We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jill McMahon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jill thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I self published a trail guide to Southern Maine. My first edition included 35 local trails, which I had printed at a local shop. It was spiral bound and not the most professional. The second version included 100 trails and I hired a graphic designer to illustrate the cover. I then had it book bound and invested in an ISBN number and bar code for the back. I had no idea if this trail guide would be professional enough to sell in local bookstores, but 2 years later, it is doing extremely well! My biggest buyer is REI Coop and I sell to a long list of local bookstores as well. I also just signed a contract for a larger bookstore chain that will be selling my book in all of their Maine and NH stores. I had no idea that this journey would lead me all the way here, but I took the risk and am so glad I did.
Jill, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am the founder of Outdoor Movement Project and the author of “Southern Maine Trails: A Guide to 100 Hikes for Any Season, Any Age, Any Ability.” I write a weekly blog/newsletter about local trails and larger hikes in Maine.
My love of outdoor recreation started in childhood and developed during my college years when I spent time hiking in Colorado, Western Mass, California and experienced a life changing Outward Bound course. Since 2014, I have created programs that allow kids to be active in fun ways outdoors, including: bike clubs, running clubs, summer camps, trail challenges, and an outdoor after school program called “OMP Camp” that I recently ran for two years. Originally called Kids Movement Project, the business has evolved over many years and iterations. The name was officially changed to Outdoor Movement Project in 2021. Programs are now focused on inspiring all ages and abilities to spend more time outdoors, where movement happens naturally. I love helping people discover beautiful trails close to home and teaching people how to enjoy the outdoors every day.
I in Portland, Maine with my husband Tim, our two boys and large dog. In addition to writing about trails, I work at South Portland Middle School in Functional Life Skills and help Tim with his business, Timber Ceramics.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I started this business, it was called Kids Movement Project. It was focused on getting kids to be more active, mostly through indoor dance and yoga classes. I quickly realized that I preferred to be outdoors and that there was a need for more outdoor programming for kids. That is when I started creating outdoor programs like biking, running and skating clubs. Eventually, I started writing about trails for all ages and abilities and decided to change the name of my business to Outdoor Movement Project.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I think the best way to build an audience is to be a real person – not the perfectly manicured person that people sometimes create on social media. I also love sharing about mistakes I make along my own journey: times I’ve been lost on hikes, packing the wrong equipment, etc. I think people feel more connected to others who are flawed and imperfect. I also think staying positive is helpful. No one wants to look at an Instagram feed that’s bumming people out with bad news!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outdoormovementproject.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoormovementproject
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/outdoormovementproject/?invite_code=5abb59efe3a24ab4ae57a27f4c7703d3&sender=879609508379333711
Image Credits
All images are mine, Jill McMahon