We recently connected with Brenda Hillegas and have shared our conversation below.

Brenda, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m very happy with my flexible, work-from-home schedule. I’ve had a regular job before, for many years. I had a great group of coworkers at my last “regular” job, and while none of us are at that particular job anymore we still all talk almost every day in a group chat and get together a few times a year. So I’m grateful for them and the experience. It helped me realize that a 9-5 just wasn’t for me, at least not now anyway. Now, I have the ability to work at my own pace. I have deadlines with the magazine I work for, but no need to do them at any given time of the day. As long as I get them done! This schedule allows me to run off to NYC for a show or two (an impulse I act on a couple times a month), take my five year old on day trips or adventures, and even be able to be there for him when he gets home from school.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

When I was working my regular 9-5, I started to freelance for a couple online blogs and magazines. I eventually became editor of a local music magazine, it was an unpaid position but it wasn’t full time, so I was able to get my foot in the door while still earning an income at a daily job. I eventually did get a job with a (now defunct) magazine and it wasn’t the best environment, so I put myself out there and contacted so many local blogs, magazines, newsletters, etc. hoping someone would hire me. That’s how I ended up at the magazine I work for now, because I reached out and took a change. Through them, I got access to so many events, openings, theatre and even some trips. I eventually expanded and started to post my own content, places I was invited to and places I discovered myself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My friends. So many friends who are also creators, who I see almost every night at events. Working from home gets lonely, so it’s so nice to get out and make new friends who are in similar fields. I also love being able to expose my five-year-old to places he may not have a chance to visit otherwise.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I don’t have a niche really. I’m not food specific, or theatre specific, or lifestyle, etc. I just post everything. I know that makes it hard to find followers, but really I’m just having fun and I want everyone to see all of the places and events they can check out in the Philly area. There’s something for everyone. But, I think, one of the aspects I’d really like to focus more on and make my “mission” is to feature not just kid-friendly things to do in the city, but just being a mom in general. I can spend a day doing something fun with my kid and I’ll show you how/where too. But, I can also leave him at home with my husband or sitter and go out for some me time. I get negative responses a lot because of that- “why aren’t you home with your kid?” “Who is putting your kid to bed while you’re out?” but I laugh about it. I want people to know it’s okay to go out, do something for yourself, and have family time another night.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brendaonbroad.com
• Instagram: shamrockenroll
• Other: I also run @PhillyFoodMoms on instagram with three Roxborough/Manayunk friends (well, two moved to other neighborhoods now) and we all met via a kids music class at the Philadelphia Folksong Society. Follow us for food tips in and around Philly!