From Sweden to Wash Park, Maria has brought a little Scandinavian charm to Colorado. As a mother and founder of Nash+Nova, she turned a personal frustration with children’s sleepwear into a thoughtfully designed brand rooted in comfort, creativity, and simplicity. We caught up with our Wash Park neighbor to learn more about her Swedish roots, as well as the inspiration behind her growing business.
For those who haven’t discovered Nash+Nova yet, can you tell us a little about the brand and what you offer?
Nash+Nova is a mom-founded sleepwear brand creating buttery-soft bamboo pajamas for (almost) the whole family. We combine Scandinavian design with thoughtful functionality to make bedtime a little softer and cozier. Our collection includes zip rompers for babies, two-piece pajamas for kids up to 8 years old, women’s pajama sets, and sleep sacks and crib sheets for little ones. We also offer matching styles for moms and kids, because those cozy moments together are extra special.
I love hearing about the people and stories behind a business’s name. How did Nash+Nova come to be, and what does the name mean to you personally?
I often get asked if Nash and Nova are the names of my children—they’re not! The name is actually inspired by two stars, Nash and Nova, which together symbolize strength, light, and balance. To me, it reflects the beautiful new chapter that begins when you become a parent. A journey filled with love, joy, and plenty of challenges! My hope is that Nash+Nova can make everyday life a little easier and cozier with soft, thoughtfully designed sleepwear for our little stars.
What brought you to Colorado?
I’m originally from Sweden, and my husband and I moved to Denver with our two children, Henry and Elsie, in 2024. We’ve absolutely fallen in love with Colorado! The sunshine, mountains, outdoor lifestyle, and family-friendly atmosphere make it such a wonderful place to raise kids. Wash Park quickly felt like home, and we love the strong sense of community here.
Nash+Nova was born out of your own experience as a mother. Tell us about that initial frustration with children’s pajamas.
Nash+Nova started with a simple frustration I experienced as a new mom. I struggled to find pajamas that combined incredible softness, practical details, and beautiful design. When I discovered bamboo fabric, I fell in love with how soft and breathable it was. I wanted to combine that amazing material with thoughtful functionality and Scandinavian design. What started as an idea during my maternity leave eventually became Nash+Nova.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Growing up in Sweden has definitely shaped my aesthetic. I’ve always loved the simplicity, muted colors, and timeless feel of Scandinavian design. I also spent time working at & Other Stories, part of the H&M Group, where I learned so much about thoughtful design, attention to detail, and creating pieces that feel both beautiful and effortless.
I also love incorporating playful prints that kids get excited about! For this year’s Christmas collection, I sat down with my five-year-old son to brainstorm all the must-haves for the perfect Christmas pajamas. It turned into such a fun little design session. He had some strong opinions, and I loved bringing his ideas to life.
Are there any Swedish traditions you’ve brought into your home here?
Absolutely! In Sweden, there’s a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Spending time outdoors year-round is something I grew up with and want to pass on to my children.
Another big one is mys, the Swedish concept of coziness, slowing down and enjoying life’s little moments together. It’s actually a huge part of the inspiration behind Nash+Nova. We also celebrate Swedish traditions like Midsummer and Lucia and spend our summers in Sweden to keep our children connected to their roots.
What has surprised you most about entrepreneurship, and what have been the biggest challenges?
Definitely how many hats you have to wear. Nash+Nova is a one-woman business, so I do everything from designing collections and marketing to packing orders and customer service. Balancing it all with two young children can be challenging, and things rarely go exactly as planned. But I’ve learned to be flexible, persistent, and celebrate the small wins. Every happy customer and repeat order makes it all worthwhile!
What went into finding the right materials and creating your first collection?
From day one, my goal was to create pajamas that children love wearing and parents love using. I chose premium bamboo viscose for its buttery-soft feel, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties. Functionality was just as important, from two-way zippers and fold-over foot cuffs to tagless designs. Our fabric is also OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. A lot of research, sampling, and testing went into that first collection, and I’m constantly looking for ways to improve.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Most mornings start with getting Henry and Elsie ready for school, followed by coffee and diving into work. My days are a mix of designing, marketing, connecting with retailers, and packing orders. Then it’s school pickups, activities, dinner, and bedtime and often a little more work once the kids are asleep.
When I get some time to myself, I love catching up with friends, going for hikes, or enjoying a dinner out with my husband. But more often than not, a quiet evening on the couch in my bamboo PJs is all I need.
What do you love most about raising your family in Wash Park?
The sense of community. Even though we’re far from Sweden, Wash Park has truly made us feel at home. We spend so much time at the park, whether it’s biking, playing, or enjoying a picnic. I love that our kids get to grow up with so much outdoor space and such a welcoming neighborhood. We also hit the jackpot with our neighbors, who have become such a special part of our lives and made this feel like home from day one.
What makes you most proud, and what are your hopes for Nash+Nova?
I’m most proud that I took the leap and turned an idea into a real business. Seeing families love something I’ve created and knowing our pajamas are part of their everyday moments is incredibly rewarding.
My hope is to keep growing Nash+Nova while staying true to what inspired it: thoughtful design, exceptional comfort, and making family life a little cozier. And most importantly, I hope my children will one day look back and feel proud of what their mom built and know that they can chase their own dreams, too.
To view the entire Nash+Nova collection, visit nashandnova.com.