Work at Home: Be a Macaroni Kid Publisher
Here at MomAngeles we are always looking for flexible work solutions for Moms. Finding the right opportunity to work in and around your busy Mom schedule can be tough. We continually update our Work at Home and Find a Job directory pages so that you always have resources at your fingertips for whatever kind of work you are trying to find.
We recently interviewed one of our favorite Work at Home Moms, Courtney Lewis, publisher of Santa Monica Macaroni Kid. Macaroni Kid works kind-of like a franchise. If the edition is available Moms can sign-up to be publishers in their area of town.
MomAngeles: How did you get started as a MacKid publisher?
Courtney Lewis: As a mother, I was a reader of Santa Monica Macaroni Kid. The Mom who started the edition was moving and they were looking for someone else to take over…so I went for it.
MomAngeles: How does Macaroni Kid make it easier for you to build your business as a blogger? What are the benefits of publishing under the Macaroni Kid moniker vs. launching your own brand?
Courtney Lewis: I really don’t do much other blogging but I love that I have Mac Kid in my corner vs doing it by myself. They do ALL the behind-the-scenes tech stuff – I don’t even know what HTML or Widgets are! They also help connect us with National products and companies for us to do reviews, and throw parties for. We have this amazing support network of over 400 moms (and a few dads) to discuss ideas with and get support from. I have these great Macaroni Mom friends from all over the country that inspire me all the time.
MomAngeles: Does Macaroni Kid help you with site traffic? Advertising?
Courtney Lewis: Macaroni Kid National has been featured in Oprah and Redbook Magazine- which always helps with getting new readers. National, as well as the other publishers, are always there to give us ideas on ways to get more site traffic.
MomAngeles: Is LA pretty well covered or are there any editions that are looking for publishers?
Courtney Lewis: We have openings for the Beverly Hills and Downtown The Valley Area. I think a South Bay edition would be great too. Tell your readers to contact me if you are interested – I would love to talk to you about becoming a publisher! The opportunities and events that I have been able to participate in because of Macaroni Kid are unreal! I love being able to stay at home (not that we are ever home) with the kids while still having my own business.
MomAngeles: What kind of things do you feature on Macaroni Kid?
Courtney Lewis: I focus on providing a valuable and comprehensive listing of all the great events for kids and their families to enjoy in our community – but we also feature giveaways, crafts, recipes, reviews and reports on the hottest trends for moms and kids here in LA.
MomAngeles: What area of town do you cover?
Courtney Lewis: I cover the Westside- From Malibu to Venice, but if it’s a great event outside my area, I’m going to include it.
MomAngeles: What inside tip would you give tom Moms looking for fun things to do with toddlers? Preschoolers? Elementary school age kids?
Courtney Lewis: Check out the free classes- It is a great way to see if you like the teacher and program, and go with your gut- just because your friend loves a certain spot doesn’t mean it’s right for you and your kids. For me, I am all about sweet, happy teachers! I also LOVE programs with flexible schedules. My kids are known for falling asleep on the way to soccer, or switching their nap schedule one week after we sign-up for a class.
MomAngeles: Are there any new businesses in SM or on the westside we should know about?
Courtney Lewis: Pamper and Play in Westwood is a new Indoor Playground. It is super cute and my boys love it. I love it too because you can have them “officially” watch your kids while you go upstairs and relax or work on your laptop. For me it is a wonderful option if I need 2 hours of work time but don’t want to have a babysitter come over. They have special rates for more than one child and monthly packages you can buy too. They also offer drop-off for kids over 2.
Love Courtney and MK Santa Monica!