We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nancy “nan”. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nancy below.

Nancy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I want my legacy to be felt, not just remembered. Not in the surface-level, “she did great things” kind of way, but in the real, deep, “she made a difference in my life” kind of way. I want people to think of me and instantly feel the kindness, the support, and the impact I had on them—whether it was something big or something as simple as making them feel seen when they needed it most.

I come from a family that didn’t have everything, but they had heart. They taught me that you take care of people, you show up for them, you pour into others even when no one’s watching. And that’s exactly what I want to leave behind. Not just for my kids, but for every person I’ve crossed paths with.

For my children, I want them to grow up knowing that life isn’t about what you accumulate—it’s about what you build, who you lift up, and how much love you leave behind. I want them to hear my name and not just think, “My mom did cool things,” but rather, “My mom made people feel important. She created spaces where people felt they belonged.”

At the end of the day, I don’t care if people remember my name—I care if they remember how I made them feel. If someone, years from now, is creating something beautiful, helping someone else, or choosing kindness because of something I once did, then my legacy will live exactly how I hoped it would.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not have heard of me before, let me introduce myself.

I’m Nan—a mom, event planner, content creator, and community builder, but most importantly, someone who deeply believes in the power of connection, belonging, and support—especially for mothers.

I created Play Dates of Orlando (PDOO) not just as a way to organize fun events, but as a true community—a space where moms and kids can build friendships, find support, and create core memories together. What started as a simple idea has turned into something so much bigger—a network of moms lifting each other up, making sure no one feels alone in this journey.

My background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology has given me a deep understanding of how much support systems impact our mental health. And as a mom, I’ve felt firsthand how isolating and overwhelming motherhood can be at times. That’s why my mission is not just about playdates—it’s about mental health, connection, and making sure every mom knows she has a village. PDOO is an organization built on love, inclusivity, and the belief that every mom deserves support, regardless of their background or resources.

What We Solve & What Sets Us Apart
Motherhood can feel lonely. It’s easy to get caught up in routines, to feel like you’re just going through the motions, or to feel disconnected from others. PDOO creates spaces where moms can break out of that cycle—where they can show up, be themselves, and know they’re not alone. It’s a reminder that motherhood isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, building memories, and having a community that truly sees and supports you.

What sets us apart is that we welcome everyone.This isn’t just a group for moms who already have a strong support system—it’s for the ones still searching for it. It’s for the ones who may not have the resources to sign their kids up for expensive programs, for the ones who have felt out of place in other mom groups, and for the ones who just need a safe space to belong.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the fact that this community has changed lives.Moms who walked in knowing no one have left with best friends. Kids who were once shy and hesitant have found confidence through play. And countless moms have shared how much they needed this group without even realizing it. Seeing these connections form, watching friendships bloom, and knowing that PDOO is a safe space where everyone is welcomed with open arms—that’s what makes all of this worth it.

What I Want People to Know
At the heart of it all, every mom deserves this community. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your situation is, or how overwhelmed you feel—you deserve a place where you are supported, where your kids can make memories, and where you can feel like you truly belong. That’s what PDOO is, and that’s why I do what I do.

Because at the end of the day, we weren’t meant to do this alone.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Oh, absolutely. I think one of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand about this journey is that creativity isn’t just a hobby or something we do for fun—it’s a way of life. It’s how we process the world, how we express ourselves, and how we bring ideas to life in ways that others might not even think of.

For me, being creative isn’t just about coming up with fun play dates or making things look aesthetically pleasing—it’s about seeing possibilities where others see limits. It’s about turning a simple moment into a core memory, transforming a small idea into something that brings people together, and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

But what I think non-creatives really don’t get is the emotional toll that comes with it. Creativity is deeply personal. When you put your heart into something—whether it’s an event, an idea, or a vision—and people don’t get it or dismiss it, it hits different. Because it’s not just work—it’s a piece of you. And sometimes, that’s exhausting. Pouring into others, constantly creating, always thinking about the next big thing—it’s beautiful, but it’s also heavy.

And the craziest part? People assume creativity just “happens.” Like we wake up and—boom—genius ideas fall from the sky. Nope. Creativity takes work. It takes problem-solving, resourcefulness, late nights, and sometimes just pure willpower to push through the creative blocks.

But at the end of the day, being creative is a gift. Yeah, it comes with its struggles, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because when you’re able to create something that makes people feel something—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, inspiration, or connection—that’s when you know the hard work was worth it. And that’s the kind of impact I want to leave behind.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is rooted in something deeply personal—giving kids a space to just be kids.

I didn’t have the ideal childhood, and my family didn’t have the resources to be part of communities like this. I know what it’s like to grow up without those opportunities, to feel like certain experiences were out of reach. That’s why I pour so much into creating play dates that are accessible to everyone, no matter their background or circumstances. Every child deserves moments of pure joy, of running free, of being surrounded by love and laughter.

Because the truth is, not every child has it easy at home. And for some moms, finding a place where they can escape the stress, breathe, and watch their kids be truly happy feels impossible. I want to change that. I want to create spaces where moms don’t have to worry about cost, where kids can feel safe and carefree, and where for just a little while—life feels simple, fun, and full of magic.

At the end of the day, that’s what drives me. Giving kids the childhood moments I once longed for, and giving moms a place where they can feel joy, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.playdatesoforlando.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playdatesoforlando/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15xCX1ar2q/

Image Credits

I certify that these are all photography I have personally taken with my personal phone.