We were lucky to catch up with Eryn Vargo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eryn, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

In my experience, one of the biggest mistakes in our industry is prioritizing short-term metrics over authentic community building. While data and ROI are important, truly successful brands understand that meaningful connections require patience, genuine engagement, and a willingness to listen to and evolve with their community.

Additionally, the lack of creativity and understanding of how small businesses can have corporate social responsibility initiatives that don’t break the bank and that are effective at community building baffles me.

Authentic community building and CSR/community impact initiatives are valuable tools for every business. Focusing on adding value, building connection and relationships and truly serving customers/clients is the WIN every business should be striving for.

Eryn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

🎯 My journey to founding Mom Commerce Media started when I noticed a huge gap in the market: businesses struggling to authentically connect with moms, while talented small mom owned owned businesses weren’t getting the opportunities they deserved. As a mom entrepreneur myself, I knew there had to be a better way!

💡 What sets us apart? We’re not just another marketing company. We’re a full-service media company that truly understands the mom market because we live it every day. From print media to digital content creation, in person events to brand partnerships – we help businesses speak mom fluently!

🌟 Our secret sauce? We combine hyper local marketing strategies with real mom insights. We know what makes moms click, share, and buy because we’re moms ourselves. Plus, our network of mom creators brings authentic voices to every thing we do and every event we host.

👑 What makes me most proud? Building a company that empowers other moms to grow their business and income while helping brands create meaningful connections with their target audience. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses boost their mom appeal and supported countless momprenuers in building flourishing businesses.

💪 Whether you’re a brand looking to connect with mom consumers or a mom owned business ready to level up your influence locally, Mom Commerce Media is your partner in success. We’re more than a media company – we’re your mom marketing family! Let’s create something amazing together! 🚀

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The years of the pandemic were a pivotal moment for all businesses. We all had to learn how to pivot. We were successful by staying the course and adapting to the “new” normal we faced with in person events. We maintained social distancing, had sanitizing stations and even had a virtual option for our events. We also did not stop our brand partnerships, content creation and giving local moms resources. We kept on with our social media and our weekly newsletter ensuring that moms got the chance to feel included and a part of something, despite what was happening in the world around them.
The challenges that businesses faced during the pandemic were unprecedented. Our perseverance and creativity got us through a very difficult period. This period of upheaval made us stronger and more innovative. It allowed us to find new ways to succeed and maintain our livelihoods.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

My company, Mom Commerce Media is 3 parts. Part 1: Our print publication, Avalon Park Living Magazine. Part 2: Our women in business membership program, Prosper & Flourish. And Part 3: our hyper local resources, community building and events, Orlando Mom Collective.

I bought Orlando Mom Collective in April 2021. I bought the business because I was actually a part of it from the beginning and knew it’s potential and the value that it brought to the Central Florida community. The acquisition process was smooth, mostly because I bought it without a broker and from the founder, who happened to be a friend of mine. We were able to come to an agreement that made sense for both of us. I worked in the business for 6 months for free, to “pay off” part of the purchase and to truly understand every dynamic to owning the business. It was a very unconventional way to buy a business, but it was so worth it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.orlandomom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandomomcollective/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoMomCollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orlando-mom-collective
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@orlandomom

Image Credits

Kossina Creative Photography
Three Boudoir