Wholesale Manager - Nicole Semedo - Q&A

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!

Becoming a mother for sure! I’ve learnt so much about myself because of him, and continue to learn every day!

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!

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!

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.

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.