Welcome to the first Mom Bliss Interview for 2013! My guest today is an awesome WAHM blogger, Frantic Mommy! (I just love her blog’s name, don’t you?!) Becky is a writer/blogger with 6 years experience and knowledge of both Blogger and WordPress. She also has a 30 years background in sales, and is a full-time Virtual Assistant. When she is not being a social media geek, she is a mom, wife, and business woman who is totally rocking the WAHM life.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your life as a mother.

I am a 40-something ::ahem:: mother to two adorable Little People. Our son Jake is 10, and Sara the Stinker is 7. They are the light of our lives. My hubby Paul and I have been married 24 years. Do the math and you can figure out parenthood didn’t come easily for us. It was a long, sad 7 years of trying before we were blessed with Jake, and Sara came 3 years later. As for me, I am a self-described Hardcore Mommy Blogger, WAHM, & Virtual Assistant. Being a mom is The.Best.Thing.Ever & Team Family is #1.

I love social media, naps, and anything with cheese on it. Did I mention I am a veteran blogger (6 years) who writes for 5 blogs as well as 3 of my own? Apparently, I plan to sleep when I am dead. My main blog is www.franticmommy.com and it’s where I share the trials of and tribulations of parenthood with a healthy dose of humor.

Please tell us the story behind your blog and business.

I worked in the office products industry for 30 years. YES THIRTY. I started when I was 16 (there’s that math thing again) and only worked for two different companies during those 30 years. I think it was when I was about 43 I just had a moment of “is this what I want to do for the rest of my life??” The answer was a resounding NO. I had always loved writing, blogging and social media, but just didn’t know how to make an income doing those things. One day as I lamented this to a friend, she piped up and said “oh, you want to be a Virtual Assistant.” Long-story-short, the light bulb went on and because I had that word…that title of Virtual Assistant, I very quickly discovered where to go for support, training, skills, clients, etc. It was the piece of the puzzle I needed.

In case you were wondering, a virtual assistant or VA is a self-employed, home-based entrepreneur who assists other businesses from the comfort of their home. Many business owners have particular tasks that they will turn over to their virtual assistants, freeing themselves up for more important facets of their business.

In June 2011 I started building my VA business. I still worked full-time and juggle client work in the early mornings, lunch breaks, and in the evening. By November of that year it was painful obviously I couldn’t do both anymore. I was burnt-to-a-crackly-crunch with the office products industry, so I took a leap of faith and left my job of 15 years. No fear, no regrets, no hard feelings.

Most of my clients are Internet-based and in other states, I even have a client in Canada. I write for and manage their blogs and social media, project management, copywriting, write training modules, and even create newsletters. I love the variety and I learn more and more every day.

What kind of moms or women would benefit from your blog and business?

I always say Franticmommy has two purposes. #1 to make other moms and parents LAUGH. If someone can come to my blog, reads one of my corny (but true) stories and think “oh thank GAWD it’s not just ME”…mission accomplished. The second purpose is to teach, help, inform, and inspire other moms and women realize their dreams of working from home.

I have been so blessed by many people and clients these last two years who have gladly helped and taught me things that I want to give back. Pay it forward. I write a lot about working from home and what it’s like being a Virtual Assistant and offer as much detail and guidance as possible.

We love to know how other moms manage their busy days! Tell us: What is a typical day is like for you as a mother, blogger and business owner?

WELL, I am an early bird. I am most productive early in the morning so I am up and at my desk writing and creating by 5:00 a.m. I stop around 7:00 to get the kids ready for school, and dive back into work once they are on the bus. My goal is always to be wrapping up work for the day by the time they get home from school. Evenings are family time and weekends are as well. Are there times I sit and putter on things during those times? YUP, but only if all needs are met and everyone is playing or occupied. Managing work and family is something all work at home parents struggle with.

In a few words (or even a sentence), define what you believe is “mom bliss.”

I believe mom bliss is a recipe of several things. I think as moms we need to feel creative and nurtured. I think we need to honor our ambitions and still pursue them instead of stuffing our hopes and dreams into a draw until “the kids get bigger.” I think Mom Bliss is having a strong support system at home, and a hand-full of reliable girlfriends who “get” you. And wine. Must have wine

What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur, based on your own experiences?

Honestly, I would say if there is something you want to do, make a plan and WORK.IT. Even if it’s a little bit each day, work on your dreams and goals so you are moving forward. Even if you are moving in millimeters..at least you’re MOVING. If at all possible, get a mentor too. Someone who’s been-there-done-that who’s not afraid to kick you in the pants when you need it, and cheer you on when you deserve it!

Connect with Rebecca!

Blog: Frantic Mommy

Twitter: RebeccFlansburg

Facebook: Frantic Mommy Fan Page