Nov 12

Nov 12 Moms on the Move - Bianca Cook

Today on MiLOWE MAG we have our first mama-to-be, Bianca Cook! She is a model, actor, entertainer and advocate in the industry...and she does it effortlessly in 5" heels.

First, tell us your story! We’d love to hear little bit about yourself and your business.

Hi, I’m Bianca Cook. I’m a wife, actress, model, and expecting mama. Over the past 9 months I’ve had the opportunity to model for cool companies like Ingrid & Isabel, Gap and Old Navy campaigns and walk NYFW for Chromat. I’m pretty excited because I just finished filming Better Things with Pamela Adlon, the co-creator and director of the show. That was definitely a highlight as a pregnant actress.

How many kids do you have, what ages?

I’m due any minute now...

What are your top three recommendations for things to do with kids?

I grew up in San Francisco where we have access to a lot of beautiful mountain hikes, coastal trails and hidden waterfalls in our backyard. It’s great place to raise a family and get outdoors. We also live in Huntington Beach part time and it’s one of the few places in California where you can gather the family around a bonfire and watch the sunset. It’s simple and pretty special. Also, my family spent several years in Panamá and our friend introduced us to this sweet lil beach town in Pedasi. Kids and adults from around the world go there to learn how to surf. It’s the best winter getaway too, somewhat untouched by tourism and the whole community watches out for each other.

How do you network as a parent and a business person?

I’ve met some amazing folks through the fashion and entertainment industries. The great thing about it is you’re constantly meeting new people on set and I’ve built some strong connections and booked some amazing jobs through recommendations. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting some cool mom girl gangs and joining Women in Film now that we live in LA.

Where do you go for inspiration on the web and in real life?

I find a lot of inspiration from the work I do with my mom at her immigration law firm. I’ve gone into jails as her Spanish interpreter for clients that have been wrongfully detained and as her assistant in court. One of the most rewarding moments for me was when a client of hers was scared to testify in front of the judge because she had been so badly abused and sexually assaulted. During the recess, I was able to help her find her voice again and convince her why it was important to share her story- the reason why she fled her country for the US. Man, it was heartbreaking and there wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom. Fortunately, the judge granted her case. It makes me very proud of the work my mom does.

What is the first website you visit every morning?

I really like Business Insider and reading the stories on Money Diaries. I’ve been having pregnancy insomnia so I look for books or podcasts that help me unwind. I recently picked up Ta-Nehisi Coates’ The Water Dancer and loved it. I can never get enough of The Read, This American Life and Fresh Air podcasts.

What are you three favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

If I had to choose only 3 it would be @brysonjamescooke because I married the sexiest man on earth and I love photographing him, @chromat for their diverse models in the best swimwear and @theoxfordist for beauty, style, and wit all mixed into one. @mother.ly is great too! Love their articles.

What is on your to do list for today?

Since I’m on bedrest right now I’m catching up on The Good Place and packing last minute stuff for the hospital bag like snacks and cute onesies.

Anything else you want to add?

I just want to add how great it’s been to have the opportunity to work as a maternity model with Expecting Models. The owner of the agency understands how important it is to have real representation of pregnant women and moms in advertising and fair rates. The clients I’ve worked with have been great as well because they understand that us pregnant women need water breaks on set and access to nourishing food. I’ve been able to get a lot of support from other mamas just by being on set.

And finally, where can we find you?