BlogHer was started to find where the women in technology and blogging were. Now that thousands of them have been found I'm on a quest to find and talk to my favorite women in the blogosphere. Women who make my jaw drop with their enthusiasm for for communicating within a new and often changing space, women who are always ready for more. I'm not that type of woman; the kind that works on project after project and it terrifies me to even think of leaving Real Job for a life of being an entrepreneur but the women I will be interviewing in this series have done just that.

They've gone after what they wanted and took control of their careers and for that reason I am often in awe of what they've done with their lives and how they've gotten here. 

At 27, Gwen Bell's photo is what you would see if you were to look up Social Media in the dictionary. I've found her fascinating and have been excited to watch her through this tricky landscape to see what she does next. Here is my interview with her where we discuss what she'll be when she grows up and how the economy has changed her outlook on her career:  

1) If someone were to walk up to you at a party and ask you what you do for a living, what would your answer be?

My answer would depend on the situation. If we're at a party I'll tell you I do work on the social web. If we're in a business setting I'll tell you I'm a consultant, speaker and educator in the social web space. If you're a friend I'll tell you to go read my blog.

2) To me and probably for others, you are a bona fide Social Media maven. You’ve also been called one of the most Powerful and Influential Women in Social Media. What does all of that mean to you?

Awesomesauce! It means I have to work twice as hard to keep putting out quality content. Accolades are nice because they give you a standard to live up to. If you let them be more than that, you're in hot water. I use accolades as catalysts to continue growing.

 
3) BlogHer was started to find the women bloggers and now we’re everywhere. What do you see for the future of women in the Internet and in Social Media?

I believe we'll continue to be everywhere. I hope that we keep asking and answering questions about our value, that we support one another in this space. That we extend our reach with the conferences that are now popping up everywhere with women in mind (you're beginning to see t-shirts offered in women's sizes in swag bags. Hurrah!). BlogHer supports this wonderful, flourishing ecosphere. I love being a part of and watching it grow (I'm a sucker for conferences - that's where I get my juice to do this everyday). You also see events like #gno (girls night out) every Tuesday on Twitter. When I simply want to catch up with women that matter to me in a dynamic conversation, I drop in. You can find supportive community anywhere if you're looking for and willing to help grow it.

4) You have this great quote from your 2008 recap post that says, “And really, if you’re an entrepreneur, you are young for life. There’s something about having a DIY life that lends itself to youth. (Perhaps it also takes a little bit of insanity to go this route, but there you have it.)” What made you decide to take your career into your own hands and become an entrepreneur?

The only "real" job I've ever had lasted eight months. I was in Tokyo working for the biggest English school in the nation. Student files were in constant disarray, teachers did as little as possible to collect a paycheck every other week, the expectations for quality of teaching was so low. I knew I wanted a different kind of life. I opened a yoga studio within two years of being in the country. The thrill of emptying my bank account, telling the school 'thanks but I'm starting out on my own now' (that company filed for bankruptcy about two years after I left), creating my own rules, my own pricing structure. Teaching with standards that I knew to be as high as I could make them. Hiring the first teacher. How could I live any other way after experiencing that?

 
5) As an entrepreneur how has this economy affected you?

I have used "the economy" to propel me forward. I don't get scared, I get creative. Ok, I occasionally get scared. That's when I sit with the situation and determine what the source of fear is. And I walk right into it. I have an incredible support network that believes in me, even moments after I admit a mistake. Part of this support network is on Twitter. Part of it is the women I've partnered with at Kirtsy. I have several mentors with whom I meet on a regular basis to make sure we're both on the right track.

The truth is "the economy" is like any other stumbling block you may encounter as an entrepreneur. It's our opportunity to stay awake, work with the stuck feelings. Reach out and help. Helping is a powerful way to get through your down times.

 
6) You’re a project woman: From your Twitter stream you’re always ready to do the next thing. Do you have anything exciting up your sleeve?

Always. Right now I'm researching open plan living. Loft living. I'm going through the home-buying process. And now that the new gwenbell.com is live, each day is something new (why I never had a contact form before will forever remain a mystery - get a contact form on your site, folks!). I have a fun project planned for the BlogHer conference in Chicago - see you there! Ask me about it in person!

 
7) Finally – and most importantly – what do you want to be when you grow up?

Second time someone has asked me this week! I'm doing what I love, so it's a tough question. If I could trade it all in and sing karaoke for a living, you know I'd do it. My favorite thing, beyond being an entrepreneur, is gyrating on stage to Pat Benatar. C'mon. Hit me with your best shot!

Thanks, Gwen! 

Look for upcoming interviews with Isabel Kallman, Jenny Lawson and Laura Mayes

HeatherB writes about her non-entrepreneurial life at No Pasa Nada.