Erin Kim, content creator, HR executive, and mental health advocate, talks about what inspired her to start @themommingworker, her favorite places in New England, and her favorite spot to catch a sunset. She also shares words of wisdom for aspiring content creators.

Lauren — Travel and Write Today: Who or what inspired you to become a content creator (I love your authentic, relatable content).

Erin Kim: Oh, you’re so kind! I would say that “authenticity and relatability” are two of my “core values” that I try to embody and demonstrate through this platform. So, I really appreciate you sharing that that’s how you feel when you read my posts/watch my content.

I was inspired to create TheMommingWorker in 2017, right after I had my son Teddy. As a newly minted mom of then two, I turned during those late nights to social media for advice, tips, and, candidly, moments of “I’ve been there too!” from other moms. As I started looking within this virtual network, I quickly found that I didn’t “see myself” anywhere on the major platforms (especially Instagram). There were SO many mom accounts – but gosh their lives looked nothing like mine. Their bodies had “bounced back” seemingly immediately after having babies. Every post was picture perfect, and their children were constant smiles in matching outfits. Where were the stretch marks? Where were the moms talking about their inner monologues of self-defeat or doubt? The crying over breast milk spills? Or people TALKING about how freakin’ hard breast feeding can be? It was then that I decided to start a social media account where I talked openly, and candidly, about my life as a working parent. In the hopes that one day I would help at least one other parent feel “seen”. Almost seven years later, here we are!

TWT: Erin, because of your content, we’ve all felt “seen”. Thank you for starting, and for taking us along on your journey.

TWT: I know you grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. What are some of your favorite spots in the area? 

EK: Yes!  I grew up in Needham before I went to Boston College … and then moved back here in 2017 with my family. It’s a wonderful town to raise a family – and I will also say that SO much has changed since my childhood, so I don’t feel as if I’m trying to “recreate my childhood” for my kids. One of our favorite spots is The James Pub – the PERFECT family friendly neighborhood gem for a cozy hearty meal during winter or a cold beer during the summer months on their gorgeous patio.  

TWT: I love the James Pub! It reminds me of the pub in the movie The Holiday. “Cozy” is the perfect word to describe it too.

TWT: What are some of your favorite spots in New England? What are some cities/towns you’d still like to visit? 

EK: We absolutely LOVE Cape Cod! I spent my childhood summer there since I was five – specifically in Dennis, MA in the “Mid-Cape”.  Fun fact: one of my first jobs was in the kitchen of Scargo Café where I learned how to properly wash dishes, make coleslaw, and devein shrimp! 

Fall in New England is my favorite time of year. I would love to take the kids to Salem, MA one day for the Halloween season. I also have visions of taking a romantic leaf-peeping trip to Vermont with Chris (Maybe this will happen when we’re 82?). And there are two hotels on my New England bucket list – which includes the Cliff House Maine and the Ocean House in Rhode Island! As you know, we love to travel and don’t think we do enough of a good job being “tourists in our own New England backyard”.

TWT: There are so many beautiful spots to explore in New England – those two hotels have been on my list too! You should start planning your leaf-peeping trip for next year!

TWT: What is your favorite book?

EK: Since I place such value on authenticity, I’m going to be VERY authentic with this response. Other than for work, I can’t remember the last time I read a book for pleasure. I’m a part of a book club with a wonderful group of neighbors turned friends – and I pretty much show up for the wine and conversation (Although I DID just buy a Kindle!) A few thoughts though since you asked.  For work?  I have recently enjoyed The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, and Good to Great by Jim Collins. For a chuckle, I LOVED Mindy Kailing’s Why Not Me? and Amy Poehler’s Yes Please. And my all-time favorite children’s book is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.

TWT: I read so much Shel Silverstein as a child. My parents would read his poems to me at bedtime!

TWT: What is your go-to coffee order, and from where?

EK: My all-time FAVORITE go-to during the fall is a Starbucks Venti Iced Non-Fat, No Whipped, Pumpkin Spice Latte. Any other time of the year, I’d say a Starbucks Shaken Espresso. I know what some of you might be thinking … you’re from Boston! No Dunkins?! And I’d say for iced coffee? Any day! Just prefer my espresso from Starbucks. 

TWT: Where is your favorite place to watch the sunrise/sunset?

EK: Aruba! We have fallen in love with that island and can’t recommend it highly enough for people of all ages.

TWT: It’s on my list!

TWT: Can you share one of your favorite moments since starting @themommingworker? 

EK: Oh gosh – what a great question. Honestly, I haven’t had “one” – it’s been a series of similar moments that have made a patchwork quilt, or collage, of the main reason why I continue to create content for TheMommingWorker. And most of it happens behind the scenes in my DMs: all of the private, often emotional messages from people reaching out saying how my content resonated with them – whether it be my sharing my struggles with anxiety and depression, my weight loss journey, or just my candid, constant uphill struggle of being a working mom. The messages of “thank you” and support that make me look up from my phone, quietly nod my head, and think, “Yes.  This is why I’m here! This is what this account is about!” Those are honestly my most beautiful, favorite moments.

TWT: I love this response.

TWT: What is one of your favorite things about social media? What is one thing you’d like to change?

EK: The people! For social media being a “virtual” platform, I have personally witnessed it SO many times – bringing people together in a powerful and meaningful way. I have had the privilege of meeting many people in person who I never would have had the chance to meet had I not met them on this platform. One thing I’d like to change is the “game” of it all – meaning the “algorithm” of how and when people see specific content, etc. However, if I can have a secret second answer – I’d also love to stop some of the “keyboard warriors” and trolls. Cowards who hide behind their username to be unkind, or make generalizations/ assumptions about content creators. I am able to brush it off 82% of the time, and I know it comes with the territory.  But I wish there was stronger accountability on social media platforms for these individuals who clearly need a hobby to fill their time. Maybe they should buy a kindle too! 😉

TWT: I agree with you – I wish there was a way for trolls/internet bullies to get immediately banned from social media.

TWT: What advice would you give to aspiring content creators?

EK: It’s HARD to do, but I would say embrace the quote: “Be yourself.  Everyone else is already taken.” It’s quite easy to fall into the comparison trap on here. Or focused on crazy things like algorithms, going viral, likes, engagement, etc. At the end of the day, create fun and meaningful content for YOU first. Set your core values for your account, and stick with them.  Your audience will appreciate the authenticity and your beautiful uniqueness!   

TWT: I completely agree – just be you, and the right people will find you.

Follow Erin (@themommingworker) via the links below:

Instagram: @themommingworker

Facebook: @themommingworker

LTK: @themommingworker

Family Photo: Catie McDade Photography