Ask The Expert: Codi Lynn (Creative Wife & Joyful Worker)

(Photo credit: Julie Christine Photography)

Codi Lynn is the blogger behind Creative Wife & Joyful Worker. Inspired by motherhood and the joy and laughter it has brought her family, she enjoys sharing content that is uplifting and relatable. Codi Lynn took the time to answer a few questions from how she balances motherhood and being a blogger, to what she looks for when collaborating with brands!

What inspired you to start your blog?

I started my blog for a number of different reasons, but mainly for the desire to be creative and connect with others. After having my daughter and being on mat leave, I found myself spending a lot of time on social media during the hours she was napping (usually on me). Around this same time, I was wanting to go back to school. I had a background in Business Administration and wanted to change gears and study Graphic Design. I felt that creating a public space to be creative would be a great way to connect with other local businesses and build a community. Turns out I was right! 

How do you balance being a mom and blogging?

Balance is something that I am continually learning. When I feel like I am rocking it in the business world I find myself worrying about how I am performing as a wife and mom, and vice versa. It took a few years to be able to feel like I started to have a handle on balancing both mom life and work life, but it’s definitely not always level — as much as I would want to say it is. There are a few things that I try to implement to help to feel balanced though; having set times for work, being very selective on campaigns and collaborations that are perfect for my brand and saying ‘no’ more when I feel overwhelmed with my current to-do list.

What are your tips for moms who want to start their own blog?

I actually wrote a blog post with a whole list of tips for new mom bloggers, though I think the most important one is to make sure that you don’t let it consume you. I’ve heard about a lot of mom bloggers lately feeling so run down and defeated by their blogs and social media. Starting and maintaining a blog, especially when running it as a business, is A LOT of work, some people don’t realize this. Setting boundaries in the beginning for work hours and making sure you also have downtime will help you from feeling overworked and spending too much time away from your family. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and remember to always have fun.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I don’t know if I could say that I have a typical workday. Most days are all over the place with the kids’ schedules of school and activities that I try to work my schedule around it as much as possible. Nap times are my “guaranteed” work hours where I have time for emails, posting content live, writing blog posts.. you name it! Mondays are my full work days where my mom helps me with the kids and I try to book photo shoots, meetings and as much other administrative tasks into this day as possible.

What is your biggest tip for PR professionals and brands who send pitches?

My favorite campaign pitches are personalized. I love when a PR professional or brand reaches out to me and shares how/why they think that the product or service that they are introducing me to would be a great fit for our lifestyle. Everything that I share on my blog is personal and connected to our day to day life, knowing that the person behind the email has taken the time to read what has been shared makes a huge difference in the way that the pitch is received. 

Do you have a favourite Disney movie?

101 Dalmations hands down. It was my favorite movie when I was little and is still right up there!