Episode 167
Starting Over After Scary Mommy with OG Parenting Influencer, Jill Smokler
February 14, 2024
We sat down with Jill Smokler, the creator of the original parenting website, Scary Mommy. We discuss how she started her popular website and community in 2008 to her latest venture, She’s Got Issues. Jill shares her experiences in the creator space, from the early days of blogging, building a community and monetizing. Jill also takes us through the experience of being the first ‘mom influencer’ to have her blog acquired.
Our conversation dives into the transition from Scary Mommy to She’s Got Issues, and how Jill is now targeting a new life stage while continuing to connect with her audience in a different way.
Episode Highlights
- Scary Mommy: Jill shares the story of how the name “Scary Mommy” originated and how the blog grew into a platform for mothers to share their experiences and feel a sense of community.
- Building a Community: The evolution of Scary Mommy from a blog to a platform with millions of followers and a vibrant community is explored, including the use of user-generated content and message boards to foster connections among readers.
- Selling Scary Mommy: Jill discusses the decision to sell Scary Mommy and the experiences she had post-acquisition.
- She’s Got Issues: Jill’s latest venture is introduced as a platform targeting women in a different life stage, addressing the challenges of midlife and uniting women of all ages.
- Personal Growth and The Future: Jill reflects on her personal growth as a creator, the lessons she has learned and her vision for moving forward!
Links & Resources
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