The Mamalode Starter Series is an exciting opportunity for us to introduce you to some of the amazing people we get to meet. Starting something takes enormous amounts of work, faith, help and community. Every week we'll share another story of starting. So, community of Mamalode, read up, get inspired and check out these wonder-folk.
Tell us a bit about your business and how you started it.
I am the creator and editor-in-chief of 3 magazines: Where Women Create, Where Women Cook, and Where Women Create BUSINESS. These were started in 2008. I have my own imprint: WWC PRESS under which I package/author books for publishers. Currently we are working with Quarry Books. I have been in publishing for 35 years. We started by creating, publishing, selling, and distributing our own softcover, cross-stitch, 24 page leaflets.
What do your kids think about your job?
It probably depends on the day. When they were young they didn't understand it but it didn't matter too much because I had a nanny and I took them to work and on the road with me. As young adults they made a conscious decision to “take their own path” and not work in the company. Neither my son or daughter are as passionate about publishing as I am. As adults, they understand what I do and why I do it … and I think they are proud of what I have accomplished.
Tell us about a total mom + biz fail.
There are many. I think the one that haunts me the most is that I convinced my daughter Sara that she should come to work with me in the company. After several years the company faced a complete financial collapse and because Sara was such an integral part of the company she got caught right in the middle of it all. I felt so responsible for it all, she was so worried about me, it was such a nightmare.
Share with us a total win (brag away!)
There are more! What I am most proud of is my building back from our collapse in 2005, I am better business person, the company is stronger, I am happier, and this rebuild has been a 35 year dream come true. I now have three of the most successful award-winning magazines in the industry and I have built a community of women who inspire and support each other.
What's your relationship with Mamalode?
I am a huge fan. Elke and I met at a BlogHer Conference. We have featured Elke in Where Women Create. There is much that I can learn from all of you and I hope that we will work together often in many arenas in the upcoming year!
About the Author
