Featured Blogger: Sommer Poquette of Green and Clean Mom
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Summed up by the Green and Clean Mom‘s own tagline, this blog is the prime spot to learn”how being ‘green’ can be sassy, sexy and fun!” As a environmentally conscious mother of two, blogger Sommer Poquette shares her passion and tips with other moms seeking ways to be more Eco-savvy in their lives. In addition to her blog, Sommer stays in touch with her readers via Facebook, and she frequently updates more than 9,000 followers on Twitter.
Sommer Poquette of Green and Clean Mom
Q: When and why did you start blogging?
A: I started blogging in 2007 when my daughter was four months old. I had no idea what I was doing but I had a vision and went for it! I’ve learned a ton on my own through webinars, books, reading other blogs and attending conferences! It has been fabulous!
Q: How do you think your blog stands out amongst blogs of the same genre?
A: When I first started blogging, there weren’t too many “green” blogs out there! Now there are hundreds upon hundreds – if not thousands. Green and Clean Mom isn’t about judgement or being just “one shade of green,” but it is meant to be real and inspire, motivate and encourage readers wherever they are in their journey to be more eco-friendly. I think that sets Green and Clean Mom apart from many blogs.
Q: What does your family think of your blogging?
A: They really like what I do, but I had to write a children’s book to explain it! Ha! Ha! At first they did not understand it but after all of these years, they’ve seen my passion and how I’ve turned it into a business – they are supportive.
Q: Which blogger most inspires you to keep blogging?
A: Oh my! I’m not sure I can answer this question and limit my zillion page list to just one blogger! I attend many blogging conferences and read dozens of blogs and find so much inspiration from amazing women within the community. I think it is the community that inspires me the most, not just one blogger.
Q: How much time daily do you spend blogging?
A: This varies based on projects. I used to spend hours each day, but now I have a virtual assistant that helps. I’ve never officially logged the hours to give an accurate estimate but each morning before my 9-5 job, I work on my site and each evening. I like to reserve weekends just for the family, but that never seems to happen!
Q: How many times have you redesigned your blog since it started?
A: Good question! A good blog design is like a new purse or pair of shoes – addicting! I’ve had to hold myself back, because I’m always seeing something I like. I am currently on my third blog design, but I’m eyeing something else!
Q: How much do you correspond one-on-one with readers?
A: Whenever I get a comment, I do my best to reply, and I’m always on Twitter and Facebook talking to readers. Blogging and social networking is a conversation, and if the comment is conversational, I’m talking! Not all comments are, though!
Q: What joys did you not expect when you started blogging? What pains?
A: I never expected to meet close and personal friends that I talk with daily and that I see in person at conferences! I never expected to work with big brands and make a difference in the market place. Very cool!
As for the pains? Ouch, my wrist hurts!
Q: What’s something your readers don’t know about you?
A: What don’t my readers know? I tell them just about everything, but they might not know my favorite ice cream is Mint Chocholate Chip, I love the board game RISK and when I was little my favorite bathing suite was hot pink and black!
Q: What’s your personal favorite blog post?
A: I have written so many over the years, and some of the first were just awful! I like the posts that inspire others, make a difference (even if that difference is about what product or company to buy from) and that come from my heart. My favorite post (since you are making me pick just one) would have to be about motherhood and the fears I have and how mothers can have different views, opinions or thoughts on issues, but really we are all mom’s on the same side – wanting to raise happy, healthy children. Sometimes being a “green mom” can lead to assumptions that I’d wig out if my child eats a hot dog or drinks a soda, but the truth of the matter is I’m not like that – there is a bigger picture! So here is my favorite post: http://greenandcleanmom.org/a-common-denominator-the-word-mom/
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