider is also being served and it is tasty. Another great place to visit is City Island for some amazing seafood. City Island has numerous to choose from, but my favorite it Sam’s Box. The food there is so good, you have come and try it for yourselves

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to Shout-out Ms Carmen from Kiddie Science. She gave me my start by having My Cozy Cozy host at her space. I also want to give a Shout-out to Ms Alex from Lavender Blues. She gave me advice and told me to never give up when things seems a little difficult. It’s all part of the process. Those two ladies are my heart and I’m thankful to have them in my life 🤗

Website: Mycozycozy.com

Instagram: Mycozycozy

Facebook: My Cozy Cozy