Faith, Freedom & a Weekend in Des Moines

Some weekends give you a chance to step away from your routine and remember what inspires you. My weekend in Des Moines for Iowa Faith & Freedom was one of those.

The city welcomed me with its crisp Midwestern air and wide streets, accompanied by the early-spring chill that makes a warm cup of coffee feel particularly inviting. As I made my way to the event, I sensed the energy building around me.

Guests arrived dressed for the occasion, exchanging hugs and handshakes with old friends. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with conversations about faith, family, and the future, creating a sense of community that was palpable in the room.

Faith, community, and public service have been part of my life for many years. From getting involved in grassroots politics as a teenager to serving on my city council and now building Conservative & Chic, I’ve carried those interests into every chapter. This weekend brought those parts of my life together in a way that felt both exciting and deeply familiar.

One of the highlights was meeting Senator John Kennedy. Having the opportunity to meet someone I’ve watched and followed was a memorable part of the evening. The room was lively, and there was a sense of anticipation as people gathered to listen, connect, and celebrate shared values. I also loved visiting with my favorite governor and dear friend, Iowa’s own Kim Reynolds. Seeing her familiar smile and catching up in the middle of such a busy event made the evening feel personal and special.

Some of my favorite moments happened between the scheduled parts of the weekend: the quick conversations in the hallway, the laughter around tables, and the chance to meet people who care deeply about their communities. There is something encouraging about being surrounded by people who are willing to show up, speak up, and serve.

There was another milestone that made this weekend especially meaningful: my first press badge.

It may seem like a small thing, but for someone building a media platform herself, it represented a great deal of work, persistence, and willingness to keep putting herself out there. I remember looking down at the badge and feeling a quiet sense of gratitude. It was clipped to my outfit, visible among the crowd, and served as a reminder of how far I’ve come. Every interview request, every episode, and every late night spent working on Conservative & Chic has been part of getting here. I was proud to wear it.

As I reflect on the weekend, I keep coming back to why I started this platform. I wanted a place where modern conservative women could feel at home discussing faith, family, culture, politics, and the everyday things we love. A place where we can be thoughtful, curious, stylish, and engaged in our communities.

Des Moines gave me more than a busy weekend away. It gave me meaningful conversations, encouraging reminders, and memories I’ll carry with me: the warmth of familiar greetings, the excitement of meeting people I admire, the feel of that first press badge, and the renewed sense that this work matters.

I’m grateful for the conversations, the familiar faces, and the opportunity to bring you along as Conservative & Chic grows.

Thank you for being part of this chapter. There is so much more I look forward to sharing.

With faith and a little chic, Nicole