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

Hi Nadina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Music and Movement started as a personal family desire to meet other parents locally in our community. I was previously part of a local mom’s group that catered to weekly moms’ meetings and support. Unfortunately, the mentor mom in my group belittled me at a table of moms I didn’t know. My daughter had a doc band designed to fix the shape of her skull, and when we arrived, I was immediately set apart. As a new mom dealing with new emotions and needing support, you can imagine the disappointment and fear of protecting my daughter from ridicule. I was asked personal financial, health, and insurance questions regarding the doc band. As a new mom struggling to get out of the house on time, balancing breastfeeding, and having to bring a breakfast item to share, you could feel the stress. When I mustered up enough courage to process my motherhood and say enough was enough, we walked out of that group in tears. I knew I would never allow anyone to treat my family this way. I also knew I needed to find a welcoming community, even if that meant I needed to create it.

What should our readers know about your business?
First, I’m a momma on a mission to provide for my girls and the community around them. My professional background started in Los Angeles radio promotions and marketing. I was setting up events, networking, and project management in marketing and eventually landed in cloud technology. I have a BA & MBA in International Business from the University of La Verne and currently finishing up a Master’s in Legal Studies from Trinity Law School in Santa Ana. The most important job, hands down, has been being a Mommy. Networking and socializing are natural for me. Everything I have learned has trained me for this moment as a small business owner. I’m the recreational instructor alongside other parents with my girls. We also homeschool, so my desire to make learning fun and exciting for parents is a must. If we are not having fun, then what’s the point? I’ve learned to listen to the families and adapt. We welcome ALL abilities to our class. That can be challenging creatively, but I’ve asked parents who need specific attention to teach me where I can partner with them to create a learning environment for all. Inclusion is essential for my girls too. We are teaching them that everyone learns at different levels and has a place everywhere. I am not afraid to ask questions and humble myself for all families.

We don’t just stay in the classroom; our community can meet for coffee and a playdate. We made lifelong friends through music and movement. I’m a “natural” early-development instructor who learns through movement and playtime; this journey is exciting and new in every class. We purposely keep the price at a reasonable cost for families locally. I’ve also never let finance be a detriment if a family needs the community. I’ve learned that the “branding” is us. How we say hello, speak and listen, and encourage and share information. We realize we are part of a lifelong journey. I want this time to be good for families. The time we share with families is building trust and knowledge in their local community. I also like including parents with unique musical talents, businesses, and those who communicate for advocacy groups that pertain to families’ resources locally. I just wanted to let you know I don’t do this alone. I always try to create a bridge for families.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start at a local restaurant in Whittier, La Habra, or Brea, take a stroll, and then head to south orange county beaches. I would take them to Nonna Maria’s house (my mother-in-law), who is Sicilian and cooks amazingly! We would go to Griffith Observatory and Visit family for an old-school backyard BBQ. We would take the jeep down or up the coast if the sun is out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Giovanni. When I finally decided to start a “Babies and Music” class through local community centers, we did the course on his days off of work. I would have our 7-month-year-old daughter in a carrier and a wagon to pull all our supplies. We did back-to-back classes, and as Natalia grew in age, so did our family. Our second daughter, Magdalena, was born, and we only took seasonal breaks between courses. We traveled to the local community centers sometimes twice a week. We are going into the seventh year now. My husband paid for our supplies and ensured we had everything we needed. We have grown seven years later and have a supportive following and community. I believe everything happens for a reason. Stepping out on faith was scary and unknown, but we did it with my husband’s encouragement. I would also like to thank Whittier Community Center, La Habra Community Center, and Santa Fe Springs Community Center for allowing me to share our love for learning and fun!

Website: https://secure.rec1.com/CA/city-of-whittier-ca/catalog/index/b9be46b26fd3bec8f7ed7bf1142a9cd0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicandmovementocandla?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Greg and Max Davis, Picarella Family, Segura Family, Orozco Family, Willsey Family, Gonzalez Family, Puinti Family, Chavez Family, Martinez Family. Music and Movement owns the rights to all photos

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