Meet Jennifer – the Editor of “Real Mom of SFV”

This is a special “birthday” edition of Real Moms of the SFV! Since it was my birthday yesterday, I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce myself to my readers (new & old). It occurred to me that maybe not everyone reads the About Me section of a blog & even if you did, there is still so much more to share! 🙂

This past weekend, I spent a few days in Anaheim, CA. Well, Disneyland to be exact! I participated in my very first 10k. Not only was it my first 10k, but it was a runDisney 10k, which makes it all the more special! I’ll write a separate blog post recapping the 10k race later this month. My birthday weekend was really great, running around Disneyland (literally & figuratively). It was so special to watch Fantasmic with my 8 year old daughter (her first time seeing it). Then we watched the Disneyland fireworks immediately afterwards. The day after we got back from our Disneyland adventure, we had a nice lunch with my parents to celebrate my 41st birthday.

As many of you know, I’m a fitness enthusiast, foodie & reality TV watcher. I’ve lived over half of my life in the San Fernando Valley with the other half being in Ventura County. I started this feature (Real Moms of the SFV) on my blog to showcase Valley businesswomen. I thought it would be inspiring to hear how others started their career & juggle their professional life with motherhood. While most of the women highlighted are working mothers, there are a few who are not a mom, but since their businesses is their baby, it kinda fits. Hey, I am the editor so I can take liberties now & then!  🙂

So without further ado, please meet the latest Real Mom of the SFV, me!!

How/why did you begin your blog?
Me: I started this blog as a way to keep up my WordPress skills. I had worked for about a year as a virtual assistant for an agency, where I learned how to use WordPress for the very first time, posting blogs for small businesses & entrepreneurs. When I quit working for that agency, I decided to start my own blog for fun. This blog isn’t my main business. I like to say that I have 3 part-time jobs: freelancing marketing for an online babysitting company, writing for my blog & blogging/social media assistance for others.

As a working mother, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other working moms?
Me: There is no such thing as work-life balance, so cut yourself some slack! I used to chase that dream when I worked in corporate: that I can put in “X” amount of hours at work, volunteer for the class field trip & get in some “me time” at the gym. That doesn’t always happen (in my case, it was downright unrealistic) & some things you just have to let slide. So make like that song from Frozen & let it go…

In order to make things happen (for work & personal), I have to multitask & schedule things like crazy. My Google calendar is color-coded & I check it at least 3 times a day, with pop-up reminders & everything. It’s kind of crazy how I live by that calendar.

What do you like best about living & working in the San Fernando Valley?
Me: I am not a city person at all. The Valley is close enough to the attractions & events that happen in LA. I honestly like living in suburbia & being able to go to the local CVS & not have to deal with metered parking. I do find it hilarious when Johnny Drama’s character in Entourage poked fun about the Valley heat. That is one thing that I have always found hard to embrace. I went to college here, my family lives here, I’ve worked at a half a dozen different companies in the Northridge, Woodland Hills, Warner Center area. This is my home!

If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
Me: I wish I had started freelancing sooner. I was always married to the idea of a corporate job or a part-time job at a company with flex hours (after I became a mom). If only I did this earlier on! I love being my own boss, I don’t really miss working in an office & I like making my own schedule!

I  hope you enjoyed reading this interview & learning more about me. Although I have to say it’s a little strange to write part of this post in the third person, lol!

Tell me, do you know someone (or maybe it’s YOU) who would like their business or brand featured on my blog under the “Real Moms of the SFV” section? If so, then please email me at RealMomOfSFV(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks!