Yesterday, we shared the stories of five Black women who are mom bloggers. In part two, we discuss the financial aspects of being a mom blogger, plus we talk about family and favorite real-life and fictional moms. The five moms we spoke to are Christine St.Vil of momsncharge.com, Dayna Bolden of daynabolden.com, Carla Meadows of mommysminivanmonologues.com, Jehava Brown of onlygirl4boyz.com, and LeToyia Dennis motivatedmom.org.
How do you earn money and do you do this full time? If full time, did you quit a day job? Can you earn enough money blogging to take care of the family?
Christine: I earn money through sponsored posts like the one I did for AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign or Virginia College’s “Working Mom” series. But I also turned my love for social media into a business. I launched Purpose Driven Media in 2015, which is a boutique social media agency. We manage social media and content strategy for our clients, as well as teach online courses and webinars. As with anything, blogging and making a living from it is hard work. I think people see the glitz and glam and don’t realize the sacrifices and time that goes into producing great content, whether it’s for the site or for social media posts. From brand ambassadorships to sponsored posts to creating courses, there are so many opportunities to make money as a blogger and influencer.
Dayna: Yes, I earn a full-time income with my business. I worked in corporate America for eight years before deciding to quit my job in 2017 to pursue my business as a lifestyle blogger. I also created my own business, Bolden Creative Media, where I provide consulting and creative direction services for businesses. I have made six figures with my brand.
Carla: For me, blogging is an intentional hobby that provides passive income and partnership opportunities for sponsored travel, products, and experiences.
Jehava: I do this full time. I earn money mainly through sponsored posts. Companies will hire me to try out and mention a product or service on my blog and/or social media channels. I only work with companies and products I truly love, so it makes it easy to weave it in with topics I already want to address. Another way I make money is through affiliate marketing. I make a percentage off of the sales of various clothes or products I post about. Lastly, I make money through ads. I will receive a small commission each month when the ads on my site are clicked on.
I did not quit my day job but was previously a stay-at-home mom. I went to school for business marketing, so this really has been a great way to use my degree.
LeToyia: I did quit my job but not just to blog full time. I make money through blogging, but I earn money through being an influencer for brands.
Who are real-life and fictional moms who inspire you?
Christine: My own mom inspires me because she sacrificed so much to raise seven kids as an immigrant. There are so many real-life moms I’ve gotten to know through blogging and social media that inspire me to keep going every day. Clair Huxtable [“The Cosby Show”] and the original Vivian Banks [“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”].
Carla: My mom, of course. Clair Huxtable [“The Cosby Show”] and Claire Dunphy [“Modern Family”].
Jehava: There are so many. My sister is one, she runs a business in real estate and takes care of her children. When I see women juggling their responsibilities and hustling to get to the next level it is so inspirational to me. My home is definitely my calling at this stage in life, but so is blogging, and it’s been more of a blessing then I would have ever imagined.
Latoyia: I am inspired by moms, period. We are some of the most amazingly talented women I know. We are doctors, counselors, housekeepers, nurses, coaches, chefs, financial strategists; I mean we do it all as a mom. I am inspired by my mom, my grandmother, my friends that are moms, like Cookie Johnson, Rose Rock, Alicia Alston and Serita Jakes.
Are you married? Tell us a little about your family.
Christine: I have been married going on 13 years and have three kids ages, 6, 8 and 10. We also homeschool our three kids, which blogging has allowed us to do.
Dayna: Yes, I am married to my husband of 5 years.
Carla: Yes. I’ve been married for 20 years.
Jehava: Yes, I am married for almost 13 years. We have 3 boys ages 12,10 and 4.
Latoyia: Yes, I am married to a very supportive man and I have one son who’s 8.
Finally, what advice do you have for moms interested in blogging?
Christine: Be sure you’re clear about your goals for starting. When I started blogging, my immediate goal was to build a community. I started blogging with a business mindset. Join Facebook groups that are about more than just liking and commenting on posts. Find a tribe that you can learn and grow from, people who have been there, done that.
Dayna: I would definitely say do it! If it is your passion, then definitely go for it. Every mom has a unique story to share, and I think someone will always be inspired by your story, so share it.
Carla: Write what you’re passionate about and learn that coffee is your best friend.
LaToyia: Do it. It is a great way to get things off of your chest while helping others and earning some extra cash.
Jehava: Do your research before starting. Read as many articles on blogging and making it a business. Also, be ready to put in a lot of hours. That will determine how successful you are in this industry. Nothing is free, and nothing comes easy. There are a lot of perks to this job, but it is a lot of hard work. You can do it if you put your mind to it and keep reaching for the stars.
Click here for part 1 of our conversation with these amazing moms.
