We Found Our #MomSquad – Looking Back at #BlogHer20 Parenting
Friday, April 24th marked #BlogHer’s entrance into the digital event space, and man was it a blast. We couldn’t have done it without our incredible attendees, wonderful panelists, and awesome sponsors!
The day was choc-ful of awesome, informative, inspiring programming, including a candid chat with the lovely Jana Kramer, an in-depth look at CEOing while Parenting from Lovevery founder Jessica Rolph and TenLittle founder Fatma Collins, a rally-cry for #EqualPlay and #EqualPay from Jennifer Nettles, and implementable and educational #BlogHer U content from industry queens like Julie Solomon and SMPN member Alexandra Nicole.
Although we obviously wish we could have seen all of your beautiful, talented faces in person, this felt like the next best thing – and we’re so pleased so many members of our community were able to join us!
Good news – if you missed out on some of the conference, you can still access the whole thing by using your registration link. If you never registered at all (don’t worry, we forgive you) you can do so here.
Truth-telling and Brand Building with Jana Kramer
Jana Kramer took the virtual stage with SheKnows’ editor Amelia Edelman to talk about mom-ing through quarantine, honing your personal brand, and the beauty and difficulties of being a truth-teller in the spotlight.
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“When IG started, it was about having a pretty page. I tried doing that and it wasn’t me. I felt exhausted by it. Why am I trying to compare myself to someone else when it’s not pretty?”
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“What resonates with me is authenticity. I’ve felt alone with anxiety, marriage struggles, parenting struggles, I get gratification from sharing with others. We’re all friends figuring it out together. By staying real to me, that’s the only way I can do it.”
Meet the Mompreneurs
#BlogHer20 Health speaker Alechia Reese “sat down” with CEO and founders Jessica Rolph (Lovevery) and Fatma Collins (TenLittle), two incredible ladies with companies that are leaders in the children’s play and clothing industries. They shared awesome insights into how to get your gazillion dollar idea funded and how to handle rejection and stay resilient.
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“NO is an acronym for Next Opportunity.” – Alechia Reese
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“One challenge I faced was getting investment for the kids’ space. I always wondered why there wasn’t enough innovation? And then I realized, it’s because there’s not enough investment. Unfortunately, the majority of investors are wealthy men, I say unfortunately because they have never shopped for kids so it’s hard for them to relate. If you want to go the venture route in the parenting or kids space, be prepared for that.” – Fatma Collins
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“They call investors “angels” for a reason. When someone believes in you in the beginning, it’s the most magical feeling. My trick is I will take anything, ANY amount from anybody. The lowest we’ve taken is $2500, which is still a LOT to invest in someone else’s dream.” – Jessica Rolph
#ValueofWomen with Jennifer Nettles
The country queen hopped on our screens with CMT’s Leslie Fram to talk about being a woman in a male dominated industry, highlight the disparity between female and male country artist’s play-time on radio stations across the US, and explain what the little changes we can all make to be more inclusive and better allies to those whose voices are seldom heard.
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“As many working moms can attest, I don’t look at it like a balance. It’s a dance — I try to take my cue and enter and exit at the right time.”
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“Women are highly organized multitaskers and fierce protectors and we’re good in crisis.”
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“Most moms know working from home it’s a totally different schedule and life to balance. I’ve been gentle with myself. I’ve been put in a role of being a teacher, but I’ve always been a peacekeeper. Trying to be as gentle with myself as possible to wear all the different hats that I’ve been offered. And have patience with my kids, who’s schedule has been upended, because a schedule and routine can feel safe.”
Pitching Perfectly with Julie Solomon
Influencer icon Julie Solomon shared serious insights with our audience on pitching yourself to brands, potential followers, and even other influencers. She highlighted the importance of clean and concise language, having an obvious personal brand, and knowing your selling points like the back of your hand.
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“Everyone says, “we’re in an uncertain time.” When are we ever in a CERTAIN time where we know everything will turn out 100% the way we picture? Never!”
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“Captivate me in 9 seconds or less. Why 9 seconds? That’s the time it takes the brain to get someone’s attention or lose it.”
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“Use an elevator pitch in your Instagram bio to stand out from the clutter and help brands and followers know who YOU are.”
Learning with Laura Prepon
The OITNB star joined forces with our CEO Sam Skey to dish on her brand-new book, her creative process, overcoming mom-guilt, and more.
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“One thing that helped me was quality over quantity. I found when I really focused, when I was with my family I was 100% with them. I’m not on my phone, or responding to emails. And when I’m at work, I’m 100% working and my kids know not to come through that door. When I’m not on the set, I work from home. I wrote my whole book from my bedroom.”
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“Whatever your platform or community is, there’s only ONE you. The way you’re going to create your brand is different than anyone else. Really leaning into it is probably the biggest thing I would like to share. Your individuality, your viewpoint, what YOU are putting into the world, be confident in that!”
MORE WORDS FROM THE OH-SO-WISE
In addition to the ladies above, we had dozens of other incredible speakers who shared so much educational and inspirational kernels of wisdom with our attendees. We are so grateful they chose to join us at Parenting – we can’t wait for the next one!
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“Be realistic and start with a business plan, even if it’s a passion project. What’s your runway, how much can you invest?” – Thai Randolph
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“The inception of our idea was about a year and a half ago. I know there’s a lot that goes into creating, but the business side is important. Partnership is important, get somebody who knows what you don’t. Doing something in numbers is better than doing it alone.” – Tika Sumpter
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“I know from experience that it’s good to keep with networks. I could explain I don’t think an opportunity is a fit, but maybe there’s another? I also follow up quarterly with all my brands because there might be future opportunities.” – Alexandra Nicole, SMPN member
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“Companies need to account for that transition back to the workplace. It’s not that we can’t do the work, it’s that we need some adjustment to the structure while caring for a new human. Women make up the majority of the workforce, and yet the workforce is not working for us.” – Dr. Jessica Shepherd
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“What’s more important than trying to be perfect is making time to be present.” – Dana Kirwin
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“The best thing I can do for my child is just be there for them. I’m here for emotional support, and that I won’t fail at. Everything else can go by the wayside. That’s what I would say to other mothers, remember the priority.” – Christine Michel Michael
We’re so proud of #BlogHer20 Parenting – and can’t wait to share our next virtual event with you too! Don’t forget to register for #BlogHer20 Healthy at Home for free.
