Blogger Profile: Emily Anderson "The Zoo Keeper", Mom of Five, Blogger and Fitness Enthusiast

Blog Tips

Mar 2

I'm starting a series of Mommy Blogger Interviews featuring other amazing mommy bloggers. My goal is to encourage other moms who are thinking about starting their own blog or freelance business. I want you to know that it is possible to work from home and build a profitable business through blogging. If you're a blogger and would like to be featured please email me.

I'd like to introduce this amazing homeschooling mama of four (all 5 and under) is a huge inspiration to me and I am so glad I get to share a peek into her blog and business. Enjoy!

How long have you been blogging?

I originally started blogging around 2007 just for fun. I had no intentions of making income from it, or even that it was possible. The income idea didn’t come along until 2011 when I met another local mom that asked me if I’d be interested in doing some reviews for a company she was working with. I did a few here and there, but only recently got serious about it.

What inspired you to start your blog?

I have always enjoyed writing, and it was an easy way for me to keep friends and family updated. Blogging was a fun, creative outlet for me. I also loved reading other blogs and connecting with people around the world through writing.

Please describe your blog?

It’s a lot like my motherhood style - a good mix of all the things I juggle. On my blog you’ll find some products I love, places I’ve traveled, homeschooling ideas, funny things my kids do, and encouragement for moms.

What do you enjoy about blogging?

I really enjoy connecting with other women. Encouraging other wives and moms is my mission. When I was a new mom, my husband traveled every week, sometimes several weeks at a time, and I was alone with 2 rambunctious boys under 2 years old. It was crazy and hilarious, but it was also hard. I’ve since learned there are a lot of young moms in similar positions, and I don’t want them to feel alone.

Do you make an income either from your blog or from a freelance business?

I’m working on it! I’ve been able to do some reviews in exchange for products and some great experiences (Yes, I said it, and all the bloggers just cringed. Ha!) to build a base and get my feet wet. Now I’m getting my media kit ready to send out with actual pricing for services.

How much does your blog/ business make? Is it enough to support you?

Fun. Right now it pays in lots of fun. :-)

Please describe a typical 'day in the life' for you?

My goal is to get up by 5:30 for coffee and my bible study time and a bit of social media connecting. Today it happened! Somedays I wake up at 7:00 to a 2 year old saying, “Can I have some milk? Get UP mommy!” Then we move on to breakfast, start morning chores and then bookwork lessons. After lunch the kids play for a bit or finish lessons. I put the little ones down for naps about 2:00, and my older two have quiet time in their room then. That’s my main blog/work time, 2-4. When the little ones emerge from their room after naps, I head to the kitchen to finish up dinner and get everyone fed. Two or three nights per week I also work on blog things in the evening, after the kids have gone to bed.

What is the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?

Time! As a homeschooling mom with 5 young kids (all 7 and under), time management is my biggest challenge. There is always something that needs to be done - for the house, my family, and the blog. Right now, there’s a giant pile of laundry on my couch, and I have no idea what we will be eating for supper because I can’t find my meal planner. I also have photos to finish editing and two posts to write. I constantly remind myself that the to do list is never finished, and that’s ok. Today I’m responding to emails, and I’ll finish the photos and start one post after the kids go to bed tonight. Oh, and I just remembered my 7 year old was supposed to do a spelling test today. That will be dinner conversation I guess! Ha!

What advice would you give someone considering starting a blog?

Research, research, research. There is so much to learn about the ins and outs of the business and legal side of it.

Don’t be afraid to ask other bloggers for advice or help! You’ll find that most are more than willing to share what they know.

What are your future goals for your blog?

Grow it to a part-time income and continue to have fun with it. If it’s not enjoyable, there’s no point.