23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.
Patrice Novkov is the Founder of The Mulberry Nanny Agency and has been a Bond Flatiron member for three years. Originally from a small farm town in north Florida, Patrice attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Patrice moved to New York City at 23 to nanny for a celebrity client, and has traveled around the world and back to New York ever since. In her free time, Patrice enjoys spending time with friends, catching up on new art exhibits, Class Pass, reading, and cooking. Patrice has created an immensely successful company with The Mulberry Agency, specializing in placing quality, college educated nannies with high end clients. Nolita has been Patrice’s neighborhood of choice for almost five years and she enjoys spending time there. Patrice has found a supportive and cozy home at Bond Flatiron and thinks the community in Flatiron is hitting its strongest group to date. Patrice has an effortlessly chic look and vibe combined with small town roots centered around kindness and humility, making her a favorite among Bond members and staff. We asked Patrice a few questions...
1 - First thing you do in the morning?
I make my bed, I know it sounds lame, but it's true!
2 - Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
My taste in music is eclectic... if I had to pick three:
1. Bruce Springsteen - I'm on Fire
2. Chet Faker - Gold
3. Alabama Shakes - Always Right
3 - Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
Happy Bones. Flat White.
4 - Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail always.
5 - App you can’t live without?
I love the podcast app. Does that count? My favorite at the moment is The Tony Robbins podcast.
6 - First job?
Babysitting, shocker! I have babysitting horror stories, but none I can share here...
7 - Favorite lunch spot?
There are countless grab and go spots around Bond Flatiron. I like to switch it up. On the weekends, my go-to spot is Ruby’s. Best burger.
8 - Early or late?
Early. Very early. I grew up on a farm where I had to tend to animals before school. That schedule has stuck over time. Blessing and a curse.
9 - How do you unwind after a long day of work?
After a long day I like to walk home instead of taking the subway. Talk to my mom on the phone. Red wine.
10 - What is your lucky charm?
I wear a lot of my grandmother’s jewelry. I wear her class ring every day. We went to the same high school, she just went 70 years before me.
11 - What inspires you?
Growing up in a small town, I really appreciate the energy of New York. Absolutely anyone can be an entrepreneur here. I admire the strength of my mom and the women in my family. My childhood friend, Abby, who continues to kick cancer’s butt. I also get a lot of inspiration from the nannies I’ve placed. One thing that differentiates the Mulberry Agency from other companies is how I keep in touch with and continuously support the nannies. We text weekly, I go to their birthdays, celebrations, weddings (!)...they support me as well.
12 - Social Media Account everyone should be following?
My favorite account is @bonappetitmag. I am a huge cook and make a lot of their recipes. Handmade pasta from scratch is one of my recent specialties. Breakfast food, always. And I make a mean chili.
13 - Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
“Do not listen with the intent to reply, but with the intent to understand.”
14 - How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
14 minutes. I typically read on my commute. I am working on a novel Commonwealth, for book club.
15 - When’s the last time you celebrated a win?
Last month marked three years since starting my agency! I went out for dinner with friends to celebrate. I don't advertise my company-every new client comes from the referral of a previous client. I think that's a testament to the quality of nannies I place and the reputation I've built for myself in the “nanny world.”
16 - If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
Spending more time with friends, or more pilates, but mostly spending time with friends.
17 - If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Easy, Jazberry Jam, I was a nanny, I know crayon names.
18 - What is the most interesting thing about you?
I was on a horse before I could walk, and spent the greater part of my first 17 years on the back of a horse. I have a full passport and lived around the world. I moved from Florida at 23, and nannied for an actress. She and her daughter will forever be like family to me. I come from a small town and appreciate my roots.
19 - Last show you binge watched?
Stranger Things, obviously. The Season 2 teaser was the best Super Bowl ad this year.
20 - Biggest Cheerleader?
Family, friends, and my Bodega man, he loves me.
21 - Call or text?
There is a time and a place for both.
22 - Favorite book?
I love to read. I have a kindle, but I prefer collecting hard covers. My favorites are East of Eden and The Seat of the Soul.
23 - Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
Betty White
Beyonce
My grandmother, Willa Mae.
Oprah
And my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Raymond. She passed away.
For more on Patrice and the Mulberry Agency visit: http://mulberrynannyagency.com/
Follow Patrice on Instagram @pattyrice25
Images courtesy of Thomas Gibbons.