Why I’m running for Verity Mom (or How I Met Some of the Coolest Blogging Chicks in Seattle)

This is a blog post by Verity Mom finalist, Timara Freeman-Young

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine called me at 7am from the doctor’s office. “I found your job,” she said. An odd conversation starter, given the fact that I wasn’t in the market for one. She was looking at a Wanted Ad in a parenting magazine, “Wildly talented, funny, creative mom wanted.” And I’m suddenly caught up in the frenzy of applying for a job that I wasn’t looking for - from a bank that I’d never heard of - and having a kick ass time doing it. 

The Verity Mom campaign is a smart one. This local credit union is looking for a mom b/vlogger to be herself , to write, make videos and just generally do her mommy blogger thing. The goal? To raise visibility for the credit union. But she gets to be real, 100% herself. No ploys, no sales tactics. No subliminal brainwashing. Just a mom doing what she does best, making fun of her partner, upselling her children and trying her best to look put-together despite the spit up on her Sevens.

The last time Verity ran this campaign (2009), 34 Seattle area moms applied. This year, 68 (+1), yarn spinnin,’ movie producin,’ look-right-into-the-camera-and-sell-your-Sweet-Ass-Self mamas jumped on the bus! That was narrowed to 12 and tomorrow gets narrowed again, this time to 3.

It’s just a job application process, Timara, why are you getting all freakish about it? Because it is NOT just an application process. For reals. It’s a contest and a motivation party and a 3 credit course and an all nighter and an audition and a whole lot of fun. Unlike other jobs, you’re privy to all of the great traits and tales your competitors have to offer. You meet all sorts of people who you (obviously) have a lot in common with. It’s kindof like The Bachelorette, minus the backstabbing and cocktail parties. 

Yesterday, after a 2 hour “challenge based” interview, I was rooting as hard for my competition as I was for myself (well, almost as hard).  I can absolutely picture each of the other moms as The Verity Mom (and doing a dern good job of it).

So, fellow VMomWannabees, I am raising a toast to you tonight. You are inspiring! Since there’s only going to be one Verity Mom; starting November 1st, that leaves 68 righteous bloggin' mamas on the loose in the Seattle area who are going to kick butt and take names. I am humbled and proud to be in your company.

Timara