Meet Erin, Trunk Keeper for Matilda Jane
Matilda Jane! We know so many moms that go crazy for this brand. The ruffles, the bows, the sweet patterns – we totally get it! It’s adorable AND comfortable, and our girls love it, too! When they put on a Matilda Jane dress, they are not only comfortable, but also confident and happy! Erin Nowak is a local mama and a Matilda Jane trunk keeper. She was already a lover of Matilda Jane before she started this endeavor, so it was a natural choice for her to become a trunk keeper. What we love about her is that a big reason she is passionate about Matilda Jane is not just how cute the clothing is, but that she has the opportunity to give back! Each season, with the help of family and customers, she provides a beautiful Matilda Jane headband for as many little girls as she can that are going through Chemo at Texas Children’s Hospital. She has exceeded her goal each time and even matches each headband with a bandana for the boys.
We sat down with Erin, to talk about mom life, raising a family in Katy, how she can help coordinate family picture outfits, and giving back with Matilda Jane! If you want to sponsor a headband, make sure to follow Erin on social media and reach out to her!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
I am from San Antonio, went to Texas A&M, then moved to Houston after college. My husband Josh grew up in Katy and went to Katy High School “Home of Champions” as he says lol and we moved out here as soon as we had kids to be near family.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
We have two girls Claire (7.5, 2nd grade) and Charlotte (5.5 Kinder) and an Australian Shepherd who may as well be my 3rd kid, she’s 10 and does whatever she wants.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Katy?
As soon as I had kids, I instantly felt connected with all the “mom” opportunities out in Katy. My friend started the Fulshear/Simonton Mom’s Club so I joined for kid’s s age group while pregnant with my second! I also joined the Katy area Baby Boot Camp where I could work out and be surrounded with moms in the same season of life. Taking a leap and joining a group is the best thing about being a mom out in Katy! You aren’t alone.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
I have a hard time with bedtime routine. By that time of the day I’m done, like almost checked out and seriously just want to watch The Office again. Bath, pjs, potty, teeth, book…. It’s the longest 30 minutes of my life LOL
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
When they turn about 4 or 5 – teach them to make easy breakfasts! My girls can do the microwave or toaster like a champ – bacon, pancakes, waffles, this gives me a good 10-15 mins extra sleep!
What are your favorite local things to do in Katy? (with kiddos or just for mom!)
We LOVE No Label, it’s family friendly and just a really fun hangout with live music, food and of course beer! We also LOVE the Katy Rodeo – Claire has been mutton bustin there for a few years and with the parades, horses and carnival – it’s a local treasure for us! Claire dreams of riding in it one day =)
We’re big on self-care for moms, as hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just or yourself?
Now that the girls are both in “big school” I find time to take care of my FEET. I suffer terribly from plantar faciitis and places like Sole Reflections and other reflexology in Katyplaces really reset my body for the week. The pain is real and I know many moms who have issues too!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
In college I was head of an all-girls accapella singing group called “The Kappa Pickers,” Obviously we were just like in the Pitch Perfect movie LOL
Tell us about being a Trunk Keeper for Matilda Jane? When did you start in this endeavor?
I began my adventure two years ago when my local Trunk Keeper retired! I was already hosting shows and buying the outfits for me and my girls. So with the help and encouragement from some really amazing mommy friends, I took the leap! I was very nervous and without them, I wouldn’t have done it!
For those that might not know, what is Matilda Jane and what products do they offer?
Matilda Jane is a boutique clothing company that prides itself on “keeping little girls, little girls!” We have unique, modest and comfortable clothing and accessories for babies, girls, tween and MOMs alike! The way the line coordinates makes it super easy for family pics! They even throw in some boy pieces for dad and brother.
What is your favorite thing about Matilda Jane and being a Trunk Keeper? Can you help with the sometimes overwhelming task of choosing outfits for family pictures?
My favorite thing about be a Trunk Keeper is when a mom sends me a text of her little girl in her new Matilda Jane outfit, beaming with pride and confidence; that she feels uniquely *her* and HAPPY! I love the memories that are created with clothing. I always remember what my girls were wearing for big days in their life and even have a “forever box” of special outfits I want to save. Family memories and pictures are everything and I love that Matilda Jane is a small part of that in so many of my customer’s lives.
In my Matilda Jane room here in Katy, I’m happy to lay out many family picture options and we can mix and match based on your family needs and photo locations! It’s not stressful because everything goes together with MJ. Trying on and seeing in in person is the best way – and NO MALL visit required! I can even bring the whole collection to you house for a trunk show!
Example of Coordinated Outfits by Erin
Tell us about the charity drives you do for Texas Children’s Hospital!
A big reason that I joined Matilda Jane was their heart for service. Each season, I ask friends, family and customers to sponsor a beautiful Matilda Jane headband for a little girls going through Chemo. We have beat our goal each time! I also match each headband with a bandana for the boys! In fact – my package just arrived and we will be delivering very soon! Our next charity drive benefits Matilda Jane’s The Mighty Acorn Foundation – proceeds from the purchase of our Adventurous Acorn Tunic will go to help our girls’ school in Africa. Anyone can participate in this right now! We also are given “Spread the Love” funds each season. These funds are to be used to bless a mom going through hardship or who needs a surprise pick me up. “We Rise by Lifting others” – Matilda Jane gave me this to me on a plaque and I hold it dear!
What did you do before starting with Matilda Jane?
I was in pharmaceutical sales for a few years and before that a teacher and cheer coach at Morton Ranch HS in Katy!
How do you balance work and be a mama?
This part I’m not the best at. I love my job, I love volunteering at their school, and sometimes have a hard time shutting off work mommy (and have a hard time saying no to things). I am on my phone too much and it sucks to admit that. So, balance for me is an ongoing struggle and trial and error. I do my best, but I experience A TON of mom guilt of when I need to be working (on my phone) and my girls want my attention too. The struggle is real for work at home mommies!
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable and dreaded MOM GUILT?
I know I can’t be at EVERYTHING. I attend A LOT but if I have to work, I have to remember I’m showing my girls hard work, dedication and giving to others even when absent. We are teaching our kids work ethic and life skills! I have to remember that when I start to feel guilty.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My own mom continues to be the biggest influence for me as a mom. There’s zero chance I could live up to her as a mom, I’m entirely too selfish in comparison… but it’s a nice to have a hero like that to look up to.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
Sometimes when my girls are in the middle of an anxiety attack or a melt down; I want to freak out too because it’s hard y’all… but my mom told me something incredible when my first was born “ You are her EVERYTHING.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. I am her everything. She needs me more than anyone in the world, unconditionally, supportive and loving her. If I am not there for her, who will be? So that’s what I remind myself when I just want to scream.
To learn more about Erin and Matilda Jane, check out her website and follow her on social media!
Website: https://www.matildajaneclothing.com/erinnowak
Facebook: @ErinNowakMatildaJaneTK
Instagram: @erin_matildajanetk