Stilettology: Meet Melinda Roberts

Here's what we like about her . . .
She's been on Oprah. She has a book that's all the buzz, "Mommy Confidential: Adventures from the Wonderbelly of Motherhood." She's been raved about on CNBC, and oh yeah, she's been on Oprah, recently -- like earlier this month! That alone makes Melinda an amazing woman to know! But there's more. She's a mommy blogging genius. Okay, as you can see we are fans! Melinda has been known for her candid accounts of motherhood. As CNBC describes, her book is a "brutally funny and endearingly honest chronicle of family life."

What's even better is that Melinda has found great success from being a Lulu.com self-published author. How awesome is that?! Her hard work, her trials, and dedication to being who she is -- in all her blunder -- is paying off BIG! Additionally, Melinda is a panelist on Momversation, a video show and website that brings together outspoken moms who want to talk about what matters to them. Each episode features four mom-bloggers introducing a topic and sharing their thoughts.

Melinda is a recent divorcee with three children. She is standing strong, and we are cheering alongside her every step of the way. Learn more about her.

Melinda's Favorites . . .
Favorite Site: http://www.mcsweeneys.org/
Favorite Indulgence: Wine & Cheese
Favorite CD or Song: The Be Good Tanyas (Blue Horse), tied with AC/DC (Back in Black). OK, fine, three-way with Amy Winehouse (Back to Black)
Favorite Getaway: The movies
Favorite Snack or Candy: Movie popcorn

What's your business or online venture, and when did you launch?
TheMommyBlog.net, est. 2002

How did you decide this venture was right for you?
I didn't choose it—it chose me!

What's your motivation professionally?
Catharsis, creation, cash.

What keeps you inspired personally?
My children, and other families. I kid you not. There is not a child I could not fall in love with given the right opportunity.

What makes you, your business or venture innovative?
I think it is unusual, though not unique, to be exactly who you are online, offline, or in line at the bank. Someone once told me that I have a knack for being myself no matter what the situation, and people are always telling me, "Oh, you're exactly the same as on . . ." I consider it a high compliment.

How do you define success?
Being content with what you've wrought: feeling that the world is on balance better off then it would be without you, being comfortable in your skin and at peace with ambiguity.

What have you learned from your journey that can be shared with others?
If you are honest, maintain integrity, and are kind to others, you will be fine. No favor is wasted energy.

As a client, customer, or business professional, what can I expect from you, your business or venture?
An honest assessment of what I can and can't do for you –- if I know I can offer more for less, I'll say so. I'll also offer my best possible recommendations for another source of help if I don't think I can do a great job. Also, I will always treat your children as I do my own. Always.

What's the most valuable resource you can’t live without?
Technology. I am most effective, efficient, and well informed online. It allows me to support my family without having to be away from them. I am giving them something I never had: a parent home when they leave for school and a parent home when they get out. A warm bed they can always invade, an a guarantee that no hug will be refused.

Tell us how you have arrived to where you are today.
I have absolutely no idea, but am fairly sure it was through a lot of mistakes, miscalculations, poor decisions, and serendipity. I wouldn't change a thing for it would surely mean that my family and I wouldn't be the same. Whatever swill I waded through to get here helped shaped me, and I am fully aware that everything is a result of my own choices (and acts of God).

If you could be anyone else or have another career, who or what would it be?
I would be an advice columnist, a roving web mistress who could just tweak small, necessary things for you and move on, a comedy writer, or run a bed and breakfast.

Tell us what attracts you online as a business owner or consumer.
Not having to leave the house!

What advice would you give other mothers, entrepreneurs, or career women?
Whatever success is meant to be will come your way -- you just have to be open to it and willing to jump in recklessly when it does. You cannot fake talent in an area where you have none, so find where your talents are and work them like a pixie pony. (Sorry, that's what my kids and I always say when we can't think of a magical enough word.)

What are your personal goals – are you reaching them, why/why not?
I think I am reaching all but one: supporting my family independently and without constant worry. We are healthy, well adjusted, loved and loving, but I cannot find a living wage to save my life. For twelve years I was a very successful executive making six figures, and it's a great comedown to be scrambling for grocery money. The Universe has been pushing me to focus on my writing and accepting that that is where my talents lay, but I just want to be able to survive. I don't want to be rich, I don't want to be poor, I just want to know that I've got the next couple of mortgages covered.

Where can we find out more about you online?
Ha! Type in Mindy Roberts or The Mommy Blog and I'll be all over the first dozen pages! Most of my childhood friends are connected to me on Facebook, so between Facebook, my blog, and searches, if you can't write a complete biography, you're just not trying.

Given what you know now, would you make the same choices about your business, venture or career path, why/why not?
Absolutely yes, no question. Who knows how badly I could have screwed up my life? Who knows what I narrowly missed? It could be better, sure, but it's good enough that I am content with it not being worse.

Visit Melinda Online:
The Mommy Blog
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