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
Wheeeeeeeee! Yippppeeeeeeeeeeee!! Wooooohoooo!!! BlogHer is such a smart organization. Rock it, QofS. \m/
*stands up and applauds*
CONGRATULATIONS!!! This deserves all caps.
You’re living my dream. I’m working on it…
*mwah*
Very cool indeed! Congratulations & I’m looking forward to your missives from Denver!
Rock On, Queen! Sisters, are doin’ it for themselves….
Congratulations! That’s awesome!
I crazy heart you – and BlogHer.
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.
Congratulations Erin. That’s awesome. 🙂
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
Congratulations! A win for all the mamas working on their own terms.
Congratulations! You are an inspiration!
Does this mean I can retire now?
This is fabulous! What we’re all hoping and dreaming about…. 🙂 Congratulations and good luck at your new post!
ROCK ON, Sister! 🙂
Awesome! Congrats!
Congratulations! I can’t think of anyone better for this job. I look forward to it!
Shash
So awesome!
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!
Well, Erin, aren’t you just the new black.
Congrats. Can’t wait to meet you next week.
Congratulations! Thank you for all you’ve done, and all you’re about to do.
Wonderful news Erin. Many congrats. Will I get to meet you at BlogHer DC?
Karen
Congratulations! You and BlogHer are both smart and lucky. And you’re doing a fabulous job!
Congratulations Erin! YEA!!!
Congrats!!!! They are very lucky!
RAWK ON! Congrats, Erin!
xoxo, Alli
Erin, that’s fantastic. It’s my dream to be able to do something like that, too. Big congrats to you. You deserve it!
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!
Congratulations! Looking forward to your work in the new job. Fascinating, historic, important times now and ahead.
:::Congratulations Erin:::
YOU were a startup ;P and you kicked ass, didn’t give up, and believed in yourself.
You are inspiring many!
cheers!
Dude, I am so very happy for you. For Lisa. For Elisa. For Jori. For the whole BlogHer community.
Congrats!
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
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!
You know I’m proud of you and hope only the best. You rock my world.
xoxo
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!
Big congrats, Erin. This is great news for you – and for all others who will be able to follow this same path ater you.
Great news! So happy for you, trail-blazer…
Wishing you much success in this new journey.
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.
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!!
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!
You deserve this for all your hard work. Congrats to you.
Erin! I am SO FREAKEN proud of you and happy for you!! I adore you, baby! YAY!
XOXO!!
That is amazing, congrats!
Congratulations Erin!
Very well deserved. BlogHer was very wise to add you as a full time member of the team.
mostly sincerely,
Rick
Only Micah would say “you suck” to anyone! 🙂
Nice job and well deserved!
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.
Congratulations,what an exciting next step! 🙂
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!