I’m off the market.
No more freelance. No more contract work. No more consulting.
It started in 2005 when I agreed to write at a community based blog.
For free.
While I typed with one-hand and breastfed at the computer.
I grew my own blog. I grew my readers. I worked very, very hard and eventually made enough money monthly to pay my internet bill.
I was up late reading blogs, I was up late writing blogs, I was up late trying to figure out how all this online stuff gets monetized.
But I had faith. Something I don’t come by very easily.
I continued to work hard, I continued to grow my readers. And I started pitching projects and pitching panels at conferences and signing on to help start-ups, fellow bloggers, additional communities.
All with children under foot.
Usually typing one-handed and breastfeeding.
Always on my terms.
When I wanted. How I wanted.
All with nothing but faith.
It was not long before I became part of the fastest and largest growing population online and I was determined to see my friends and colleagues benefit right along with me. I hope that has been evident.
I still am very detrimined to see those benefits for my community. It’s not a job or work. It is a passion.
Which is why I am pleased to announce I’ve joined BlogHer as their Producer of Special Projects.
BlogHer CEO Lisa Stone told me years ago, her goal-BlogHer’s goal- was to empower women online. Not just in voice and reach, but also financially.
BlogHer has since met much of that goal with many of it’s members, myself just one.
I’m officially able to take care of my family, as a work-at-home mother.
That’s huge. And I hope many of you see how important that is…so I’m going to repeat it:
I’m officially able to take care of my family, as a work-at-home mother.
I can raise my children, and continue to raise some hell-online and off.
Next week I will travel with BlogHer to the Democratic National Convention and the following week to the Republican National Convention.
I will do my best to continue to make a difference for the now thousands of women I’ve gotten to know personally and those I hope to meet soon.
I’m excited about this new opportunity, and I hope you will follow my coverage from Denver, St. Paul, and beyond.
Erin Kotecki Vest
aka Queen of Spain
{ 4 trackbacks }
{ 120 comments… read them below or add one }
Rita Arens 08.20.08 at 1:23 pm
I am so proud of you, Erin. Keep changing the world.
PunditMom 08.20.08 at 1:23 pm
Congrats! That is excellent news! I try to continue to have faith that it will turn out similarly for me. If we keep putting ourselves out there, in the world and in the universe, hopefully it will all come around.
Mom101 08.20.08 at 1:23 pm
A big ol WHOOO! for you!
WHOOO! for working at home.
WHOOO for Blogher (who, whatever they’re paying you, is surely getting a steal).
And an extra big WHOOO! for faith. Well-earned Erin.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah 08.20.08 at 1:24 pm
Congratulations and long live BlogHer!
Denise 08.20.08 at 1:24 pm
Nice acceptance speech. The next president should use some of that.
Congratulations, girlfriend. It’s an honor to work with you (and to have the #suckit sticker permanently attached to my iPhone, darn thing won’t come off no matter what I do. It’s determined, just like you are.)
kristy 08.20.08 at 1:24 pm
Welcome aboard! (HA! I first typed that as a-BROAD. Talk about a Freudian typo…)
The point is, yay! We’re lucky to have you.
Miz Liz 08.20.08 at 1:25 pm
KUDOS! You’re an example to us all!
Sean Stoner 08.20.08 at 1:25 pm
That’s awesome! Congrats!
True Jersey Girl 08.20.08 at 1:26 pm
That is SO awesome. Im so very happy for you, and happy for BlogHer that they have been lucky enough to snag you. Best of luck to you!
Corey Hammond 08.20.08 at 1:26 pm
Congrats and good luck!
Amy @ Taste Like Crazy 08.20.08 at 1:26 pm
That rocks, hun! Way to go!
Queen of Spain 08.20.08 at 1:27 pm
…and thanks to Denise, our community manager, who has already pointed out and had me fix my typos. ROFL.
Kris 08.20.08 at 1:28 pm
Erin, that’s FABULOUS! BlogHer rocks and so do you. Thanks for being such a kick ass woman and showing people that smart, hard-working women CAN make meaningful contributions to their family and to the rest of the world AT THE SAME TIME and be successful both financially and otherwise.
Rock on!
Tim Walker 08.20.08 at 1:28 pm
Rock and roll, Erin!
Karen Putz / DeafMom 08.20.08 at 1:28 pm
Way to go, Erin! Enjoy your new journey!
Zandria 08.20.08 at 1:29 pm
That is so fantastic!! Yay for you!!!
Steve "PodcastSteve" Lubetkin 08.20.08 at 1:31 pm
Hey, Erin! Congratulations, that’s fantastic. All the best.
Micah Baldwin 08.20.08 at 1:33 pm
Good. You sucked anyway.
(BlogHer’s gain for sure. Congrats)
This Military Mama 08.20.08 at 1:34 pm
Awesome! So well deserved.
I am so excited for you. I love seeing success with in the blogging land I feel privliged to be apart of.
Congrats! You are an inspiration!
lizriz 08.20.08 at 1:34 pm
Congratulations!
Liz Henry 08.20.08 at 1:34 pm
Hooray on all fronts, but especially, welcome to an incredibly awesome team and a great company to work for!
I look forward to supporting and developing your back end, and I mean that in a totally professional way! 8-P
Dr.Daisy 08.20.08 at 1:36 pm
Congratulations!! That is fantastic, wishing you the best:)
Genevieve 08.20.08 at 1:38 pm
Right on! Congratulations!!
Steven Hodson 08.20.08 at 1:39 pm
Congradulations Erin you deserve every bit of recognition and I know you will do well
Paula G 08.20.08 at 1:41 pm
Congratulations!! that is awesome!
crunchy domestic goddess 08.20.08 at 1:41 pm
what awesome news. congratulations, erin!!
schmutzie 08.20.08 at 1:41 pm
Congratulations!
steve garfield 08.20.08 at 1:43 pm
Congratulations!
David Wescott 08.20.08 at 1:44 pm
Well done - congratulations!
Jim Kukral 08.20.08 at 1:44 pm
Congrats! Very cool.
Wolfman-K 08.20.08 at 1:45 pm
Erin! Congrats on the gig. You have earned it, I hope it’s everything you need it to be, and some of what you want.
Jess 08.20.08 at 1:45 pm
That is amazing news. Congratulations.
VDog 08.20.08 at 1:48 pm
I got goose bumps reading this.
Congratulations, lady. You totally deserve it and YES! you keep your ladies in the loop, too.
You are one awesome (work-at-home) Mama!
Morra Aarons 08.20.08 at 1:51 pm
You are going to be such a powerful force for women in politics!!! Your work on BlogHer’s election coverage is shaking up the Internet already. I expect great things.
Morra
Suzanne 08.20.08 at 1:55 pm
I am beyond delighted - for you, for the BlogHer team, and for the BlogHer community. This is great news! Congratulations!
Heather B. 08.20.08 at 1:55 pm
Very cool, Erin. See you next week!
foolery 08.20.08 at 1:57 pm
Best of luck at your new career, and may it be all you hoped for and more. Congratulations!
– Laurie @ Foolery
Suebob 08.20.08 at 1:58 pm
Yay. You have always amazed me with your talent, your work ethic and your networking abilities. You go!
Virginia 08.20.08 at 1:58 pm
Congratulations, Erin. You’re an inspiration to us all.
Larry Kless 08.20.08 at 1:59 pm
Congratulations Erin! You’re a great role model and a success story. Stay at home moms don’t get the props that they should, but I know how hard that work is because I’m married to a wonderful stay at home mom myself. To be a full time mom and build your online brand is amazing. All the best to you and looking forward to seeing more!
Jill 08.20.08 at 2:01 pm
Fantastic news for US and you!! Way to go and ENJOY it!
Megan 08.20.08 at 2:05 pm
All the best to you. I know you’ll do a fabulous job.
Megan
Mel 08.20.08 at 2:07 pm
You rock and you’re going to do an amazing job. It’s not only great news; it’s a great post in terms of writing. You had me completely choked up.
Jenn 08.20.08 at 2:14 pm
Congrats. BlogHer is very lucky and blessed to have YOU!
Lisa Stone 08.20.08 at 2:14 pm
Well Erin, I couldn’t say it better than Liz or Kris.
When I left college and dove into journalism, my rule was “do what you love and the money will follow.”
What I learned 11 years ago when I left traditional newsrooms with my own one-year-old in arms and no clue how I was going to make it as a single mother in Silicon Valley is: “Do what you love well and people will move mountains to work alongside you.”
You earned this job. Welcome aboard!
Karen Sugarpants 08.20.08 at 2:16 pm
Awesome! I know how hard you’re worked - all the best with BlogHer!
Leslie M-B 08.20.08 at 2:18 pm
Congratulations! This is such great news for both you and BlogHer.
bret 08.20.08 at 2:19 pm
Congrats. I look foirward to reading about how your experiences at the two conventions differ.
See you in DenverM
sam {temptingmama} 08.20.08 at 2:20 pm
Congratulations Erin! That’s FANTIASTIC news!
Deb on the Rocks 08.20.08 at 2:21 pm
Congratulations! How great for your family, for you and for all of us in the Blogher community. Kick Ass!
ayse (arse poetica) 08.20.08 at 2:21 pm
Wheeeeeeeee! Yippppeeeeeeeeeeee!! Wooooohoooo!!! BlogHer is such a smart organization. Rock it, QofS. \m/
Mr Lady 08.20.08 at 2:21 pm
*stands up and applauds*
Christine 08.20.08 at 2:22 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!! This deserves all caps.
You’re living my dream. I’m working on it…
*mwah*
Kelly the Blatherer 08.20.08 at 2:24 pm
Very cool indeed! Congratulations & I’m looking forward to your missives from Denver!
califmom 08.20.08 at 2:27 pm
Rock On, Queen! Sisters, are doin’ it for themselves….
Karen Andrews (miscmum) 08.20.08 at 2:33 pm
Congratulations! That’s awesome!
christine 08.20.08 at 2:37 pm
I crazy heart you - and BlogHer.
Amy 08.20.08 at 2:38 pm
This rocks! Congrats to you, Erin, and kudos to BlogHer for paving the way to a world in which women can thrive in multiple aspects of their lives, without having to sacrifice so much of the important stuff.
sassymonkey 08.20.08 at 2:39 pm
Congratulations Erin. That’s awesome.
Shashi Bellamkonda 08.20.08 at 2:39 pm
Congratulations ! You are awesome. Saw your contribution to the Frozen peas moment. Your brilliance at SXSW (So bright that I had to wear shades:)If you don;t believe me see this picture http://flickr.com/photos/drbeachvacation/2327629345/in/set-72157604068066243/
I am looking forward to reading about more excelelnt stuff from BlogHer with you on the team.
Regards,
Shashi
Jenyum/Tacomamama 08.20.08 at 2:39 pm
Congratulations! A win for all the mamas working on their own terms.
Erica 08.20.08 at 2:41 pm
Congratulations! You are an inspiration!
the kaiser 08.20.08 at 2:43 pm
Does this mean I can retire now?
ResourcefulMommy 08.20.08 at 2:46 pm
This is fabulous! What we’re all hoping and dreaming about….
Congratulations and good luck at your new post!
Wendy Piersall 08.20.08 at 2:58 pm
ROCK ON, Sister!
the slackmistress 08.20.08 at 3:07 pm
Awesome! Congrats!
Shash 08.20.08 at 3:13 pm
Congratulations! I can’t think of anyone better for this job. I look forward to it!
Shash
tuesday 08.20.08 at 3:17 pm
So awesome!
TheMacMommy 08.20.08 at 3:25 pm
Way to go! See, all that #suckit -ing paid off. Now you finally get to spit – and it’s golden!! So happy for you woman!
Kady 08.20.08 at 3:28 pm
Well, Erin, aren’t you just the new black.
Congrats. Can’t wait to meet you next week.
Burgh Baby 08.20.08 at 3:28 pm
Congratulations! Thank you for all you’ve done, and all you’re about to do.
Karen 08.20.08 at 3:35 pm
Wonderful news Erin. Many congrats. Will I get to meet you at BlogHer DC?
Karen
Sarah Granger 08.20.08 at 3:36 pm
Congratulations! You and BlogHer are both smart and lucky. And you’re doing a fabulous job!
veep veep 08.20.08 at 3:37 pm
Congratulations Erin! YEA!!!
Marco 08.20.08 at 3:40 pm
Congrats!!!! They are very lucky!
Alli {Mrs. Fussypants} 08.20.08 at 3:50 pm
RAWK ON! Congrats, Erin!
xoxo, Alli
becky 08.20.08 at 3:57 pm
Erin, that’s fantastic. It’s my dream to be able to do something like that, too. Big congrats to you. You deserve it!
that girl 08.20.08 at 4:03 pm
You are more than qualified, you’ve paid your dues, and best of all — you won’t be breastfeeding so you can go without a pump! Rock on, Queen!
Jan Richards 08.20.08 at 4:58 pm
Congratulations! Looking forward to your work in the new job. Fascinating, historic, important times now and ahead.
Aronado 08.20.08 at 5:01 pm
:::Congratulations Erin:::
YOU were a startup ;P and you kicked ass, didn’t give up, and believed in yourself.
You are inspiring many!
cheers!
Kristie Wells 08.20.08 at 5:04 pm
Dude, I am so very happy for you. For Lisa. For Elisa. For Jori. For the whole BlogHer community.
Congrats!
Aaron Strout 08.20.08 at 5:09 pm
Erin,
So now I can say, I knew you when you were just another “mostly writing for free” blogger! Seriously though, major congrats are in order. I know how hard you’ve worked to get to this point and you’ve done it with grace and generosity. Well done!
Best,
Aaron | @astrout
Michelle Lamar 08.20.08 at 5:10 pm
Erin (aka DESTINY): We always knew you would amount to something girlfriend. Big love and high fives to you from the Red States! Need to consult with you prior to your trip to the convention for post-Kindergarten stress syndrome….consider yourself stalked. CONGRATS!
Mocha 08.20.08 at 5:32 pm
You know I’m proud of you and hope only the best. You rock my world.
xoxo
cynematic 08.20.08 at 5:33 pm
You are blazing a path, Powerful Blogger Lady! One I hope many will follow (me included).
I know you work like a dog to make it all happen. Good for you, and congratulations!
Alison 08.20.08 at 5:58 pm
Big congrats, Erin. This is great news for you - and for all others who will be able to follow this same path ater you.
MamaBird/SurelyYouNest 08.20.08 at 6:04 pm
Great news! So happy for you, trail-blazer…
Mrs. G. 08.20.08 at 6:45 pm
Wishing you much success in this new journey.
Carol Ramsey 08.20.08 at 6:47 pm
Congratulations! To work at home, as it works for you, that is huge!
Can’t wait to hear more about the Special Projects at BlogHer.
GeekMommy 08.20.08 at 6:50 pm
HUGE congrats!!! This must be the thing you were crossing your fingers so hard about!!
No need to cross your fingers - you EARNED it!!
Rock on!!
Mark Schulz 08.20.08 at 6:58 pm
Erin,
Congratulations! I haven’t been following you till recently, but it’s obvious that you have a great deal to offer — especially with two hands!
Good luck!
egan 08.20.08 at 7:04 pm
You deserve this for all your hard work. Congrats to you.
Melanie Notkin 08.20.08 at 7:06 pm
Erin! I am SO FREAKEN proud of you and happy for you!! I adore you, baby! YAY!
XOXO!!
flutter 08.20.08 at 7:33 pm
That is amazing, congrats!
Rick Calvert 08.20.08 at 7:37 pm
Congratulations Erin!
Very well deserved. BlogHer was very wise to add you as a full time member of the team.
mostly sincerely,
Rick
Doyle Albee 08.20.08 at 7:43 pm
Only Micah would say “you suck” to anyone!
Nice job and well deserved!
Anissa@Hope4Peyton 08.20.08 at 7:45 pm
That’s outrageously wonderful and you deserve to just throw down and roll in the glory for all the hard work you put into it! BlogHer’s pretty damn smart.
Tori 08.20.08 at 7:57 pm
Congratulations,what an exciting next step!
Dana 08.20.08 at 8:33 pm
Congratulations, Erin! If anyone is perfect for this job, it is you. You’ve been a major influence in this community and we are so happy for you!
phyllis 08.20.08 at 8:45 pm
congratulations! that is wonderful news.
MommyTime 08.20.08 at 8:54 pm
Hurrah and congratulations! It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving writer, thinker, woman, or blogger (in that order).
Lynn from Organicmania.com 08.20.08 at 8:56 pm
Wow! I had to see what all the congratulatory tweets were about. Good for you! Well done.
Amanda/Rosewoods 08.20.08 at 10:59 pm
Wow Erin! Way to go! Now I really wish that I would have met up with you when you were visiting family in Michigan - I could say “I knew you when…” LOL!
Gena 08.21.08 at 4:33 am
I love these overnight success stories!
I think this is a great example of believing and honoring you true path.
Congratulations and continued blessings.
Andre Blackman 08.21.08 at 4:50 am
Awesome! Congrats Erin, they are getting a GREAT addition to their team
KBO 08.21.08 at 7:09 am
You are so inspirational. Can I pin your picture up in my locker so I can look at it every day when I train?
I kid. But you really are amazing. I hope a few years from now I can say I’m doing the same thing.
Aaron Brazell 08.21.08 at 7:36 am
That’s great, Erin. Will give you tons more flexibility as well.
Lisa 08.21.08 at 10:51 am
Well done, Erin! Congratulations!
Chris Thilk 08.21.08 at 5:45 pm
Congratulations, Erin! This is a great move and I’m sure you’ll be every bit the rock star in this new role.
sTEVe 08.22.08 at 2:15 am
Congrats! I love your blog, yes, my privates are outside of my body, and still I read on…crazy, no, i don’t think so. It’s a good blog, just do happens that you’re female. But, the whole “work form home and make money off of blogs idea” is already saturated with b.s. To make money, you have to have talent, same as it’s been from day one.
Sunshine 08.22.08 at 12:05 pm
I read but don’t comment very often (I kind of get all Moses and the burning bush in your greatness and think you’ll piss yourself at the lameness) and this is certainly occasion enough to say congrats and way to go!
And also, wondering how many keyboards across America have breastmilk on them from moms multitasking. lol
Amanda of Shamelessly Sassy 08.22.08 at 2:04 pm
Congratulations!
katy 08.22.08 at 11:35 pm
Congrats! And thanks for introducing me to the BlogHer world and for encouraging women and bloggers as well as always speaking your mind!
Maria 08.23.08 at 2:58 pm
I’m sooo late, please forgive me, but that is so awesome!! Congratulations!!!
deb 08.23.08 at 3:35 pm
you know i’d say it out loud if i could, but *whispers* CGH.
p.s. *smacks Erin one up-high*
this calls for a drink in Denver.
Aimee Greeblemonkey 08.27.08 at 3:24 pm
Congrats! See you tomorrow night!
J.J. 08.28.08 at 12:49 pm
Congratulations! That is a WONDERFUL achievement! See how far faith and talent can get you!
Zena Weist 09.17.08 at 8:49 pm
I am so happy for you and just beaming with pride for all moms. You are a beacon! So glad you’ll continue to live out loud and unfiltered with BlogHer.
Cheri Sigmon 09.17.08 at 10:22 pm
Erin,
Good for you; faith and perseverance yield dividends. You deserve this.
Way to go, “dudette.”
Looking forward to reading more from you…
Regards,
Cheri S.
Wash, DC
Tara @ Feels like home 09.18.08 at 6:16 am
Good for you! You’re an inspiration to many. Keep up the great work!