Time and time again, people ask how I started this whole social media online gig. The truth is that it sort of happened organically and unexpectedly. When I started Stroller In The City in April of 2010, never in a million years did I think it would turn into a career. It originated as a style blog, where I posted a photo of a cool boys tee, or talked about a favorite restaurant at the time. It was for my family and friends, and I never expected that readers all over the world would be reading it.
In 2011, a friend suggested that I get on Twitter, as a way to amplify my posts. I did, but I really had no idea what I was doing on social media. From there, I started meeting other online influencers and mom bloggers from New York City, and all over the world. After a few months on Twitter, I was invited to my first ever blogging event, hosted by Momtrends. I was pregnant with Siella at the time, and I remember replying back to the invite asking “do I need to bring anything.” Nicole, founder of Momtrends, quickly replied, nope just yourself. It was so exciting that after a year of being completely under the radar, that I was going to something for my blog.
At that first event, I met other bloggers, and took in presentations from brands like Stokke and Soda Stream. At the end, we left with a huge bag of goodies, and I was totally shocked and thought it was the coolest thing ever. I remember meeting Nicole, and talking about children and where we lived. I asked her where her office was located, and I remember her response vividly, “oh no, I work from home.” I was intrigued, fascinated, and from that moment, I was eager to learn more about blogging. In the upcoming months, I was invited to recurring Momtrends events, that I called my one night a month out, which I looked so forward to. When Siella was born, I toted her in my Ergo, from event to event. It was pretty neat.
About a year later, I started getting small partnerships and sponsorships through brands. They weren’t large gigs, but I thought the world of them. I remember the day Nicole asked me if I wanted to become a contributor to Momtrends, and I couldn’t have been more honored and excited. I continued writing on my own blog, while occasionally reviewing baby and beauty products for Momtrends. I thought this was the absolute coolest thing ever. When I became pregnant with Gemma, I started to review maternity brands and baby gear. It was the perfect fit. Eventually, Nicole gave me my own column on Momtrends, coined “Brianne In The City.” I covered all NYC events for her site, attended monthly meetings, created video reviews, and even started contributing to her ever so popular “Monday Mingle” series. Nicole had become my mentor, and an absolute inspiration for what I wanted for my site, and blog.
A few years later, my site grew, and I had to break away from the Momtrends team. It was difficult to leave, but I walked away with an incredible friend and mentor, not to mention a ton of knowledge that influenced my own path. Nicole is someone I still turn to for advice, vent to at times of frustration, and a person that I will continue to support, no matter what.
Nicole has recently penned her first book “Mom Boss.” This book out on bookshelves today, proves that being successful isn’t about degrees or sacrifices, rather it’s about balance and power. It’s where instinct meets intelligence. Every mom has it in her to be a badass business woman. Nicole charts the course for building a successful career without sacrificing being a great mom.
The way Nicole shares how to balance entrepreneurship, kids and success, makes Mom Boss a must read for any mama considering going out on her own. The book is available now on Amazon. Congratulations Nicole, I am beyond happy for you!
To find out more about Nicole’s Book tour click here!
A note to the sponsors:
Big thank you to Zotos Professional for the 180 Pro Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator serum! The difference has been amazing!
I am loving my Rayovac Power Protect as a back up for my phone. The extra battery life is such a life saver.
And to Magicsuit swim, looking 10lbs lighter is always on my wish list!
Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to help remove germs, bacteria, kitchen grease, and countless other nasties you find lurking in your home.
3 thoughts on “On Becoming Mom Boss”
Much love to all the Mom Bosses out there. It is so exciting to see moms doing such awesome work and bettering themselves and their families through hard work!
Congrats to you and Nicole on your journey. So great to see moms supporting each other. This book seems like a must-read for sure. I still have so much to learn. 🙂
Wow, I should read this book. Sounds like a nice one, it’s been ages since I read a book.