My hubby is my biggest fan:)

I have done alot of talking of my busy schedule, but truth be told I would not be able to do any of it without my husbands support. James comes home from a 12 hour work shift and takes our little one so I can go for a run.  And on days he has off half of it is spent with me working on my events.  And so yes, he puts on his daddy cap and him and Dean venture off while mommy works.  I feel blessed to have all his love and support!  Thank you hunny for being such an amazing husband!

Fashion and the art of tug a war

People often label the world of fashion and pageantry shallow and it is often true.  It is a world of tug a war between my passion for fashion and my resentment towards gossip and judgement.  I often wonder why people are so judgmental and critical towards others.  Truth be told no one is perfect and if instead of pointing the finger towards others, if we looked inwards at ourselves what would we find?  Why not use ones experiences of the heart for acceptance and understanding towards another?   I reflect on my own experiences in life and all I have been through.  All this knowledge and strength I have gained.  I find joy sharing my story in hopes it could encourage another.  Why not share ones experience, strength and hope?   Yet I look around some days and I find my heart sinks.  Ego is such a bit part of this business.  It takes over and makes you blind to the heart.  Can we share ourselves and not want anything in return? Give someone hope through your story instead of gossiping and telling another's  with a judgmental heart?  It's not giving much really.  Yet I often times see and hear gossip and judgement.  In those times I look deeper within myself and ask how I can be a better person...and realize that even listening to gossip is taking part of it.  Everyday I take in all of this as a learning curve.  And remind myself to build fences not walls.  To set a different standard that even though I LOVE fashion and growing to love the pageant world I need not partake is such demeanor.  That it can be a giving world, one where we share our experiences in hopes to find a glimpse of ourselves in another.  To feel excepted.  And most of all to feel encouraged.  

Behind the Scenes: An afternoon with Sophie Chang

Hello all! Laura here, the newest member of Nicola's team: her intern! I'm a fashion obsessed writer, comic book artist, thrift store junkie, social justice advocate and... I could not be more excited to add this to the list. Nicola suggested I share my perspective on this crazy world of beauty queens, event production and fashion, so without further ado, here it is!

Today I accompanied Nicola to a meeting with the amazing Sophie Chang, to discuss the upcoming trunk show and grand opening of Sophie's newest shop and collection.

Both of these events are going to be beyond incredible...when great women put their heads together and their respective talents to the table, good things happen. One of the reasons I love working with Nicola is that we share a basic philosophy: do what you're passionate about, work hard to support people and causes that you believe in, and it never hurts to look good doing it. I'm inspired by seeing women build their careers by encouraging and supporting others whose work they believe in. If you're looking for positive influences in the fashion community, look no further.

Stay tuned for all the juicy details of the upcoming events, you really don't want to miss them. For now, mark your calendars for Saturday, August 18th, for the Cool Summer Blowout. We'll be at Sophie Bridal Couture from 5:30-8, so swing by with your friends, have a glass of wine and shop some amazing looks by some of Portland's best local designers. The best part? Marked down prices on Sophie Chang Collection, Stephanie D Couture and Evy Curl jewelry, to name a few. The event is sponsored by the incredible Islands Tanning, and we can always count on them to bring the good times.

Find the event on Facebook, invite your friends, and submit photos of you in your jealousy-inducing new clothes, please, and I'll be there snapping photos as well.

Until then, I'll leave you with my favorite photo from our planning session at Sophie's, because let's be real....planning your outfit is part of the fun. This woman works hard, but looks good doing it, with a little help from the incredible local design community.

<3 Laura

My inspiration!  And my greatest success in life!  I LOVE my kids!!

Family Time!

Days and weeks get so hectic, between being a mother and building my own career. That, coupled with my husband's career and full plate, and it seems there is seldom time for just the two of us to just be a couple!
Today was really special because we got exactly that: "us" time! I'm sure many of you can relate, it's a rare occasion when all the kiddos are out of the house! The grandparents watched the little guy; Sebastian and Nicia are with their grandparents in Maryland...and knowing they're all happy and well taken care of, its the perfect time for my husband and I to focus our attention on each other!
So what did we do? Dinner? Movie? Oh no...not for these two. We spent our date time climbing around in the trees, of course! We did a ropes course...I've never done anything like this before and I love experiencing and learning new things. What could possibly be more romantic than having new adventures with your favorite partner in crime?!
Anyway...it was nice to take the day off and have time with my husband. Life is certainly a balancing act, and my role as "wife" is an important one. We're the core unit of our family, and family is always a priority. When we're solid, we can handle what life throws our way...and speaking of which, we are about to embark on another journey: moving!
As we are buying our first home together, a really special milestone, it sometimes seems hard to imagine throwing more into the mix. I know as well as anyone that the "overwhelmed" feelings can creep in, but I have faith it will all work out in the end. I'm grateful for my family, and for the opportunities to share our victories, as well as our chaotic moments. Either way, you gotta love the ride, and I'm never one to shy away from a new adventure.

Xo
Nicola

Time for a little pampering!

Today, I'm feeling especially grateful. I get a take a break from the daily grind.

For now this means I'm off to see one of my sponsors, Jan Maybee, who keeps my skin looking amazing. This is a special treat, because in the industry I work in, presentation is everything! When it comes to skincare, this is especially important. I may have a crazy, hectic schedule, and there's no hiding that, but the last place I want that to be noticed is in my appearance. Whatever your budget or time limits are, I couldn't emphasize enough how vital it is to squeeze a little "you" time!

Once I'm finished up with the incredible Jan, its off to do a bit of shopping for some work-out gear.  Not only am I always excited to have some new gym clothes (hey, we take motivation where we can find it, right?), this shopping trip is extra special.  One of my sponsors, Islands tanning, will brand this new gear.

Part of my job for my sponsors is to make sure I promote their business.  This is really important to show how deeply grateful I am for their support! Another aspect of the work that I do, besides the large scale charity work side, is to represent myself in a way that is positive and intentional. I'm passionate about fitness, treating my body as if it is my temple, and finding a balance between the "daily grind" and taking small bits of time that are just for me, like my morning run.

No matter who you are, or what makes you feel pampered, put together, and ready to dive back into the crazy world out there, I whole heartedly encourage you to do it.  

Hopefully, by the end of the day, I'll get to enjoy some sunshine with my family! This is probably the most important part of my beauty regime, right there ;) 

OK...so maybe tonight I have to work on a few emails....but hey, what can I say, this is life!

Xo
Nicola

Everyday is a Juggling Act...

Here is a little snippet of what goes on in my daily life:

 My day usually begins at 6:30am.  I get out of bed with my little guy and make my daily cup of coffee (a must-have).  This is followed by morning cartoons while mommy gets her first round of emails done.  If I'm lucky, I get a morning run in (really hitting the jackpot is having time for a quick trip over to Islands Tanning for Fit Body Wrap...but that's another entry all together)! 

Then, its off to a meeting at noon in Tualatin with Jon from Islands Tanning, followed by another meeting in the Pearl District.  You might be wondering...do I do this with my toddler?  Yes...which is a challenge, to say the least. Its hard enough to get myself all over town and stay energized, positive and focused...throw a happy little 21 month-old into the mix, and you've got your work cut out for you.  Dean is a busy little one...happy, and full of energy....but I digress.

The meeting was short and sweet.  Suddenly, I remember I must return the swimwear to Popina, from the photo shoot I had done previously with the incredibly talented Robert Hamilton and Terri Reece.  But luck is on my side once again, because it just so happens to be on the same street as my last meeting. Then its back to Tualatin before traffic hits and Dean goes into hunger meltdown mode, the recipe for a perfect storm.  Oh, but I have to pick up the wine that was donated by the very giving Jon from Islands Tanning!  Oh my...thank goodness he lives close by....is it time to relax yet?

Ahhh then finally home!  Quick dinner and then back to the computer to answer more email...

What's funny, as I sit reflecting on yet another hectic day (and its not even over), is how many women like myself seem to continue to find the energy to keep going at this rate, despite the endless stream of to-do lists and places to be. What keeps us going? For me, its the knowledge that the work I do is important, and I'm passionate about what I do. That, my incredible son, and good self care when I can squeeze it in.

Oh, and a little coffee ;)

Xo
Nicola

Where my heart is...

Today I was asked to blog about my journey as Mrs. City of Roses.  I was inspired as it has been difficult with my schedule to blog on everything I want to!
The truth is the journey started long before the title. I have been long passionate about fashion and charity.  It took me years to combine the two and make a career of it.  I was a single mother of two for three years.  I struggled.  I hurt. Desperately trying to find a balance between work and being there for my children. I know what it feels like to have it all and loose it all.  And I made a promise to god, that when I succeeded I would make it my mission to give as those in my life gave to me during my single mother years.  This is where fashion met charity.  Competing in pageants is just icing on the cake!  The worlds of pageantry and fashion are not that far apart:)  And the most amazing thing I take from all of this is the journey; all the wonderful people I get to meet.

This entire experience stretches my heart and I am able to share my experience, strength and hope.  I take being a spokes person for Soles4Souls very seriously.  It is simple.  Give shoes.  Give love.  The most simple thing like shoes can change a childs life (and direction)!  I also have to say I am deeply blessed to have such amazing support in this journey to become Mrs. Oregon America!

Recently I just recruited another sponsor:  Islands Tanning!  Jon the owner is incredibly generous and I look forward to working and collaborating with them!  I hope to blog more in the future.  I just need to recruit more help with my busy schedule!  Being a wife, mother of 3, Spokes Person, Producer and model keeps me on my toes daily!  Blessings!

Nicola Lewis

Thanks to all my amazing sponsors for their support in my journey for the Mrs. Oregon America!

Big thanks to :

Terri Reece:  Hair and make up
L'Attrait Salon & Spa:  Hair and make up
Robert Hamilton:  Photography







Sharon Kitzhaber with Ideal Protein

Stepanie D. Couture: gown

Popina Swimwear: Swimwear

Mabel and Zora: wardrobe

Jan Maybe: Beauty







I'm doing all local designers for my wardrobe this time! So excited! Stay tuned as I keep adding to this list. Hopefully I can add two more by the end of the week! Thanks everyone!!

Love Mabel and Zora! TIffany Bean designs! Check it out!

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