Meet Jennifer Willey with Balancing the Chaos

Share your brief bio:
I am a busy multi-tasking mom, employed part-time as a substitute teacher in the school district my children attend, a PTA/Room mom/team and dance mom. When I was in the corporate world before I had children, I worked as an Executive Assistant at a bank, in the corporate office, wearing many hats.

Tell us a little about your family.
I am employed part-time as a substitute teacher in the school district my children attend, a PTA/Room mom and work closely with my husband at his high school.

How do you prioritize time between your family and your blog?
Well, as always, family comes first. Most of our blog features are about family-related topics, so it balances out.

How do you relax?
When I have time, I read a book or watch a movie.

When did you start your blog?
2010

Why did you start blogging?
I was looking for a directory of places to take toddlers in Orange County and came up with a sort of a directory idea.

How did you choose your blog name?
Initially, it was called Toddler Trails and was a great family resource. Eventually, we outgrew our name and re-branded to Balancing The Chaos – that was derived from the fact we’re always crazy busy.

What keeps you motivated and inspired to blog?
My readers. When they experience something we shared, win a giveaway we put on for them and share their experience – it all makes it worth it.

Where do you see your blog and yourself in 5 years?
I’m really not sure. By then my children will be moving on to high school – probably sharing the experiences of transitioning to this stage of life.

Biggest life lesson learned since blogging?
Realize your worth. My husband tells me this religiously.

What is your secret to success?
Stay authentic, share your authentic self. Remember the readers – they want honesty and your point of view – which is why they stick around for more.

What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started blogging?
Pick a great name you can grow with. Re-branding is really hard!

All bloggers encounter writer’s block. How do you get past this?
I take a break, focus more on the family. Sometimes you just need a little time away.

What has been your sweetest success story?
I fall back on my readers. When they share their children’s excitement about an experience I shared – giveaway they have won – that makes it all worth it. This goes for my children as well. When I see how much they’ve enjoyed a special experience or opportunity we’ve had – the sparkle in their eye makes it all worth it.

What has been your most popular posts?

Who are some of your favorite California bloggers that inspire you and that you enjoy reading?

How long have you lived in California?
My whole life.

Where is your favorite relaxation location in California?
Solvang.

Do you belong to any other social media networks to promote your blog?
Not really.

Have you attended any social media conferences? If so, which ones?
Yes, Connect Her, Bloggy Bootcamp.

What was the most helpful thing that you have learned from attending a conference?
Networking is key.

Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:
Realize your worth.

Tell us something that most people would be surprised to learn about you.
I’m really shy

Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
Send out a weekly newsletter. Can sign up on my blog.