Life, Motherhood, and Fashion (A Q&A with Mankato Moms Blog Owner)

Recently, I sat down with Mankato Moms Blog owner, Jessica Blais - Mother, wife, blogger, and radio host.

Vivian Rose Boutique (VRB): Why did you decide that you wanted to start a moms' blog?

Jessica Blais (JB): There are so many great parenting resources out there, but there is power in being able to read something that was written by a local mom and know that you're not alone. I have seen the communities created by other Sister Sites across the City Moms Blog Network {there are nearly 80 Sister Sites across the country!} and I felt that there was a huge need for that in Mankato.

VRB: What has been the most challenging part of starting a blog?

JB: It's non-stop. We have an amazing team of local moms who contribute to our fantastic content {we couldn't do what we do without them!} but the behind the scenes work in constant. Sometimes I have to tell myself that it's ok to take a break.

VRB: Your blogger network is so amazing! I had the opportunity to meet some of these writers. How did you all find each other?

JB: Social Media can really be a fabulous thing. I was originally introduced to the City Moms Blog Network by a friend from High School who now lives in Arizona. She is the owner of the Scottsdale Moms Blog. As for our local team, there are a few of them that I knew prior to the blog, but most of our 17 women were strangers until earlier this summer. We put out an open call for writers and were overwhelmed by the talent of the moms in our community.

VRB: Starting something of this nature is no easy feat. What advice would you give to anyone interested in starting a blog?

JB: Choose something you're passionate about and start writing! It can seem so daunting at first, but content if king. Write about something you love and take it one step at a time.

VRB: What are your goals for the blog?

JB: Our Number 1 goal is to connect local moms on and offline. With that being said, we'd love to start hosting some events so we can meet the awesome moms that we are already connecting with online.

VRB: 5 years from now, where you see Mankato Moms Blog?

JB: Five years goes so fast, doesn't it? In 5 years I hope that moms look to us as a local parenting resource and that we are continuing to offer great content that grows with our team.

VRB: What does a perfect day with your family look like?

JB: We lead such a busy life {I really don't care for that word, busy, by the way} but I have really become a bit of a homebody. I used to feel the need to have plans all the time. But a perfect day with my family really is us at home. Playing on the floor, going for a walk, cooking dinner together and reading books before bed.

VRB: You are a mom on the go, You juggle work, starting a blogger network, and you are w a wife and mom. How do you keep it all together?

JB: Keep it all together? ME? I kid. I am a list maker, every week I make a list of all of the tasks I need to complete, the appointments I or the kids have and any other goals I have for the week. I even put my workouts on my 'list'. It can be a little overwhelming to feel like every minute of my day is 'scheduled' but that's the season that I'm in right now.

VRB: What does is your typical day-to-day uniform look like?

JB: I find that if I feel good in my clothes I feel more 'put-together' in general. But that doesn't mean that my clothes are complicated. Skinny jeans, booties, a cute top and a jacket. I like to buy simple pieces that still feel a bit special. Instead of just buying a black tee I look for a black tee with a little character {a cut out neck, a cold shoulder...} that helps dress up a t-shirt and jeans outfit.

VRB: Any fashion regrets?

JB: How much time do we have? I've always been a bit of a risk-taker when it comes to fashion. I've never shied away from trying the latest trends. I think I was about 12 when the movie Clueless came out. I was obsessed with knee socks and short skirts. I'm pretty sure I wore the same 2 skirt / sock combos every single day for months.

VRB: Current fashion obsessions?

JB: Varsity jackets, bell sleeves, ankle booties, backpacks and I've been kicking around trying the over the knee boot trend.

VRB: I have to address the elephant in the blog. For those readers who don't know, Jess and I (Sharry of Vivian Rose Boutique) have been friends for over 10 years. Do you remember the first time you knew we were going to be friends?

JB: I think it was right away when I met you. You were the calm to my wild. The organized to my chaos. Also you asked me about my red lipstick one day {if I recall it was actually awful} but I knew anyone who could appreciate my attempt at red lipstick would be a lifelong friend, for sure.

VRB: LOL! I don't remember the red lipstick, but I do remember that upon meeting you, I felt the need to be the big sister you never had (or necessarily wanted).

VRB: Give us your best fashion advice.

JB: Wear what feels good. It doesn't have to cost a lot, it doesn't have to be the latest trend. If it makes YOU feel good, it will make you look good!

VRB: Give us your best "mom" advice

JB: Oh gosh, some days I don't feel qualified to be giving mom advice. But, I would say everything is a phase. The good and the bad it comes and goes. Try to enjoy the good as much as you can and know the bad will pass.

You can read the Mankato Moms Blog by clicking here. Or, by clicking on the logo below.

Until next time,

S.