I never set out to become a blogger. In fact, six years ago when I was a first-time mum on maternity leave I didn’t even really know what blogging was.
I did know an opportunity when I saw one though and when I became fed up with costly eBay fees, I turned to social media to start my own baby classifieds.
In, what seemed like no time at all, my simple marketplace had gathered its own momentum and was becoming a rapidly growing online network of mums.
Today my Mum Central network spans almost 700,000 mums nationwide, connecting and engaging on everything from parenting to lifestyle, fashion to travel (and most things in-between). Although it’s less like a network and more like a family to me.
I think that because I write from the heart and am so vigilant when it comes to the necessity of aligned values with the brands we work with, I feel genuinely connected to our mums. And also, because we’re all in this parenting gig together… aren’t we?
With 20 years of marketing under my belt, two kids and three businesses, I’m so proud to be where I am right now on this journey. I’ve earnt incredible roles with Mitsubishi as an ambassador – I’m #mitsimum – and Virgin Australia delivering family travel content as a Virgin Voyager.
The Australian blogging landscape has evolved over the years, thanks in part to national conferences like ProBlogger which challenges, nurtures and brings together writers, influencers, marketers and brands from all over the country.
This year I’m excited to be attending my third and have taken up their invitation to create a video using Shoebox Timeline, a brand new video platform that’s just launched. Quite honestly it’s so fun to use and easy too! Simply drag and drop your pics or video, select a tune (or upload one of your faves) and you’re ready to share your story across your social networks! #SoCool
The brief is simply to share what inspires me to blog. Which actually turned out to be harder than I thought because there are SO many things that motivate and inspire me! However, I’ve narrowed it down to my top six and created the following special vid just for you!
Check it out and continue to read on below!
1. Exploring New Places – Visual Storytelling
With 15 years of tourism marketing experience, a head for business and a huge passion for photography, it’s no big surprise that travelling and exploring new places ranks as one of my top inspirations.
There’s nothing more exciting than discovering new places with the kids, jumping in the car for a family road trip or on a plane for a new interstate or overseas adventure and then capturing it all, image by image. I love to take my readers on a pictorial journey and really draw them in along the way. As they say a picture tells a thousand words and some of my fave blogs like this were for Sovereign Hill at Ballarat and Kangaroo Island. That’s why my Olympus camera is an integral part of my blogging kit and goes everywhere with me!
Some may think that I’m always on holidays… and they’re sort of right. Blogging is my business, but so often the line between work and fun is very blurry. It’s a way of life that I love!
The joy of exploring the big, wide world around us and the looks on my sons’ faces when they experience ‘their firsts’ … just magic!
This year alone we’ve visited Tropical North Queensland, Kangaroo Island, Ballarat and the Great Ocean Road by air, road and sea!
We’re off to review Club Med Nusa Dua in Bali in November and the kids (and I) can’t wait!
2. Reconnecting with My Family
Let’s face it, life gets busy! With two little boys under 7, and a thriving business that’s growing FAST, it’s easy to get distracted and caught up in life. One of the most satisfying elements of the experiences that blogging gives me, is the opportunity to rewrite the rule book on full-time work to make the most of my time with my young family.
From sand-boarding down the dunes on Kangaroo Island to camping at Deep Creek, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef and making cupcakes in the air fryer – involving the kids to become a part of each story really combines my work and family and lets me fulfil my career aspirations without sacrificing too much time with my boys.
3. Meeting Special People
During my blogging adventure I have been able to meet some of the most amazing people! I get to have some pretty cool VIP meet & greets with some pretty important people AND characters … the memories we make are just magic!
Sometimes it’s part of the job…
and sometimes it’s just a great bonus for working with the right clients…
4. Inspiring Mums Everywhere to Try Something New
I’ve tried a lot of things in my life! I’ve travelled overseas and lived in another country. An adrenaline junkie, I’ve done the bungy jump, white water rafting, jet boat rides, hot air ballooning, sky dive and even paraglided off the edge of a cliff in Austria.
What keeps surprising me is that you’re never too old to try new things and at 42 years of age, I’d like to think that I’m in the prime of my life!
Just this year alone I’ve faced my fears and held a snake (EEK!), gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef (it’s simply stunning!!) and jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet! Never say “never” I say – let’s all inspire each other to try new things and step outside of our comfort zone! That is, after all, where the magic happens!
5. Create Special Memories
One of the things I love about the variety of destinations, products and situations I find myself in, is the magical memories that stick with me long after I hit publish on the blog! We have done so many incredible things we’d never normally do as a family and I can’t help but be grateful that it’s pushing us in a direction we’d not necessarily take otherwise.
Some of the highlights include a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef, camping at Deep Creek Conservation Park on our Mitsubishi Pajero Sport shoot and riding sky high in a helicopter and then on a jet boat on Sydney Harbour for Skylanders Superchargers Australian Launch!
6. Dream BIG and Inspire Others!
Finally, I’ve always been a stickler for quality, strong values and love nothing more than inspiring others to follow their dreams and think big! Through my work, I’ve given countless interviews, appeared on TV, podcasts, in magazines and newspapers, on judging panels and been mentors for start-up programs.
I love to nurture that entrepreneurial spirit and encourage others to give it a go just like I did! Who knows where a little passion, inspiration and a great idea could take you!
Recently I was fortunate to win two awards at the AusMumpreneur Awards for Customer Service (GOLD) and AusMumpreneur of the Year (BRONZE). I’m no stranger to public speaking and have shared my story at numerous events and really enjoy motivating others to take a chance.
So there you have it! My blogging inspiration! I could keep going but let’s face it, this is enough right?! Is it what you expected?
Wish me luck in the ProBlogger competition too … I’ll let you know how I go!!
Bel xx
