Meet Natalia, the refreshing musician, hair stylist, business owner, wife, mama and woman with a sense of humor living right here in Costa Mesa.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Queens, New York but was raised all over Orange County (mostly North Orange County and the Long Beach area).
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
One year! Wahoo!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
One and done, Mr. Truman Captain. He’s a whopping 6 and 3/4. Got to be exact man!
What are your favorite things to do with your son in general or in town?
Our perfect day outside is hitting Crystal Cove and beach combing. In Hunter’s words, “hunting for creatures”. We have a state beach pass parking. Totally worth the $200.
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
I can’t live without those little cute amazon vans driving around. I’m guilty even being a small business owner. It gives me more time to clean my house or work on my business getting groceries delivered to us. Also I can’t live without C’est Si Bon Bakery. And a shout out to Fit Defense. Helping Truman grow to know how to defend himself is a special gift.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date?
Old Spaghetti Factory is our go-to!
A night out with friends?
Going to Moms’ Skate Night in Fountain Valley and getting our skate on. Then heading back to my house and getting some beverages while our boys are doing an obstacle course in my living room. You know, the usual.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
My favorite kid friendly recipe is apples and peanut butter. Bring back peanuts from the dead! RIP.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes?
I love Old Navy. I seem to score on great finds and also check the girl section for what I think can look unisex.
Yourself?
I’m a sucker for the Free People store at Pacific City, and I love Posh Mark for a designer.
What are your favorite events in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach?
I love the Newport Boat Parade. We got to watch it from my friend’s deck this year. She has an incredible view!
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
We have been loving snow lately and we did Mammoth for the first time. I can see a future going up every year! That town screams family time. It’s beautiful in the Sierras.
Name a favorite book or podcast? What’s it about/brief description?
Dirty John podcast! Go listen, it’s crazy!! The Netflix show is great too. It’s about a con artist who went psycho and preyed on Orange County women. It’s a binger and they talk about them in Costa Mesa!
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date?
Oh god 3, 4, 5, now!
What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Praying to baby Jesus everyday. Repenting to my mother and apologizing for being a stinker when I was young.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms?
No advice I would just say “YOU GOT THIS”.
What was the best advice your mom gave you?
She said to let Truman fall off the couch once and it won’t happen again. Best advice. No broken bones yet.
What do you most value in your friends?
I value that the more I try to make time for them the more I’m always re-energized to start my week because all my friends are successful and I’ve watched them all work hard and start from the bottom. Now they are running the world. They don’t know it but they are all my mentors. You emulate the company you are with.
What was your career before having children?
FULL TIME ROCK STAR. I played in the Halo Friendlies and we received a gold record for the Freaky Friday sound track.
How do you relax?
If I get time for myself, you will find me in Westminister at Lotus Spa getting a full body massage followed by boba tea. It’s my favorite thing.
Thank you Natalia!
Natalia owns The Co | Operative Salon in Costa Mesa which specializes in the Universal Extension Technique “Skinny Weft”. Mention Newport Mesa Moms when you book and receive $150 off full installation.
