Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Segretto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

The problem my company solves for the consumer:

Toxicity:
The market is flooded with play mats made from EVA foam. This material may contain formamide, a developmental toxin with carcinogenic properties. Although a company may claim formamide-free, testing is only done to a certain level. Other mats are made from PVC, a concoction of chemical additives which may contain lead, phthalates, cadmium and others.

Quality:
Many play mats are manufactured overseas resulting in poor quality and inconsistencies. Although this is a more cost effective option, we opt to source our inserts in the USA.

Inconvenient:
Tile mats or what I like to call, jigsaw puzzles are not designed for the mom in mind. These tend to be difficult to assemble and time consuming, not a mat you can quickly put away. The last thing a mom needs is to piece together a complicated pattern.

Unattractive:
Many play mats feature dull colors and boring patterns. And, who wants that? Tummy time may not be a newborn or infant’s favorite activity; however, it is an important one. So, why not make it fun with an early introduction to visual senses?!

Discomfort:
Most play mats are extremely uncomfortable; either too firm or too soft, both painful for mom.

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?

After becoming a new mom, I quickly learned all play mats on the market were compromised; either to myself or my baby. With PETITESEE play mats, there’s no such thing. Our mats are: • Certified non-toxic, free of phthalates, lead, toxins, and odor
• Lightweight so mom can do what she does best: multitask! Set up, stow away or travel with it!
• Resistant to the growth of microbes and fungi. Our inserts will not absorb and instead repel the majority of spilled liquid. All covers are machine washable and mirrors are wipe away clean.
• Plush yet supportive for all the sitting, kneeling, and laying during your baby’s tummy time. This is especially useful for when mom is looking for that extra comfort during postpartum.
• All mothers are valuable including mother nature, which is why our mat insert is sustainable and 100% recyclable.
• My designs feature bright colors and bold shapes to complement a baby’s appetite for discovery.
• All PETITESEE play mats include a signature oversized mirror encouraging tummy time and development.
• Large enough for others to join in on the fun!
• Our mat inserts are made in the USA.

The name, PETITESEE, is a play on its purpose: “petite” referencing baby and “see” with the letters “ee” mirroring one another symbolizes a baby’s reflection.

Creativity is my passion. I’ve always had an appreciation for colors, fabrics, textures and how they can be integrated to create something extremely unique and beautiful. After I became a mother, I knew merging my identity as an artist and motherhood was inevitable.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In March 2021, I was diagnosed with colon cancer and graves disease following the birth of my son. PETITESEE became something more than just a business venture, it represented hope for the future. With so many unknowns and a rollercoaster of emotions, creating these play mats allowed me to feel connected to my children when I couldn’t be present. This company is a constant reminder of what is most important – like these mats – life is worth living in vivid color.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

From early childhood, I loved to draw and paint. Throughout my teens, the fashion industry proved to exercise a different form of self expression and creativity. What began as doodles and brush strokes quickly turned into sketching garments and accessories. Subsequently, I attended one of the top fashion design schools in the country, Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design. After working for Lucky Magazine in NYC, I moved to the midwest where I became a stay-at-home mom. After a short time, I found myself seeking creative outlets and opportunities. I loved motherhood so why not choose a career inspired by my children? Thus, PETITESEE was born.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://petitesee.baby
• Instagram: @petitesee.baby
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Petitesee/100086983450076/

Image Credits
Photographer: Nicee Martin