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

Hi Natalie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Jessenia and I (Natalie) are first-generation, Dominican American sisters, raised in NYC and living in Brooklyn, NY. Five years ago, we decided to feed our entrepreneurial spirit and go into business – this is how we launched Lola & tots – a cultural education center that now offers co-working space with childcare in efforts to redefine work-life balance for parents.

Lola & tots was born out of a vision we both share of making the world a more accepting and tolerant place through early education and cultural exploration. The idea of honoring diversity within early childhood is top of mind when we design the enrichment programming, bilingual classes and workshops offered at our space.  As a single mother, we know how important our community is when raising children which is why designing a space that benefits the entire family was very important to us.  With flexibility surrounding our membership-based childcare with co-working benefits, enrichment programming, open play,  or event space opportunities, the idea is to offer a space that nurtures a community of like-minded parents.

What should our readers know about your business?

Lola & tots is driven by the desire of empowering young children and we do this by offering classes that align with our vision of cultivating diversity. We’ve nurtured a diverse community of families that believe in us and our mission and who have trusted us with the care of their little ones. We continue to give back by offering free parent workshops and other opportunities for creating significant connections with families within our community and network.
One of our most popular classes, Travel con Lola, has served as an inspiration behind self-publishing a children’s book. Like our class, our book, “Travel con Lola to la República Dominicana,” allows young children to embark on a journey in their imagination through reading, music, and art. The book is dedicated to the idea that as children of immigrants, our minds are open to absorb two different cultures. It is written in Spanglish as a way of honoring our Dominican culture but also sharing our language and inviting others to learn how rich it truly is.
During the five+ years we’ve been in operation, we’ve faced different challenges that have forced us to pivot the business at different times. During the pandemic, we delved into the virtual world… teaching our educational programming virtually meant we had to design engaging and stimulating classes that would allow little ones the opportunity to continue exploring with us. Like many other business owners can attest, entrepreneurship is a constant trial and error. It can be exhausting at times but also very gratifying. Our latest endeavor of creating a coworking space primarily for parents affords us the opportunity of creating something that’s not been done, bringing into fruition an idea that we’re passionate about and designing it in a unique way.  We’re constantly learning from the community of families that we serve. We’re motivated to make changes that can help bridge the gap between work and engaging educational programs for children. Being a working parent should not mean compromising quality care for your child in the same way that working from home should not mean inability to meet the demands of your job. The pandemic has had a lasting effect and we’re looking to help alleviate the stress for working parents in our area by providing solutions for a healthy work-life balance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love Brooklyn! It has such a great mix of people, cultural activities and a very rich foodie scene. Here are some must do’s for us:

Eats:

How can I pick just one?!

To indulge your sweet tooth, you must visit Fan Fan Doughnuts for some artisanal handmade sweets inspired from flavors all over the globe. Latina Women Owned and just a block away from little Lola and tots. Our familia’s Fan Fan favorite is the guava and cheese with crunchy brown butter cookie crumble. https://www.fan-fandoughnuts.com/

For some savory arepas, Guacuco is a must. Whether it’s arepas, cachapas or empanadas, you cannot go wrong. Just don’t forget to end the meal with a cold cocada, it’s definitely a must for us. https://www.guacuconyc.com/bed-stuy/

Whether dinner, brunch or drinks, you can’t go wrong with Sally’s. Owned by a fellow member of our little Lola & tots familia, the Caribbean-Asian menu at this laid-back, family friendly spot, is sure to satisfy and provide a total vacay vibe. https://www.sallysbk.com/

Drinks:

Wine with a touch of that special, Bed Stuy vibe, Bed Vyne Brew is a must!

Home

For rum and reggae, Lovers Rock is the spot!
https://www.flowcode.com/page/loversrock

Cocktails, anyone? Dick and Janes is the place to go.

Homepage

Visit & Hangout:

There’s always a cool exhibit happening at the Brooklyn Museum – https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/
Walking around the vibrant mural scene in Bushwick is a fave – http://thebushwickcollective.com/#
If you are looking for a cool hang on a nice day, Domino Park is the place to go – https://www.dominopark.com/

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes out to my sister, business partner, co-parent, Jessenia. Although we are on this entrepreneur adventure together, she is my biggest motivator. Jessenia and I have ventured and taken lots of risks but at the same time, life does not stop. As a single mother I am constantly juggling between mamahood and work. Jessenia is always there to support me on the good and not so good days – whether it’s having my back when one of my children are sick or nominating me for opportunities that will allow me to grow professionally, her belief in my capabilities is undying and without that, I don’t know if I would be able to accomplish all that I do. She is definitely my greatest supporter.

Website: https://www.littlelolatots.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.lola.and.tots/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-lola-tots

Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlelolatots?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlelolatots/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/little-lola-and-tots-brooklyn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9uAM3V0T9tKbViZJfZ6qQ

Other: https://www.instagram.com/travel.con.lola/

Image Credits
https://www.pjrphotography.com/ https://www.stylishhipkids.com/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.