One of my favorite things about WAHM week is that I get to “share” some of my favorite WAHMs with you. One of those WAHMs is Gayla McCord.
Because Gayla is an online mentor, of sorts, I was excited when she agreed to be interviewed for this project. I met Gayla through the MomGadget Forum, a forum that she started. Her advice there (along with the advice of others) helped me get WritingThoughts off the ground.
Gayla is the main blog author of at least eight blogs, and has helped with many more (see her own about page for more details). She is also one of the founders of Gack Ink, which was a network of independently owned and maintained blogs.
Before we get started with the interview, here are some of the blogs Gayla has worked on in the past:
- Gayla McCord. Gayla’s personal blog.
- Celeb Amour. Gayla’s celebrity blog with the prestigious and popular b5media.
- Dating Dames. Another b5media blog that Gayla co-authors. This one discusses the modern dating scene.
- Supernanny Rules. A b5media blog based that Gayla edits. The blog is based on the popular “Supernanny” T.V. show.
- Teen Zone News. A blog Gayla created with her kids.
- Step by Step. Gayla’s blended family blog based on her own personal experiences.
- Work at Home Mom. Gayla’s blog on the WAHM life.
- MomGadget. Gayla’s guide to gadgets, gizmos, and working from home.
I’ll let Gayla answer the questions in her own words:
WritingThoughts (WT): When did you first become a WAHM?
Gayla: I first became a work at home mom in 1999. My initial entrance was more in the health and advocacy field. It’s strange how my internet activity has almost taken on a life of it’s own. I feel I’m constantly evolving online and have learned not to resist it, but to go with it.
WT: Tell the readers about your biggest accomplishment as a WAHM?
Gayla: I knew I had arrived when I became part of the b5media network. I was thrilled to be a part of something that included my personal blogging heroes.
Another big accomplishment was being featured in the new Dr. Ruth Westheimer book, Fitness Magazine, and Marie Claire. Knowing that my efforts in my niche arena were being noticed to that degree made all my advocacy work seem worthwhile.
WT: What has been your biggest challenge as a WAHM?
Gayla: To get people around me to realize that just because I’m at home, doesn’t mean I’m readily available to go shopping, to babysit or to talk on the phone for hours on end. That’s still a constant struggle.
WT: To what do you attribute your success as a WAHM?
Gayla: I think being a single mother for so many years and having two little guys to raise was probably the best insurance I had to make it work no matter what.
WT: What caused you to decide to focus on creating a blog for WAHMs (Work at Home Mom)?
Gayla: I have a solid pay-it-forward attitude. And although my work at home mom blog is not my money maker, it is a way that I can continue to give back to the internet, what the internet has given to me.
WT: What impact has blogging made on your career?
Gayla: My network is enormous. If not for blogging, I wouldn’t know half the influential people I do.
WT: Can you recommend any resources for WAHMS who are just starting out, or perhaps trying to make the transition from the workplace?
Gayla: Those who are wanting to work from home should realize that nothing comes easy and if a product, service or opportunity claims ease of income, they’re wrong! It’s hard work, it’s demanding, but in the end, it’s rewarding.
Anyone who is considering working from home should make sure to pin down a niche. They need to plan out how they are going to become a leader in that niche and stop at nothing to get there.
Only the most recognized and trusted names will be left standing when everyone else falls by the wayside.
WT: Tell us about your other ventures. I understand you have several other successful projects in the works.
Gayla: I am self diagnosed OCD, MPD and ADHD – I’ll admit it and I’ve found that I can be passionate about a wide range of topics, depending on what side of the bed I wake up on. Blogging in the various arenas allows me a creative outlet for those moods/personalities and interests.
I started out being an advocate and that advocate will always remain a big part of who I am.
WT: Is there anything else that you want to share with the readers?
Gayla: Never underestimate the power behind your passion. If you enjoy a subject enough to talk about it every single day, you can make money with it.
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
11 responses so far ↓
1 WritingThoughts » Blog Archive » WAHM Week is Here!! // Mar 27, 2007 at
[…] Things to Consider Before You Freelance, Interview with Gayla McCord: Successful Blogger and […]
2 Mihaela Lica // Mar 27, 2007 at
A very good interview, with inspiring insights. Gayla is teaching us some valuable lessons about blogging, especially through her statement: “If not for blogging, I wouldn’t know half the influential people I do.”
I can hardly wait to see who you interview next. Such bloggers bring value in our lives and certainly a lot of value on this blog. 🙂
3 Mihaela Lica // Mar 27, 2007 at
oh… I don’t want someone to belive that by saying “Such bloggers bring value in our lives and certainly a lot of value on this blog.” I mean your blog had no value before! J! English is tricky. Your blog is great anyway!
4 Laura // Mar 27, 2007 at
Mihaela, you did fine. I didn’t think you meant that my blog had no value. Thanks for being so kind, though.
5 Rach // Mar 28, 2007 at
It’s a good interview. I’m impressed with WAHM like Gayla who have successfully invested time and effort to set up productive work at home. A nice inspiration.
6 Mihaela Lica // Mar 28, 2007 at
🙂 Kindess has nothing to do with it. You are a very talented writer. And what you do with this blog is wonderful. Many bloggers are afraid to share their experience and they keep their secrets “guarded”. You are so open… and you give so much.
7 Laura // Mar 28, 2007 at
Rach: Thanks! I do agree that Gayla’s experience is impressive.
Mihaela: Thanks!!
8 Gayla McCord // Mar 28, 2007 at
Laura ~ Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your WAHM Week. I think this is a great idea and I’m sure all you’re putting together will help so many 🙂
9 Laura // Mar 28, 2007 at
Gayla: I feel fortunate that you and Wendy were able to participate.
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