Leah Segedie: One Part Mamavation, Three Parts Inspiration
There is no doubt that Leah Segedie is a “powerhouse” in the mom blogging world. So I am sure it comes as no shock that this incredibly personable lady is a powerhouse in life too -- not to mention one of the nicest people you could ever want to meet.
When I asked Leah to participate in this interview, she responded instantly
despite the fact that she is one of the busiest mom bloggers around. I guess the only facet whereby Leah remains unexceptional is the one marked by the old saying, “If you want something done quickly...give it to a busy person.”
In my opinion, “getting busy” learning more about Leah Segedie and Mamavation is time well spent.
Enjoy!
What is your full name?
Leah Christine Segedie
Where do you live?
California
How many children do you have?
I have three young "redheaded" boys
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Intense
What is your personal mantra?
"Women who behave seldom make history."
Expand upon you and your life.
I received a Master’s degree in "Communication Management" from the University of Southern California. I’ve lived most of my life in Los Angeles, however, I spent almost a year living in in England and China as well.
Before my life as a professional blogger and owner of a digital marketing firm, I worked in politics, fundraising, and public relations, which includes a stint for the California State Assembly as a Field Representative. I also participated in several political campaigns in the Los Angeles area. I’ve worked for both sides of the aisle, which to me means “nobody owns me.” I take that very seriously. I am my own person, and you can’t put me in a box.
My father was a Locomotive Engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad and my mother was a Registered Nurse. It was my father's death from exposure to asbestos during his career that changed the direction of my life. After his death, health became the most important thing to me—how to prevent disease and how to role model it for my children.
Overweight at that time, I lost over 100 lbs. through sheer determination and the integration of old-fashion common sense and diet...plus tons of kickboxing. My social media career has always been about disease prevention, although it’s morphed over the years. Today, I’m less about weight-loss and more about lifestyle. I care less about how big your butt is and more about what daily lifestyle choices you are making.
Share with us what you wanted to be when you grew up.
I’ve wanted to be several things when I was younger including, but not limited to, the following: a coroner because I liked to dissect things in biology class, a nonprofit attorney, an athlete, the first female President, an opera singer, a CEO, an actress, an angel investor, and a philanthropist. I couldn’t make up my mind, and I still can’t.
Who is your favorite person of interest?
I admire everyone for different things and don’t idolize any one person. So this question always stumps me. Historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Margaret Sanger and Queen Elizabeth have always fascinated me. The more eccentric and intense they are, the more likely I’ll be interested in them.
How long have you been blogging for?
I’ve been working in social media for about 8 years now.
Share the names of your blogs and launch dates of each.
Mamavation.com launched in 2009
Bookieboo.com originally launched in 2007
ShiftCon Social Media Conference launched 2014
What is the primary focus of your blogs?
Disease prevention for families, which includes health, fitness, wellness, food & sustainability topics relevant to moms.
What do you hope to accomplish through your blogs and what makes them unique.
My blogs are about creating healthier changes in families and shifting the marketplace so that healthier food and safer products are more common.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
Yes, I represent Thrive Market and Earth Footwear. I’ve also consulted for over 100 brands in the "natural & organic" products market.
Beyond your blogs, do you engage in other social media outlets such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.?
Twitter: I’m on twitter with over 130,000 followers as @Bookieboo. My @Mamavation twitter handle is also active as well as @ShiftConMedia.
Facebook: The Mamavation Fanpage has over 95,000 likes and can be found at Facebook.com/Mamavation
ShiftCon Social Media Conference can be found at Facebook.com/ShiftCon
Pinterest: I’m on Pinterest as @Bookieboo, Pinterest.com/Bookieboo
Instagram: I’m on Instagram as @Bookieboo, Instagram.com/bookieboo
What is the one piece of advice you would give to moms who may be interested in beginning a blog?
My advice is to write about topics people come to you for advice on in real life. What you are sought out for is what you should write about. You’ll be better at it.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
Labeling GMOs, cancer prevention, changing school lunches, encouraging a ban on the marketing of "fast food" to children, and educating people on weight-bias are just a few of the social causes I am involved in.
Explain to us why this social cause became your cause of choice.
Labeling GMOs is very important to me. The decision to support GM technology and biotech companies like Monsanto should be laid at the feet of the individual. Taking our rights away for something that has NO benefit to the consumer is un-American, especially when glyphosate - the active ingredient in Roundup - is a probable carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization.
GMOs create an environment where MORE herbicides are used...not less. Because moms are feeding small children that are uniquely vulnerable to toxins, the choice to eat "GMO" or not should be theirs. As a mom of three small children, myself, I’d love to no longer have to worry about what ingredients are in my children's food one day. I fight for this "right" for me and every mom.
Explain to us how you help and how others can get involved in helping too.
I help the food movement by mobilizing digital moms online with posts, twitter and facebook parties, the ShiftCon Social Media Conference, and by sharing of important information online. Right now, I’m supporting Just Label It and their petition asking Quaker Oats to support national mandatory labeling of GMOs. You can sign this petition HERE. If one large food company came out in favor of this, things would start moving.
When "all" is said and done, what is the one thing you hope your loved ones and those who knew you remember about you?
When I’m gone, I’m hoping my loved ones can testify to my bravery, intense love, and dedication to them and all the causes I support.
I have no doubt that Leah Segedie will accomplish this goal just as she does eveything else she puts her mind to. If any "one" woman most closely resembles a suffragette to me, it would be this very ambitious, intelligent, determined, and spirited lady. I admire her greatly for a plethora of reasons -- all of which encapsulate themselves in one rather enormous, passionate, and "health-conscious" heart!
www.mamavation.com