Wholesale Manager - Nicole Semedo - Q&A


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- Wholesale Manager - Nicole Semedo - Q&A
What are some of the challenges you've experienced as a woman throughout your career/life?
I have two full-time jobs, being a manager of the Wholesale department at Soak&Sleep and being a mother to my beautiful little boy, Jayden - each come with their own challenges!
Throughout my career, I was surprised that there is still a stereotype that mums can be unreliable and I’ve felt that in some roles I’m not taken seriously. At Soak&Sleep, my career has escalated so quickly which has been wonderful, but also Jayden is growing quickly too, so it’s an ever-adapting job finding the right work/life balance.
I try to remind myself daily that I’m successful at both, being agile is part and parcel. I’m bossing it in the business and at motherhood - even if some days it doesn’t feel that way!
What's your proudest career/life moment?
Becoming a mother for sure! I’ve learnt so much about myself because of him, and continue to learn every day!
What women have inspired you?
Gosh, where do I start? I’m surrounded by women that inspire me! My friends, sisters, aunties and my mum inspire me every day - coping with their own daily challenges but always there for me with bundles of support.
Alicia Keys has always been a role model to me growing up, I love her story and dedication to her talent, pushing for what she wants and producing such relatable music. I loved her recent stand against not wearing makeup, as someone who doesn’t wear it often it had a profound effect on me. It’s symbolised just how confident she is in herself and solidified that I don’t need to wear it to feel myself.
At the moment I’m also LOVING Billie Ellish - she's so young and talented!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, and don’t bottle things up. Try to believe in yourself more, as you’re a lot more capable then you think - trust me.
Always make time for yourself - there’s nothing wrong with a little selfishness from time to time, and it does wonders!
With a good night's sleep, how do you feel/what can you achieve?
Mental clarity! When I’ve got a good amount of rest I feel fantastic, and truly feel I can take over the world. If my sleep isn’t up to scratch I feel like a different person and I also spend a lot of money on ‘quick wins’ like comfort food and Ubers home.
What are the essential items in your sleep wardrobe?
My Sleep Wardrobe is luxe! I have Ultimate Hungarian pillows in medium firmness, that I pop my Silk pillowcases on - and these are something I couldn’t live without! They’re soft, cooling, gentle on my skin and are great for my hair. When I heard that there was a blush pink option coming in for Summer I knew I had to get my hands on a pair!
I sleep with a duck feather and down 10.5 togs all year round as I love to cocoon myself and feeling snuggly. The Egyptian cotton bed linen ranges are not only a winner with my Wholesale customers but in my house too. With my partner and I enjoying a 600 thread count, and Jayden sleeping in the 200 thread count.