Parenting with another person is the ultimate exercise in teamwork. Two people shaped by different backgrounds and perspectives come together to build their own rendition of a family—learning as they go and finding a way forward through each new season life brings.

For Sorelle Okoli, that experience holds an added layer. Her husband is Nigerian, and together they’re raising their daughter, Naza, at the intersection of two cultures—something she describes as both deeply meaningful and, at times, daunting.

We caught up with Sorelle to talk about what that looks like in practice, along with a glimpse into this season of motherhood—from balancing her real estate career with her longtime work as a content creator to the moments bringing her the most joy right now.

Tell us about Naza’s name.

We always knew that we wanted her to have a Nigerian name. My husband is 100% Nigerian, and it was important to us that this part of who she is was honored in her name. When researching different traditional Igbo names we found her full name, Chinaza, and loved it right away! Chinaza means “God answers” and this was really meaningful to us. Her middle name is Noel, which is my sister’s middle name (extra fitting because Naza was born just before Christmas). We often call her Naza Noel and love the way it sounds.

What’s it been like parenting in a multicultural family? What do you love about it? What feels hard?

Really beautiful but also complex and daunting—something we’re learning as we go. I honestly get emotional whenever I think about it.

Naza is starting to talk more, and it’s already clear how intuitive and observant she is. I’m sure sooner than we think we’ll be having more intentional conversations about the cultural differences between my side of the family and her dad’s. What I love most is that she gets to grow up fully immersed in both.

My husband and I started dating in high school, so over the last 15+ years I’ve learned so much about Nigerian culture—and there’s so much to love: the food, the music, the clothing, the vibrancy of it all. We even incorporated parts of it into our wedding, which was incredibly special. I’m especially grateful that his parents live close by. They moved to the U.S. from Nigeria in their 20s, and their culture is such a present, living part of who they are—they speak Igbo, play Naija music, and are always cooking Nigerian food when we’re together. I love that Naza gets to experience that in such an organic, familial way and grow up understanding where she comes from.

What feels overwhelming is making sure she feels equally connected to both sides of her background. We want both cultures to be acknowledged, respected, and celebrated in our home and in her world. I think it’s something we’ll continue to navigate more deeply as she grows, but I’m thankful for the richness it brings to our family.

What are some small ways you intentionally incorporate Nigerian culture into your daily or weekly rhythms with Naza?

We are exploring more ways to do this as she gets older! I just recently ordered a couple kids books about Nigeria so she (and I) can learn more about the culture in a way that she’s able to enjoy and understand at her age. My husband speaks short Igbo phrases to her as well that she’s already started to pick up on. And as I mentioned, being around my in-laws frequently is great because they’re always cooking Nigerian food, playing Nigerian music, etc.! My mother-in-law makes a trip to Nigeria about once a year and often brings back traditional clothes for us which is really special.

What feels overwhelming is making sure she feels equally connected to both sides of her background. We want both cultures to be acknowledged, respected, and celebrated in our home and in her world.

How do you balance real estate, content creation, and being a mom?

Such a good question…some days it feels manageable, and some days it feels really tough.

My husband and I make a great team, and our schedules complement each other well because a lot of my real estate work falls on evenings and weekends, which pairs nicely with his more traditional M–F schedule. His partial remote flexibility also helps a lot.

I’ve learned that I have to ask for help…it’s the only way I can (sort of) balance it all right now. I know a lot of moms struggle with reaching out for support but it’s so crucial!! My mom is incredibly supportive and watches Naza a couple of times a week. She’s actually a realtor too, so she can step in for things like showings. We also have support from my in-laws and other family when needed. If I don’t have childcare I usually work before Naza wakes up, during nap time, and sometimes a little (or a lot) after bedtime to stay on top of things.

For content creation, my sister and mom are in this space as well, so we often collaborate and help each other shoot—sometimes Naza tags along. :)

There’s actually a lot of overlap between family and work for me, which makes it all feel more seamless and manageable (most of the time!).

How has motherhood changed your relationship with work or ambition?

Motherhood has made me so much more intentional!! I think more deeply about what I want my business to look like, how I show up for my clients, and who I choose to work with. My time feels a lot more precious now, so I’ve had to get really clear on how I’m using it each day. I take my workdays seriously and try to make the most of that time. I’ve also become more efficient with my systems and processes, which has made a big difference!

At the same time, being a mom has strengthened my ambition in a really meaningful way. I have bigger financial goals now—not just for stability, but to create opportunities and experiences for our family, and to support Naza’s future, like college and beyond. More than anything, I want her to grow up seeing what’s possible. I want her to feel empowered to chase her own dreams, and to know that it’s absolutely possible to build a successful career or business while also prioritizing family!

Favorite thing about the stage of motherhood you’re in right now?

The fact that she’s truly starting to become my little bestie. I just love doing things with her whether it’s play dates, cooking, arts + crafts, coloring, grocery shopping… she’s my little sidekick and although it can be easier to do things on my own at times, she makes things so much fun. And it’s pretty cool that we can actually have back and forth conversations now!

Favorite thing that Naza says or does right now?

Too many to count! She’s obsessed with dance parties and music which is a blast. Every morning when she wakes up she has to put on one of her princess skirts or dresses. When she’s feeling cuddly she likes to take my glasses off so she can really get close to my face which just melts me!!! She’s starting to recite words from her favorite books and “read” them to herself. If I tell her she can do something later she’ll remind me by saying “I told you…” (as opposed to “you told me”). Pretty hard to argue with that cuteness.

Top 3 favorite baby/kids products currently:

1. Tonie box

2. Magnatiles + mega bloks

3. Shea Moisture shampoo + conditioner and Curlsmith styling souffle for her hair! + the “unbrush”

What Solly products do you already have and what are you currently eyeing?

We just recently got the pointelle sleep sets in cream and I’m obsessed. Sooo soft and comfy. Naza loves to match with me right now so these are really sweet to wear with her. We also have the wrap! Perfect for newborns. I’m eyeing the Bleu Toile pajamas for her… the pattern is SO adorable.

Rapid-fire q’s!

Drink of choice: Whole milk latte with a splash of hazelnut. Or a whiskey sour!

Favorite sans-baby activity: Reading, running, or thrift/vintage/antique shopping

Motherhood topic you could talk about forever: Breastfeeding. We had a really tough start, but a few months in it finally clicked and became such a special experience. She nursed until 18 months and if you told me that in the beginning I never would have believed you. Everyone’s journey looks different and of course there’s no “right” way, but I’m grateful for our story.

One song to describe your motherhood experience: Any song from Frozen or Frozen II because that’s all we listen to right now. But in all seriousness, maybe Slipping Through My Fingers by ABBA.

Post-bedtime with baby snack: Popcorn with extra butter + salt!