The Mayor Within Mommy Blogger Rhonda Gales
If anybody out there still doesn’t understand what the mommy blogging movement is all about, let me explain it to you. It’s a community movement that uses the technology of today to overcome the business and constraints imposed by 'everyday' in mothers’ lives. We support; we encourage; we chit-chat and laugh. And all of that online relating serves to remind us that we aren’t alone, but one of five million other mom bloggers in the United States feeling and doing exactly what we are.
Rhonda Gales and her blog Mother 2 Mother are prime examples of how one mom’s (or in this case, grandmom’s) experience can help so many other moms meet the challenges of their daily work and lives. Whether it be, nurturing well-balanced kids or next year’s garden in advance, Rhonda’s got you covered. She can also give you plenty of advice on planting the seeds needed to ensure a healthy retirement fund as this single mom sowed the seeds, planted the garden, cared for the crops, harvested, and took those crops to market all by herself for her entire adult life. She is now retired and blogs full-time.
From one mother to another, Rhonda Gales holds my respect as closely as her blog holds my attention. You will find that her interview, below, will do the same for you as well.
What is your full name?
Rhonda Gales
Where do you live?
Martinsburg, WV
How many children do you have?
One
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Ambitious
What is your personal mantra?
Quitting is not an option.
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
I believe my purpose is to share my story, and to help empower other women who believe they've lost their way in life or those struggling as a mothers.
Briefly, tell us about you and your life.
I was a teen mother. I, later, married and divorced within three years. It was at that time that I adopted the quote “Quitting Is Not an Option.” I devoured and lived by those words. I attended college to better myself, climbed the ladder in my job, and successfully raised and college-educated my daughter. Along my journey, I learned how to empower and pick myself up when I stumbled. I purchased a home, operated within a budget, grew a savings, retired, and now I’m a proud grandmother of two. I love to travel, quotes, true crimes, wine festivals, the beach, and to spoil my grandchildren.
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is _____.”
Going to the end of the earth when needed and loving ‘unconditionally’.
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
My blog is Mother 2 Mother. I launched it about eight years ago.
Share with us the significance of the name of your blog to you. How did you come up with it?
The name just came to me one day. After deep contemplation, I went with it. I think that it speaks to my mission, which is to share information with other mothers.
What is the primary focus of your blog and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
Mother 2 Mother is a lifestyle blog with an emphasis on parenting. My mission is to establish a camaraderie with other mothers and share tools, resources and advice that will help them parent to the best of their ability, raise their confidence, share recipes, set budgets, make our houses ‘homes’, and travel without breaking the bank.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
I am a 'Brand Influencer'. I have worked with JC Penny, Disney, Oral B, Little Tikes, and Coca Cola to name a few.
Beyond your blog, do you blog for any group blogs or websites beyond your own?
I guest blog, occasionally, for bloggers in my niche.
What social media outlets work best for you (such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)?
My preferences are Twitter and Pinterest.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to moms who may be interested in beginning a blog?
Find your voice and focus on producing good content. When you love what you’re doing, everything will come from the heart and it will be revealed in your posts. Once this is accomplished, your numbers will start to rise.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a mom)? Please share.
I recently retired as a Supervisory IT Specialist, and now blog full-time.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
I support any cause for the underprivileged.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
For being a kind and giving person.
And speaking of “giving” Rhonda is, currently, giving other mom bloggers the opportunity to be featured in Mother 2 Mother through a weekly segment called Sunday’s Best Linkup. The theme is “Boo, Scary Nights” in honor of Halloween. You must visit her blog to learn how to enter and check back regularly to see if you’ve won. As I said, Rhonda is a savvy lady who can teach all mom bloggers (and moms) a thing or two. Given our community had officials, I’d elect her Mayor! And I doubt I’d be the only one after you get a look at her blog.