Becoming a Blogger with Eryn Gilson: 614Mom

"My grandpa once told me that if I wasn’t a little nervous I didn’t deserve it.  It is the one piece of advice that keeps me pushing through the nerves to accomplish all of my goals." - Eryn Gilson

Eryn Gilson, 614 Mom and also a Columbus Native (much like Chelsea Mohrman who was featured in June's edition of The Company We Keep) has been featured on WBNS-10TV, WYSX, Fox 28, Cbus Chic, and many other local outlets! She's known for message on and off her blog which aims to share tips, tricks, and life while parenting in Columbus, creating an awesome experience for the whole family! She's successfully grown a tribe through her diligence and passion for experiencing our city and keeping it family friendly. Her goal is making sure those experiences are accessible to others growing their families throughout the Columbus Metro area and empowering those experiencing similar seasons of life!

Eryn is an active member at Haven Collective (who are another set of inspiring entrepreneurs!) where she works, consults, and hosts events helping others build and grow their blogs and businesses - she does have an upcoming session for Fall called "The Business of Blogging" - so stay tuned! 

I reached out to Eryn because I think it's amazing she's been able to grow her own blog, following, and business all by helping others and finding her passion - through many seasons of life! Read the full interview below to learn more about 614Mom! 

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An interview with Eryn Gilson, 614 Mom:

Tell me about your brand and why you do what you do. Have you had major influences along the way? (Key supporters, mentors, etc)

When I started 614 Mom I was focused on one thing - building a strong community of moms in Columbus. I found that a lot of resources out there were focused exclusively on either the adults or kids and I wanted to bring those worlds together. I care so deeply that women are given the freedom to be their true selves at every point in their lives and 614 Mom is all about that balance.  From best places to have a kid’s birthday party or exploring the Short North with kids to where you can find bottomless mimosas in Columbus - we’ve got it all.  I am reminded of my why every single time someone sends me a message or comments on a post telling me that I’ve helped them in someway or when I meet someone in the real world and they tell me a story about the way they’ve tried something new because of something I wrote.  It’s truly the best. 

I’ve had many business mentors that I am so thankful for. The people I want to call out and thank are the thousands of parents who choose to follow me. I couldn’t do what I love without them and their support. 

How do you feel when you are blogging? (What does it feel like when you’re working on a passion) 

I love writing.  I will start with an idea and before I know it my fingers are flying on the keyboard and that’s when I get really excited! If you see me working on something I’m passionate about I’m typically listening to really loud music while dancing and smiling all the while working on that particular project. 

What has been your experience balancing being a parent, wife, and building a successful blogging brand? 

It’s been an incredible challenge that I am thankful for every single day.  I’m very lucky to have a husband who support every single dream I have and kids who are proud to be ‘614 Kids’ :-) We recently launched a 614 Mom apparel line and my kids insist on wearing everything I’ve ever made and it just makes my mama heart so happy. 


Did you plan to build a blog/brand or did it happen organically? 

When I launched 614 Mom I knew it was going to be my business. I had no idea how I was going to make money from it or when, but I knew it was going to be a profitable business. Over the last 4 years and  through a lot of trial and error I’ve made it happen and I’m really proud of that. I actually now teach a class called the Business of Blogging where I help other bloggers turn their blogs into profitable businesses.  


At what point did you realize people loved what you were doing and could relate? 

In May of 2016 I hosted the very first ‘614 Mom Mother’s Day Celebration - ‘Celebrating You’ and at one point I looked around and every single person in the room at that moment was someone I didn’t know personally.  It was in that moment that I realized everyone was there for community and I was there to provide it.  I’ve been on cloud 9 ever since. 


Is it hard for you to stay creative? If so, what tips have worked for you?

For me being creative comes easily - I have at least 15 projects in mind but not enough time in the day. I’m a creative at heart so that part is easy.  Taxes - not so easy ;) I have some of the best people in my life who help me with the harder parts of my business so I can focus on the creative stuff.  That would also be my biggest tip - hire out for the stuff you don’t like so that you can excel at what lights your fire.  


Describe your experience building your brand. How has your style, processes, or communication changed as you’ve built an audience? 

I am very careful about what I say online. I try to remember that not everyone has been following me for years and not everyone knows me personally.  
I also focus on building community first and building a pretty Instagram second.  When you are seeing something on 614 Mom you get the real me.  Authenticity is key. 


What’s been your most exciting moment building your brand? (Features, favorite articles, creating something from the ground up for you and your fam to celebrate and learn from, anything that has really hit home for you!) 

This is such a tough one! We’ve been on so many wonderful experiences thanks to the blog.  Watching my kids be proud of the business I’ve created from nothing has been by far the biggest reward for me. I know that from watching me work so hard on something I’m passionate about they will feel secure to go after their dreams.  


What one piece of actionable advice you would share with someone following their passion?

My biggest piece of advice is to just do your thing and have fun doing it.  I was recently talking to a friend who has great ideas but she’s scared of actually putting herself out there in fear of failing.  I strongly believe that nothing worth having comes easy.  I love to write down the worst possible outcomes and the best possible outcomes. Seeing it in black and white somehow calms me. Once I come to terms with what could go wrong I work to make sure everything goes right.   
My grandpa once told me that if I wasn’t a little nervous I didn’t deserve it.  It is the one piece of advice that keeps me pushing through the nerves to accomplish all of my goals.  


Any additional comments, insight, or things that you would love to share?
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I highly recommend researching everything about your passion before jumping in.  There are so many great resources for different fields and the chance to learn from those who inspire you.  
Invest in yourself so you can do it right.  
Don’t forget to have fun. Going after your passion is a privilege and you should enjoy every single second.   
Support your friends going after their passions!

In Summary: 
Much like Eryn mentioned that her Grandfather told her that "if she wasn't a little nervous, she didn't deserve it", Parker's Grammy told us that if you "follow your passion, God will lead you in your purpose for life". I think both of these are pieces of wisdom worth sharing, and I think Eryn has worked to weave into her life in a positive way. 

I cannot thank her enough for taking the time to answer these questions and also the opportunity to take photos of her in her flow, with 2 of her 3 wonderful kids! 

My goal is to find people, like Eryn, who are of inspiration to all of us pursuing our dreams and finding our passions. Our paths to what we each consider successful are all beautiful, difficult, and necessary! If you, or someone you know have a story, advice, experience you'd like to share for those working toward building their own passion projects - please contact me - I'd love to work on sharing your story too! ​

Contact Megan from Hyde & Co